Location: Alta Lakes, Telluride Area, Southwest, Colorado, USA (Alta Lakes Observatory is Adjacent to the Telluride Ski Area)
Accommodations: Cabin, 2 Bedrooms + Loft, 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 10-12)
Alta Lakes Observatory was hand built in the early 70's by some of the earliest "settlers" of Telluride's Ski Resort town, Jim and Salli Russell. Constructed of local timber and stone, stained glass windows, a huge fireplace, hot tub, sauna, decks, and an ambience that settles the soul.
It's remote, off the beaten path and not for everyone! ALTA IS VERY REMOTE!
SUMMER TIME: Alta Lakes Observatory is located 13 miles from Telluride, 5 miles off the highway, on a dirt road, accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicle through breathtaking scenery! Wild flowers abound! Great fishing, hiking, mountain biking - they are right out our front door..
WINTER TIME: Alta Lakes Observatory is ajacent to the Telluride ski area and is accessible by snowmobile, snowshoe or skiing from the back country access gate from the Telluride ski area. Snowmobile shuttles of gear and food are available. In the summer it's the perfect venue for small weddings, retreats, or corporate groups (45 people max).
Alta Lakes Observatory is a favorite venue for the locals, Telluride's organizations, clubs and schools - in the summer and winter. Come visit, you won't want to leave!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Double Bed (2) : Sleeps 4 (two double bed bunk)
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub
- Sauna
- Cable/Satellite TV
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Lakefront
- Mountain View
- Ski-In
- Communications
- Telephone
- Cell Phone : Cell phone repeater in the unit
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Not suitable for kids 7 & under unless pre-approved...
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Alta Lakes Observatory is the perfect winter playground! Great for friends and family gatherings of snowmobiling, sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, then relax indoors in front of the cozy, warm fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate! For the backcountry skier, it's a winter paradise!
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
RATES:
1-6 guests $700, 7-10 guests $800.
10% discount for 3+ nights
$200 cleaning fee per visit
Special Events - up to 45 people - contact us for pricing.
We offer snowmobile transport of all gear for $100 per round trip!
Chef's Tables, Catering and Pantry Stocking available upon request!
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1974
In the summer of 1974, the Russells started to build the cabin along with the help of about 25 other young locals. It was given its name "The Observatory" by the many locals who have stayed there over the years...At 11,300 feet it's so close to the moon and stars!
In 2010, Matt Bowling, another long time local, and his two brothers, decided to purchase The Observatory and continue making it available for others to use and enjoy.
Why the Owner Chose Alta Lakes
There are truly but a few places in Colorado that can offer the beauty and remoteness that The Observatory offers.
Lakes, meadows of wildflowers, forests, mushrooming , eagles soaring, wild life exploring...someone summed it up by saying "Oh! THIS is where God goes on vacation!"
The Unique Benefits of this Cabin
Adjacent to the Telluride Ski Area, the Observatory is the perfect "off-piste" back country lodge in the winter. Enjoyed by some of the top extreme skiers from around the world, it is family friendly as well! The Observatory is perfect for the snowmobile, sledding or skiing party! Come to The Observatory and enjoy the great winter wonderland, then relax inside in front of a cozy fireplace!
Property Photos
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- The Observatory in the winter - this is a classic photo! - Telluride Cabin - Nearby Ski Area - Fireplace, Hot Tub
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- The Observatory in summer - this keeps it all in perspective. - Telluride Cabin - Nearby Ski Area - Fireplace, Hot Tub
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- The Observatory in the summer from across the lake...it is peaceful! - Telluride Cabin - Nearby Ski Area - Fireplace, Hot Tub
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- How gorgeous is the road up to The Observatory in the Fall?
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- The truck (used to haul materials for construction) sits at the entrance.
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- This British phone box is an eclectic addition to The Observatory.
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- The newly updated kitchen - fully stocked for easy meal prep.
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- The dining area comfortably seats 10.
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- The sunken fireplace - one of the coolest fireplaces ever built!
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- The leather sectional in front of the sunken fireplace.
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- The queen in the master - the most wonderful place to spend the night.
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- The queen in the second bedroom. There are also 2 twins in the room.
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- The two full beds in the sleeping loft.
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- The updated bath on the second floor - complete with two shower heads.
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- The world famous (yes, literally) agate-inlaid hot tub that adjoins the sauna.
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- The unique stained glass windows - one of the many details you will discover.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #235621
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Tuesday, February 07, 2012
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