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As luck would have it, you've found a soul mate that shares your love for skiing or snowboarding. What better way to celebrate this love than a romantic vacation in Telluride, Colorado? The Town of Telluride is situated in a remote location on the San Juan Skyway. This area is embellished by one of North America's most magnificent concentrations of 14,000-foot peaks. Adding to the spectacular scenery is Telluride's 425-foot waterfall, which makes it one of the most romantic ski destinations in Colorado.

The San Sophia Ridge divides the area into two distinct sections: Mountain Village and the Town of Telluride. A free, 13-minute gondola ride connects the Town of Telluride with Mountain Village. It has been described as "one of the most beautiful commutes in the world."

Mountain Village is located right by the slopes. It is home to ski in/ski out lodging, as well as a number of upscale shops and restaurants. In contrast, Telluride itself is a 125-year old mining town, which is considered to be a Historic Landmark District. This area offers lodging options that may be a bit more romantic than those offered at Mountain Village. It is interesting to note that independent hotel and Bed and Breakfast owners own all of the lodging venues in the Town of Telluride. As such, the ambience is more authentic than is typical of most ski areas. For example, the rooms at the San Sophia Inn feature brass beds and "tubs for two." In its award-winning dining room, you can feast on superb cuisine, while feasting your eyes on breathtaking views of the waterfalls and Telluride peaks.

Once you've chosen your lodging facilities, you will have a choice of an endless variety of activities. Nordic skiers can enjoy the TopAten Snowshoe and Nordic Area, which offers a 10-kilometer labyrinth of groomed, rolling trails. These scenic trails meander through high alpine forests and mystical open meadows. Their location at the top of Lift 10 offers Nordic skiers and snowshoers an opportunity to enjoy exquisite views of Prospect Bowl, Palmyra Peak and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. When you get cold, you can snuggle up in the warming teepee, which is open to the public.

If you and your significant other become fascinated by the geology of the Telluride region, you might consider taking one of the educational snowshoe tours. They are conducted by a local naturalist, and are available at 10:00 a.m. daily from the Mountain Village Activity Center. You will be treated to an exhilarating 2 to 3 hour snowshoe hike while learning about Telluride's unique ecosystem and environment. For a more romantic experience, consider booking a private tour.

The athletic couple might enjoy earning their bragging rights by challenging themselves on the telluride NASTAR course. Here, you can be nationally ranked against others of your same gender and in your age bracket. Who knows? You might come home with either a bronze, silver or gold medals. NASTAR is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For a romantic end to a wonderful day, you will want to enjoy one of Telluride's unique sleigh ride dinners. These take place on Fridays and Saturdays. A snowcat-drawn sleigh at the base of Lift 4 meets diners and transports them to Gorrono Ranch, where they and feast on a western-style buffet by the fireplace. The cost is $80 per person.

If you would like to take a day off from the slopes, why not take a one-hour drive to scenic Ouray, which is home to the Wiesbaden Hot Springs. A soak in these relaxing mineral waters is the perfect addition to your romantic Telluride vacation.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Marie Mercer.
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