Over 100 years ago, Telluride was a thriving gold & silver mining town. Today it is one of the best-known destination resorts in the west. The town's Victorian architecture earned placement as a National Historic Landmark District. Telluride's signature gondola connects the entire resort, from the small downtown area to the mountain village and the slopes. During 2007-2008, nearly 400 acres of new terrain was opened, including Black Iron Bowl, Palmyra Peak, Gold Hill Chutes 6-10, and the newest addition of Revelation Bowl. Telluride now has one of the largest vertical drops in the country at 4,425' (3,845' lift served) and also has one of the highest accessible peaks in the country at 12,500'. Telluride also offers year-round world-class entertainment, including the Telluride Film Festival which celebrated its 35th year in 2008, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival which regularly sells out months in advance.