Location: Alta Lakes, Telluride Area, Southwest, Colorado, USA (Alta Lakes Observatory is Adjacent to the Telluride Ski Area) View Map
Accommodations: Cabin, 3 Bedrooms + Loft, 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 12-16)
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! IT IS ADJACENT TO THE TELLURIDE SKI AREA, AND IS ACCESSIBLE ONLY BY SNOWMOBILE, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIIS, SNOWSHOE & THE TELLURIDE SKI AREA BACK-COUNTRY ACCESS GATE. SNOWMOBILE SHUTTLES OF GEAR & FOOD ARE $120 PER TRIP. A $250 CLEANING FEE PER STAY WILL ALSO BE ADDED. A great family getaway, in the summer it's the perfect venue for small weddings, retreats, or corporate groups (75 people max).
New for the summer of 2010 will be workshops, seminars, and special events geared towards empowering the soul. Call or email us for more details.
The Observatory is a favorite venue for the locals, and Telluride's organizations, clubs, schools; summer and winter. Come visit, you won't want to leave!
Salli Russell's Telluride Kitchen Creative Catering is the oldest catering company in Telluride; started in 1989. We're proud to provide exquisite local and/or organic foods on our menu.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed (4)
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Bunk Bed: double beds
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Hot Tub
- Sauna
- 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
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: Not suitable for kids 7 & under unless pre-approved...
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock Climbing
- 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 with the cozy, warm fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate! For the backcountry skier, it's a winter paradise!
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
WINTER 2009-2010 SKI SEASON:
$600/night 6 people & $30 ea add'l up to 16 2 NITE MINIMUM
$800/nite HOLIDAYS 6 people, $30 ea add'l 2 NITE MINIMUM
credit cards not accepted.
$250 cleaning fee per stay
Snowmobile Shuttle of cargo/food $120 per trip
$600 for day use, snowmobile, sledding parties!
10% discount for stays of 3 nites or more
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Rustic High Mountain Back Country Lodge Above Telluride
Year Purchased: 1974
Why the Owner Chose Alta Lakes
There's truly but a few places in Colorado that can offer the beauty, remoteness that Alta offers.
Lakes, meadows of wildflowers, forests, mushrooming , eagles soaring, wild life exploring, it's where someone summed it up by saying "Oh! THIS is where God goes on vacation!"
The Unique Benefits at 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. Family friendly as well! Perfect for the snowmobile, sledding, skiing party! Enjoy the great winter wonderland, then relax inside with a cozy fireplace and a cup of hot chocolate!
Owner's Map of Alta Lakes
Jim and I met in Telluride in 1973, and in the summer of 1974, we started to build our cabin along with the help of about 25 other young locals. It took 3 summers to complete; every room reflects the beautiful craftmanship of stone, wood, and iron. Nordstrums, REI have used it as the cover for their Holiday catalogs, commercials & photo shoots have been made here because of it's incredible architecture & location. It was given it's name "The Observatory" by the many locals who have stayed with us over the years...At 11,300' it's so close to the moon and stars!
My catering company, Telluride Kitchen, is the most established catering company in Telluride, established in 1989. This year we're focusing on sustainable agriculture and providing menus created by foods grown by our local farmers....
Once you visit Alta, you'll return, time and time again...
Property Photos
- Wiinter Wonderland... - Telluride Cabin - Nearby Ski Area - Fireplace, Hot Tub
- After A Hard Day Skiing... - Telluride Cabin - Nearby Ski Area - Fireplace, Hot Tub
- Kitchen/Dining Area - Telluride Cabin - Nearby Ski Area - Fireplace, Hot Tub
- Alta guests skiing the Birthday Chute...
- Master Bedroom
- View from the loft; cozy warm inside...powder outside...
- Snowmobiling into Alta
- View of the Alta Lodge from Telluride Ski Area
- Fireplace
- Living Room
- Alta in the Summer!
- Alta Observatory in Summer
Guest Comments (0)
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #235621
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - November 10, 2009
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