Telluride: Looking for a place to couch surf and/or a place to spend the season.

I'm a 26 year old from Tennessee that is taking a sabbatical from teaching programming to middle school and high schoolers, and am planning on spending (at least) the winter in Colorado.

I'm desperately trying to find a place to couch surf when I first land in Telluride. I'm part of the December 12th influx of mountain employees and thus far I have continually struck out on housing. Does anyone have any connections that they would shoot my way? I have enough cash to get me through the winter before I even get out there so rent for the season or compensation for a temporary crash pad wouldn't be a problem (within reason). Also, would be potentially willing to trade work (programming and/or other) in exchange for room and board.

Thank you so much for the help! Can't wait to be there!