Winter Wonderland In Telluride

One might think that all the stars are skiing in Aspen or Vail during the winter months, but the truth is that Telluride is the low-key—yet still dazzling—version of a celebrity-hob-knobbing winter wonderland, and it’s about to get even cozier. The iconic Colorado ski destination has just added three direct flights from LAX during the winter season on United, American and Allegiant.

- Carole Dixon

Every year, the picturesque town of Telluride hosts one of the most important film festivals in North America—The Telluride Film Festival—and the dramatic surrounding San Juan mountain backdrop spotlighting the tiny former mining town founded in 1878 actually looks like it’s part of a movie set. Many A-Listers, from Tom Cruise to Ralph Lauren, have homes in the area, and other fans include Oprah Winfrey and Oliver Stone to name a few. If you are not counting on an invite to one of the palatial celebrity vacation abodes this winter, the famed Madeline Hotels & Residences has just undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation.

The hotel features a grand new porte cochére as well as the outdoor Sky Terrace, featuring a pool area, hot tubs, fire pits and breathtaking views of the towering mountain peaks. Other additions include a Dylan’s Candy Bar, the M Club and M Studio, and updates to the Black Iron Kitchen and Bar. The hotel has also opened a new Club Room with an indoor-outdoor bar, pool table and shuffleboard, and a new salon.