How to Enjoy Telluride With or Without Snow

Say the word “Telluride” and the typical image that comes to mind is a mountainous vista blanketed in white and the adrenaline rush of schussing down a backcountry trail in the crisp air of the San Juan Mountains.

Yes, Telluride is known for its epic skiing, but due to this past dry summer, experts are predicting there might be a delay of the white stuff this year. Luckily, there are an untold number of hidden gems in Telluride beyond skiing and snowboarding in November and December. 

Telluride is still a utopia for outdoor activities in the late fall and early winter. Hikers can explore one of the most touted scenic hikes through aspen-covered trails and open meadows, Bear Creek Falls, with stops overlooking the town of Telluride and ending with a magnificent waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs.

Mountain bikers can get the full immersive experience with a mountain bike trip. Or let guides do the driving for you
in Telluride Outdoor Adventures providing scenic high-country tours in rugged 4x4s.

If the experts are proven wrong and the snow comes early, there are still several thrilling adventures that rival skiing and snowboarding. If it’s snowmobiling through magnificent back country you want, Telluride Outside Guide Service lets you explore powdered glades, forests and mountainsides on your own or on a guided trip for a half-day or a full-day, with one option even offering the chance to soak in natural hot springs and indulge in a gourmet lunch.

For the latest in snow sports, Paragon Outdoors’ guided fat-bikes let you take a spin on the snow with views of the majestic San Juan mountains. Or let the guides lead you on a custom adventure through snowfields and past alpine mountains.

For the kids (and those who prefer their adventure with less adrenaline) here are Telluride’s best sledding trails and ice-skating rinks.

In the off-season, the crowds are fewer and the deals are better. And even in the colder months, Telluride is a sunny place to walk around town with a slew of quirky and locally owned shops primarily on Colorado Ave.

Duck into the numerous art galleries or spend an hour learning about this old mining town on a historical walking tour with the Telluride Historical Museum that highlights Telluride’s fascinating mine town history. Then grab a coffee from an old horse trailer at the Coffee Cowboy, or grab a brew at The Last Dollar Saloon, known as the “Cheers” of Telluride. Ready to relax after all that? We have some local massage therapists that work with us to help guests unwind.

It could take months to enjoy everything that Telluride has to offer. And with all the time you’ve saved not spending on the slopes, now’s your chance to explore the Mountain Village’s picturesque beauty and the original town’s funky and scenic flavor.

For more ideas on how to get the most out of your Telluride visit give us a call at 970-728-3001 or contact us online.