DAY 1: TIME TO ACCLIMATIZE

Orient yourself to the area — take a free gondola ride. It takes just a few heavenly minutes to be shuttled up and over the Telluride ski resort in the glass gondola cabins, with views of the 13-14,000-foot peaks and a bird's eye perspective of the town itself. The main gondola plaza is at the bottom of Oak Street. Walk back up Oak Street to the clock tower at the center of town, and turn your head to the right to see the most photographed view in Telluride: the main drag and the mountain backdrop. It's socially acceptable to stand in the middle of the street and snap a picture here, and the speed limit is 15 mph.

Then, head to the Bubble Lounge just off Colorado Avenue and suck down some O2; it’s Telluride’s only oxygen bar and will help you acclimatize to the 9-12,000 feet of elevation here. They also have all kinds of effervescent libations. Hungry yet? Now you’re ready to sample some of the best appetizers in town at 221 South Oak, like gourmet foie gras and peach and chevre stuffed squash blossoms. One look at their full menu, and it's likely you'll stay for dinner, too.

DAY 2: HIT THE MOUNTAIN

Hit the java at the Coffee Cowboy on Colorado Avenue and then hit the mountain — if you don’t have the right equipment, or if the airline lost your boards, Paragon Sports and Telluride Sports are located at the base of the gondola and Lift 8. Lessons or trail maps are great ways to get acquainted with the terrain, and stay away from Lift 9 and Lift 14 for your first runs; this is not ski-bunny territory, and there is no easy way down.

Check out the Gorrono Ranch for a mid-mountain, mid-day meal and great views of the Wilson Range made famous in Coors commercials and on beer cans. Après ski back at Chair 8, a restaurant next to the chairlift of the same name, known for its tall, thirst-quenching cans of PBR beer and eclectic snacks. The best way to replenish your protein level after a day on the mountain is with sushi, at Honga’s Lotus Petal on Colorado Avenue. Honga’s is the locals’ favorite place to dine and has a wide selection of healthy pan-Asian cuisine. Tip: try the Tom Yam Goong soup and you are guaranteed not to get the flu this season.

DAY 3: HITCH A SLEIGH RIDE