Known as one of the top ski destinations in the United States, Telluride is located on the Western Slope of Colorado's Rocky Mountains and serves as a haven for lovers of outdoor activities, shopping and culture. This alpine community is awash in all manner of recreational activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to a number of events that have earned Telluride the moniker of Festival Capital of Colorado. The Telluride Jazz Festival, the Telluride Wine Festival and the Telluride Film Festival, to name a few, ensure a steady stream of summertime entertainment for visitors and locals alike. The hamlet of Mountain Village sits on the mountain above Telluride and is linked to the valley by the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola. There is no charge for riding the gondola, making the shops, restaurants and lodging of Mountain Village easily accessible to Telluride visitors.