Walking down Telluride’s main street is like walking through time. Squint a bit to block out all those loud 20th century inventions and disruptions like cell phones and cars, and focus on the historic buildings that line this bustling western town with tall, snowy mountains surrounding it. It’s really not too hard to imagine everyone walking along the sidewalks dressed like miners, school marms, and wranglers. Grab your cowboy boots and a bonnet (or Stetson), it’s time to start enjoying a vacation in our downtown Telluride, Colorado winter rentals!
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Downtown Telluride
Telluride started out as a silver mining camp, and when gold was discovered, the mining boom began in earnest. Although they never actually found gold in Telluride, they did mine zinc, copper, silver, and other minerals. Many of the old facades from the mining boom remain today as part of this bustling western town, as do many of the old abandoned mines.
There’s a lot of fun history here too. Famous outlaw Butch Cassidy (along with a few friends) robbed his first bank here in Telluride, the San Miguel Valley Bank on Colorado Avenue. The bank burned down not too long after the robbery, but there’s a historical marker on the Mahr Building where it used to stand.
There are two stories on how Telluride got its name. The first is that the town was named after the mineral tellurium (which isn’t even found in the area) and the second is for the goodbye given to pioneers and fortune seekers as they headed west over the rugged, unforgiving San Juan Mountains on their way to fame and fortune, “To hell you ride.”
Activities Downtown and Beyond
Even though it’s pretty as a picture, you may get tired of walking through the snow and cold. Just step inside one of the town’s local craft beer breweries or local tavern like Smuggler’s Union Restaurant & Brewery for a burger and their award-winning Blonde Betty or the Floradora Saloon for a delicious brunch. Telluride is a town for foodies too, with five-star dining, farm-to-table establishments and local diners to choose from.
Warm up by browsing through one of the town’s quirky little shops, art galleries or the Between the Covers bookstore. Telluride takes prides that there are no chain restaurants or shops here, everything is local. You can also hop on the Galloping Goose, Telluride’s free town shuttle to get around.
Of course, you can hit the slopes at the Telluride Ski Resort for downhill skiing, snowboarding and more. But, you really don’t have to leave town to have fun. Telluride Town Park is a great spot for sledding, and the Park also has an indoor professional-grade ice rink and an outdoor rink.
You’ll pass the entrance to The Valley Floor on your way in to town, and its groomed tracks are popular with cross-country skiers and winter hikers. The San Miguel River Trail runs alongside and through Telluride as it follows the river, and is a year-round, multi-use trail too. You can gain access to the trail in several spots throughout Telluride, and the views are spectacular.
Bear Creek Trail (at the end of South Pine Street) is another popular, year-round trail used by skiers, fat-tire bikers, snowshoers and hikers in the winter. You can also rent a few snowmobiles for a lovely ride around nearby Alta Lakes.
Downtown Places to Stay in Telluride, Colorado
Our downtown Telluride, Colorado winter rentals all offer amazing views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Stay in a historic, Victorian vacation home in town and be close to all the energy of Telluride, or stay just outside of town for a little more room and privacy. Select a cute historic cottage or modern townhome with vaulted ceilings and walls of glass that let in the views of this picturesque historic town.
All of our winter places to stay in Telluride, Colorado have fully equipped kitchens with everything you’ll need, including that all important coffee maker. Many of our downtown vacation homes have gourmet kitchens with beverage and wine coolers and blenders so you can keep those adult beverages flowing. Interior fireplaces are perfect for snuggling up with a nice cup of Blackberry Mulled Wine or a Chipotle Apple Cider Margarita to end the day. You can also take your drink out on the deck and snuggle under the stars.
Many of our downtown vacation rentals feature BBQ grills, steam showers, private hot tubs, and off-street parking. Whether you’re here for a ski trip with friends or a long-planned family winter vacation, we have a vacation home to fit all your needs.
Telluride in the snowy winter months is like a pretty holiday card, with white-capped mountains framing this colorful, historic town. Let us help you find the perfect places to stay in Telluride, Colorado for your winter vacation in this beautiful, quirky western spot. Give us a call today!