This shop sells an exquisitely curated selection of tabletop, one-of-a-kind, and limited-edition pieces, as well as whimsical gifts. Drop by when you need something that is truly one-of-a-kind.—by Samantha Berman

With modern and contemporary art for show and sale in a cool space on South Galena, this gallery attracts a certain buzz by hosting unorthodox and controversial artists. Look for Meet the Artist events at the start of many of the exhibits.—by Samantha Berman

One of Telluride's two bookstores, this "Main Street" store specializes in guidebooks on Colorado and the West. There's an espresso bar in back.

Open Mondays through Fridays 8 am to 9 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9 am to 9 pm.

This ski- and après-wear shop sells both European and Colorado-inspired clothing and accessories for men, women, and kids. Its selection, especially for boots, is unrivaled. There are eight stores peppered throughout the Colorado Rockies: This location, in the Little Nell, focuses on apparel, while the shop at the base of Aspen Mountain is a good source for equipment, including rentals.—by Samantha Berman

An institution for almost three decades, this European-style boutique sells technical and casual skiwear, hats and gloves, jewelry, and even home furnishings—plus a full line of skis and boots. Gorsuch also has a store in nearby Beaver Creek (138 Beaver Creek Place, Tel: 970 949 7115).

Must have the perfect pair of Lucchese boots or the Stetson hat that fits your head just so? Kemo Sabe is the place to look. From belts and belt buckles to leather chaps and lassos, your inner cowboy will be sated.

Yes, you are in the middle of Colorado. But why not dress like you are usually on the slopes in the Dolomites? Luca Bruno stocks highly styled, Italian-designed garb for men, women, and children at two locations in Vail (this location opened in the Solaris resort in December 2011).—Samantha Berman

Lustre is one of Telluride's newest galleries, exhibiting and selling artwork and decor for the home or private collection. Stop by to browse the unique upholstered furniture collection from Austin Ranch, handcrafted in Texas, plus pieces in mixed media, including glass, sculpture, jewelry, and lighting.—Samantha Berman

Telluride is the type of place where dogs are de facto decision makers who govern the daily schedule of their "masters." Hence, Mountain Tails's $415 dog bed. An extensive canine snack collection includes Fido Fish Jerky and its optimal chaser, Good Dog Breath Mints.

Open Mondays through Saturdays 11 am to 5:30 pm, Sundays noon to 5 pm.

Altruists like Telluride's longest-running sports store for its ongoing sponsorship of local bike racers and grassroots ski competitions. Others come just for employee Herb Manning (who works at the store's Oak Street Branch), a frequently photographed ski model who's renowned as the town's best technician for mounting bindings. Paragon also carries gear ranging from cold-weather North Face apparel and K2 skis to Smith goggles.

Open daily 8 am to 8 pm.

Très fabulous Parisian furniture, lamps, and accessories for the home are waiting to be added to your interior design collection—for a pretty penny. But hey, this is Aspen.—by Samantha Berman

Hand-blown glass is the specialty at this satellite gallery of the Denver Pismo. Here, you'll find everything from perfume bottles, whimsical sculptures, and intricate wall art to pieces by renowned glass artists like Dale Chihuly. A third location can be found in Vail (122 E. Meadow Drive, Tel: 970 476 2400).

Don't be fooled by the name. This unique shop, which opened in 1969, doesn't peddle sundries. Instead, its selection of men's and women's leathers, clothing, and accessories is hard to beat.—by Samantha Berman

Artisan jewelry by local and international artists is the specialty here—Burmese ruby necklaces, precious-stone rings, Victorian slide bracelets, Brazilian gold earrings—and the designs of in-house beadwork artists Katey Jenkins and Jill Koelhoffer.

The Toggery is a clunky name for the most venerable clothing store in town. Thirty-something years after its founding, it remains the place to buy Ugg boots, Levi's, or the swimsuit for the hot-tub fest tonight.

Open Mondays through Saturdays 9 am to 9 pm, Sundays 9 am to 8 pm.

Bowers, a former U.S. ski team member, opened his second Vail location in the Solaris resort. The high-end shop, with a staff known for personalized service, features thoughtfully chosen ski gear by Volki and Fisher, plus apparel and aprés-ski options from brands like Kjus and Prada.—Samantha Berman

This artsy shop off Telluride's main drag occupies a sunny gallery-style space hung with local art and teeming with character. The inventory is made for looking polished by the lodge fire, including sweaters from Christopher Fischer Cashmere to be paired with jeans from Paige Premium Denim.—Samantha Berman

This homegrown local biz is adamant about selling the right gear to the right person. Stop in for everything you need for Aspen's outdoor lifestyle—men's and women's clothing, shoes, camping gear, backcountry must-haves, hiking, climbing, biking, and more.—by Samantha Berman

West Coast meets mountain chic in this small women's boutique in Avon, the town at the foot of Beaver Creek Mountain Resort. The Avon store is the original location; the boutique has since opened shops in Breckenridge and Aspen. Drop in for Miss Me and Rock Revival jeans, cozy sweaters, and accessories that you won't see on anyone else.—Samantha Berman