TELLURIDE, Colorado

TELLURIDE, Colorado

Telluride is often compared to Aspen. The difference, according to the locals, is 'the attitude'. Aspen is a place to see and be seen while Telluride is a place where celebrities can put on their ski boots and blend in. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have a home there, as does Oprah. Mixed in with the slebs, you'll find artists, ski bums, musicians and execs all too cool to pay attention to the slebs - and that's why they like it. September is film festival time which means the celebrity count inevitably increases. This exclusive ski resort is also home to numerous musical festivals: blues, bluegrass, brews, jazz, film and arts - you name it.

Who to see: Tom Cruise, Oprah, Jerry Seinfeld and Dan Quayle.

Apres-ski: Hang out in or around the Historic Bar at the New Sheridan Hotel. For a bite to eat, try the caribou carpaccio or pan-seared elk short loin at Allred's.

Where to stay: In a penthouse suite of the Lumiere Telluride from $1,150 p/n. Prearrange ski equipment fittings in your penthouse and, at the end of the day, simply drop you boots off at the ski valet, grab your slippers and head to the bar for a signature cocktail. A chef will come to your suite and prepare dinner while you watch the sunset from your private hot tub.