There have been some comments that the that the ski trips this year focused too much on only skiing, while we have members that like to go on the ski trips who no longer of don’t ski. Telluride is one of the most scenic places in the world and this is an excellent opportunity to see it. We encourage everyone to do their own research, but here are a few ideas that may spark some interest.
Visit the Telluride Historical Museum: Here is a chance to learn a little history of the area. Head on over to the Telluride Historical Museum. Located in the old hospital building, this museum recounts the history of Telluride from the days of gold mining all the way up to the opening of Telluride Ski Resort. You will be able to learn about the area’s relationship with the Ute Native American tribe and Otto Mears, known as “The Pathfinder of the San Juan’s.”
Go on a Historical Walking Tour: If you want more history after visiting the museum, you can book a historic walking tour that brings you around the town of Telluride. The guides, along with placards outside multiple Victorian style homes, will help fill you in on the history of Telluride and how this town went from a mining community to the world-renowned ski resort it’s known for today.
Telluride Art District: This area in Telluride is one of the first certified creative districts in the state of Colorado. It has helped Telluride build a name for itself as a hotspot for creative expression that artists flock to. You can check out an assortment of different art galleries and exhibits all a short walk away from each other.
Telluride Nugget Theater: This old-timing local theater was built within a 19-century bank building and plays an assortment of modern movies. If you’re looking to catch a break and rest those legs a little bit before a big day of skiing then walking over to this theater for a flick is a great late-night idea.
Try Snowshoeing or Nordic Skiing in Telluride: Explore the sweeping snow-covered landscapes of Telluride by snowshoeing, a winter activity for all ages. Choose among various guided trails organized by local companies and enjoy the surrounding nature lands.
Below are some of the popular trails for
snowshoeing in Telluride (and nearby):
Bear Creek Trail is a moderate option for snowshoeing and offers waterfall vistas along the hike. Another moderate trail featuring a picturesque lake is the gorgeous
Hope Lake Trail.
The Valley Floor is also an incredible spot for snowshoeing with an available parking lot, views of the frozen river, and Ajax.
For the extreme adventurer, try
Lizard Head Pass, stretching through pine woods and hills. While snowshoeing, try not to walk on the groomed tracks intended for skate and Nordic skiers!
There are plenty of places to enjoy Nordic skiing in Telluride but these six places are popular for their diverse terrain, groomed trails, and epic views.
• Telluride Town Park / Valley Floor / Trout Lake
• Priest Lake / Golf course in Mountain Village / Top of Chair Ten
The Telluride Nordic Center maintains and grooms its trails. It also provides cross-country skiing lessons, trail maps of the area, and rental options. Dog owners can head to Priest and Trout Lake trails or Mountain Village.
Go on a Fat Biking Adventure. Telluride has a never-ending list of winter recreation activities and fat biking has become especially popular in recent years. Grab yourself a fat bike (tour or rental!) and discover the trail network on the Valley Floor. The most famous trails are
Bear Creek, starting right in the town, and Jurassic, stretching from Mountain Village to the Valley Floor. If you don’t like exploring trails on your own, join custom tours organized by various companies like
Bootdoctors and Paragon Outdoors, Telluride Brewing Company Tour, and
the Telluride Adventure Centre.
Enjoy Craft Beer in Telluride. In operation since 2011,
Telluride Brewing Company produces excellent craft beers made with premium malt, hops, and yeasts.
With its high-quality craft beer, the company has earned a special place in the world of beer crafting. Their Face Down Brown has won Gold at World Beer Cup (2012) and the Great American Beer Festival (2012 & 2014), as well as Bronze at the Great American Beer Festival (2016). Their Whacked Out Wheat is another unique product that has taken medals at the Great American Beer Festival (2015) and World Beer Cup (2016 and 2018). Today, the company still goes on innovating and expanding its tap range, and you should stop by and try it when you’re visiting Telluride!
Try some Snowmobiling in Telluride
The great snow conditions of Telluride create the perfect paradise for snowmobiling. Telluride boasts plenty of snowmobiling tours for all ages and ability levels. If you plan to go
snowmobiling in Telluride, consider the following options and tours with
Telluride Outfitters: Alta Ghost Town Tour provides historic family and group tours for beginner and intermediate riders. Enjoy the stunning scenery and historical experience of old mining times.
Dunton Hot Springs Tour is a great choice offering private tours to the historic town of Dunton and delicious lunch in its natural surroundings. Single and double riders are welcome. The trails aren’t groomed. For those seeking more adventurous trips,
Full Day Backcountry Tour organizes rides to remote alpine settings. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are included. You’ll also visit Barlow Creek and Dunton.
There are all sorts of Fly Fishing; Hot Springs Soaking; or Heli-skiing / site seeing opportunities for those with interest. Here are some paths for more information:
https://www.lodgingintelluride.com/winter-activities-that-dont-involve-skiing/
https://www.telluride.com/things-to-do/winter-activities/
https://www.meganstarr.com/telluride-in-winter/
~ article by Steve Cummings, Club Vice President.