Telluride is known as one of the top ski destinations in the nation, but what if you aren’t a skier? Does this mean you have to avoid the town altogether, even though you love the mountains? We’re happy to inform you that you should keep your mountain vacation plans and enjoy the top Telluride winter activities listed below!
Why Visit Telluride in Winter If You Don’t Ski?
There are plenty of reasons that Telluride is a popular winter vacation destination, and skiing, while popular, is just a small part of the list.
Winter Festivals
Winter festivals such as Telluride Gay Ski Week are always a blast. Also popular are the Telluride Comedy Festival, Torchlight Parades, and more.
Cultural Experiences
A night at the Sheridan Opera House will entertain the most sophisticated travelers, offering live shows and other entertainment options.
- Address: 110 N Oak St, Telluride, CO 81435
- Event Calendar
Fine Dining
A meal at Allred’s, perched high on the mountain, offering a menu that will never let you down and views that will make your heart happy.
- Address: San Sophia Station, Telluride, CO 81435
- Hours: 3 PM to 9 PM
- Menu
Shopping Adventures
Scarpe is one of our favorite boutiques in Telluride, featuring a sophisticated and fun selection of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing.
- Address: 250 E Pacific Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
- Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Tips for Planning a Non-Ski Winter Getaway
The first thing to do when planning all your winter activities in Telluride is to pick the home you want to live in during your mountain adventures. Accommodations in Telluride offers stunning mountain retreats that will feel warm, cozy, and welcoming as the snow falls outside. But don’t forget to pack for cold weather, to plan for fun, and to bring your sense of daring and adventure.
Top Telluride Winter Activities Besides Skiing
Your mountain town vacation will be cold and snowy, but there will still be plenty of outdoor winter activities in Telluride to engage in.
Ride the Telluride Gondola for Incredible Mountain Views
The Telluride Gondola is a year-round activity, though it closes for a few weeks each year for maintenance and repairs. In the winter months, however, it is open every day, providing free transportation up and down the mountain. Those words describe the basic function of the Telluride Gondola, but don’t evoke the experience you will receive as you find yourself surrounded by snowcapped mountains and views that will make you certain to never forget your ride.
Explore Snow-Covered Trails on a Snowshoeing Adventure
Once upon a time, snowshoes were a necessity for getting around in a landscape blanketed in snow, but today they have become an exercise that is also an adventure. Renting snowshoes from the Telluride Nordic Center is one way to explore the trails in this area, but for many, a guided tour may be the best way to enjoy this Telluride winter activity.
Telluride Adventures is a popular tour company, offering many adventures in all seasons, including snowshoe tours. Featuring half-day, full-day, and children’s snowshoe activities, they also offer a multiday hut trip for those who really enjoy the sport.
- Address: 223 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
- (970) 728-4101
- Snowshoe Tours
Go Ice Skating with a Mountain Backdrop
Ice skating is one of those winter activities in Telluride that is ideal for travelers of all ages. Kids love ice skating, and parents love any activity that helps burn off all the extra energy the very young have. Couples find that gliding around an outdoor rink on a cold winter’s night is romantic and fun, especially with the shadows of the mountains looking down on them. There are two outdoor ice rinks available in the winter months.
Mountain Village Ice Rink is located at Reflection Plaza, which evokes an alpine village and adds charm to the experience. It’s also free to skate here; rentals are available at the rink for $15, but free for kids 5 and under.
Telluride Town Park also offers an indoor rink. It features a warming hut, restrooms, and offers skate rentals at the nearby Telluride Nordic Center. It’s open mid-December through mid-February, and skating is free. Ice skate rentals, however, are $15 per day for adults and $10 per day for children.
Experience a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Another popular outdoor winter activity in Telluride for travelers of all ages is the horse-drawn sleigh ride. This wonderful winter experience embraces the icy cold of Colorado winters as well as the fun of a uniquely western experience. Couples love the romance, children love the wow factor of the gentle animals leading the sleigh, and everyone loves Telluride Sleighs and Wagons when it is time to book a ride. Held at the Aldasoro Family Ranch, each ride includes hot beverages, the sleigh ride, and dinner at an authentic sheep camp, providing a memory that will last a lifetime.
- Address: 220 E Colorado Ave #217, Telluride, CO 81435
- Learn More
Relax with Telluride’s Best Spa and Wellness Experiences
There are many local spas that will all spoil you, but perhaps the most unique is Pure Beauty & Wellness Spa. Offering a long list of spa experiences you might expect, including massages and facials, their salt cave may be a happy surprise. Their basic salt therapy program will cost just $50 per person, with additional treatments adding to the price.
- Address: 333 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
- Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM Monday-Saturday (Hours are seasonal)
- Spa Services
Bonus Activity: Explore the Amenities of Your Accommodations in Telluride Retreat
Accommodations in Telluride is famous for taking the extra steps to ensure our guests are happy and the amenities in our winter rentals offer the perfect example. You’ll find fireplaces in the living areas and sometimes in the primary suites, fully equipped kitchens, spa-like baths, and premium beds guaranteed to give you the best sleep of your life. And because it never hurts to do more in the vacation rental business, you will also find game rooms, saunas, hot tubs, and more in our Telluride vacation homes.
Book Your Telluride Winter Getaway
Every outdoor winter activity in Telluride is destined to be even more wonderful when you start and end every day in our Telluride vacation rentals. Reserve your favorite property with Accommodations in Telluride today and fall in love with a mountain winter spent off skis!
