Telluride Winter Activities That Don’t Involve Skiing. As we approach the winter season, ski lovers begin to express their delight at the dawn of another winter ski season. The frenzy of questions begins…how much will it snow? What skis should I buy? When should we visit ski? Should we try heli-skiing this year? Where is the best apres ski spot in town? So many questions, so much anticipation! But for those who don’t ski, the anticipation can amount to uncertainty about what to do while everyone else is out swooshing down the powdery slopes. If you are the nonskiing type, this post can hopefully give you some ideas for nonslippery entertainment.
Telluride Adventure Center
Plan a getaway with loved ones to a resort town like no other, no matter what time of year you need a break. Colorado is dotted with an array of cozy mountain resort towns that offer plenty of activities throughout the year. Historic Telluride offers many of those activities, and some are even based at the Telluride Adventure Center.
Just next to the Ski & Snowboard School in Mountain Village, the center offs a wide variety of daily children’s programs, as well as winter activities for all ages. The center is located at 697 Mountain Village Blvd in Mountain Village. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Kids’ Activities
If the kids aren’t quite ready to join you on the slopes or for Ski School lessons, they can still have a day full of winter fun.
Snow Camp
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy “snow camp” for either a full day (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) or half day (11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.). They enjoy activities like Winter Wilderness Survival, Trekking and Tracking, and even Geocaching. Snow Camp is offered December 4, 2024– April 5, 2025, Monday-Friday. Advanced reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are also welcome and accommodated based on availability. See more info here.
Happy Hour
After a day at the slopes or a day at Snow Camp, kids can enjoy their kid-friendly happy hour 3:30 – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. They’ll have snacks, hot chocolate, and do fun activities and create projects in the Adventure Center craft room. If they’ve been to Snow Camp or Ski School, instructors will bring participants directly to the room. Happy Hour bookings should be made by 9 a.m. the day your child attends.
Adult Activities
Telluride isn’t all about traditional downhill skiing and snowboarding, and the adventure center offers some awesome alternatives.
Snowbike Course
These bikes don’t have tires. Wheels are replaced by blades that help you cruise and curve down groomed ski runs. Take a half-day certification course, then rent your bike for the rest of the day.
Snow Shoeing
The Telluride Ski Resort offers group and private snowshoe tours. Knowledgeable guides serve snacks along the way and share information about Telluride’s history, flora and fauna, and geology. Group tours leave every day from Eco Adventures at 10am.
The center offers private snowshoe tours with a knowledgeable guide. Tours are designed to accommodate all ability levels. Please book at least 48 hours in advance, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Snowshoeing is a 16+ activity.
https://www.tellurideadventures.com
223 East Colorado, Telluride, Colorado 81435
Skate Skiing
There are six Nordic Ski areas in the Telluride Region. For beginners, head to the Nordic Center in Telluride’s Town Park to rent gear and join a lesson. All levels will enjoy the picturesque trails on the preserved valley floor. Trails at Priest Lake and Trout Lake are maintained by Telluride Nordic Association. Detailed information, including downloadable maps for trails maintained by TNA and the Town of Telluride are available by visiting the links for each trail. Maps are available for sale at the Nordic Center in Town Park.
Ice Skating
Telluride & Mountain Village both have skating options for those who are keen to hit the ice! Telluride Town Park has an outdoor & indoor ice rink. The outdoor rink is a fabulous spot for family fun and offers picturesque skating surrounded by the awe inspiring San Juan Mountains. Next to the rink is a cosy warming hut for when you need a skate break. The Hanley indoor rink ensures consistent ice conditions. Skate rentals are available at the Telluride Nordic Center.
From late December thorugh March, the ice rink at The Hotel Madeline in Mountain Village core offers a large, family-friendly rink. Skate rentals are available at the shop next to the rink. The Ice Rink is open from 12 pm – 8 pm daily, and has a free skate hour from 12 pm – 1 pm.
If you are a seeking a more daring off piste experience this winter, call the team at Mountaintrip for an ice climbing adventure! 970-369-1153.
Winter Fat Tire Biking
Boot doctor’s offers winter fat bike tours, for those seeking a different type of “sliding around on the snow” experience. Join a custom fat bike tour. Visit the Bootdoctor’s website for more details.
Yoga, yoga, YOGA!
If you would rather spend your time lengthening and strengthening in a dimly lit, candle scented studio, rather than sweating & tensing your muscles on the slopes, then head to one of the many local options for yoga.Kaiut Yoga is the most established yoga center in Telluride, offering a variety of classes and yoga styles. Mangala Yoga Center is a newer addition, but offers extremely popular hot yoga classes.
Walking
The beauty of Telluride, even when it’s cold outside, is that its beautifully sunny for most of the winter months. If the sun is shining, throw on some layers and take a leisurely long walk along the valley floor, out to the mine, or even the Jud Wiebe trail if it hasn’t snowed in the past few days.
The Telluride Historical Museum offers engaging annual exhibitions alongside the Museum’s permanent collection of artifacts from the region’s Ute heritage, robust mining history, and ski and festival history. Ten rooms, each with their own theme, showcase these different aspects of Telluride history. Hands-on, interactive, and rotating displays engage all the senses, giving visitors new experiences each visit.
Visitors can also enjoy a historic walking tour of Telluride, a Fireside Chat lecture, and a Hike into History program as we explore the high country in celebration of our rich history.
If you have small kids, the Telluride library is going to be your very best friend while on vacation in Telluride. With a truly amazing kid’s section filled with creative play stations, daily kid’s story time sessions & a bevy of scheduled kid friendly events, the library is the place for your kid to meet other kids & for you to meet other wonderful parents from near & far.
Spa Services
Treat yourself to a massage, facial, mani/pedi & even a cheeky botox treatment at one of Telluride’s many spa and medical spa spots. Our favorite’s include Breathe Spa , where the lovely Corinne will pamper you like you are the only human left on earth. Atmosphere Spa by the gondola & Studio G on Pacific Ave are also local’s favorites.
Shopping
Peruse the streets of Telluride & bask in our glorious winter sun (most days!). Highlights include Telluride Toggery, HOOK Telluride, Two Skirts, Between The Cover Bookstore & Down To Earth.
Experience the magic of horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides at the historic Aldasoro Family Ranch. Embark on a winter adventure with two daily rides, conveniently departing from the Telluride Court House at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Whether you’re seeking a family outing or a romantic excursion, these sleigh rides are perfect for all ages. The price includes everything you need for a memorable experience – transportation, a picturesque sleigh ride, comforting hot drinks, and delectable s’mores, these rides DO NOT INCLUDE A MEAL. Snuggle up under cozy blankets as you marvel at the breathtaking views, providing the perfect backdrop for an enchanting winter escape.
This Winter Telluride Sleighs and Wagons will be offering one private dinner sleigh ride a night at 5:30 PM.. Each ride is limited to one booking. These private rides allow you and your guests to experience Telluride in a way unlike any other. This exclusive experience will be a lasting memory.
Come, and let us transport you to a world of winter wonderland.
To book your Telluride accommodations, call Lodging In Telluride on 888-998-6471. We are a boutique vacation rental management company offering a unique selection of condos and homes for your Telluride stay.
Hot Springs
Within an hours drive, you can enjoy a couple of different natural hot springs.