“Johnnie Stevens is an uncommon asset in this ski resort,” says Beth Roberts, assistant director of the Telluride Historical Museum, which is sponsoring the weekly tours. “He’s one of those unique individuals who has transitioned with the town from mining to skiing. He truly was a miner’s son.” He was also the Telluride Ski Area’s second employee, working his way up to chief operating officer before finally stepping down in 2004. And every Monday this ski season, he’s been sharing that history on Ski Into History guided tours of the resort 350 miles west of Denver.

Tour topics have included life before chairlifts and groomed runs, the significance of mining in the Gold Hill area, the history of Mountain Village, and the vegetation lining various runs — but Stevens also offers up unscripted, on-the-fly information.

The tours are free (with a lift ticket) from 10 a.m. to noon every Monday, and recommended for intermediate or better skiers. You must RSVP by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 970-728-3344, extension 2; tours rendezvous at the ski valet on level B of the Peaks Resort & Spa. For more information, go to www.telluridemuseum.org.
Mondays. Starts: Jan. 3. Continues through March 28, 2011