Telluride, Colorado is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Don’t take my word for it – go and witness the beauty yourself.
We just returned from Telluride Fire Festival, so without further ado, here is my list of things to do in Telluride, Colorado when you’re not skiing.
Snowshoe in Telluride
What makes snowshoeing in Telluride unique? Your snow shoe excursion will take you to the top of the ski resort. That’s right, the skiers aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy the high altitude view, anyone can enjoy these mountain top vistas.
On a beautiful afternoon we hopped on Chair 10 and rode to the top where we hiked for about an hour through trees heavy laden with snow and dappled with sunlight. Several times we crossed ski runs and then re-entered the peaceful forest. We even encountered wildlife in the form a colorful woodpecker that paid us no head as he scoured a pine tree for a meal.
There are other off-mountain trails too. Find a comprehensive list of Telluride snowshoe areas here. A “foot passenger” pass at Telluride Ski Resort is $25 and can be purchased at the lift ticket office.
Yoga in Telluride
We stayed at The Peaks Resort & Spa, home to Colorado’s largest spa. In addition to swimming, workout facilities, saunas, squash courts, Pilates etc. there are a number of yoga classes here.
On our first morning I took Ying-Yang Flow Yoga with Chanel. It kicked my butt, but it felt so good. Drop in classes for guests of the hotel are $15, but I could have taken a class at numerous other places in town. Telluride loves yoga – even the Telluride Library has free yoga classes six days a week.
Ride the Gondola in Telluride
I’m sort of kid-like when it comes to riding a gondola and Telluride has the best Gondola ride ever. The trip between Mountain Village and the Town of Telluride take about 15 minutes and provides some fantastic views. Plus, it’s free. Don’t spend your ride checking emails – check out the view!
History & Bar Hopping in Telluride
What do history and bar hopping have in common? Well, in Telluride tavern life has a long and vivid past, so I think the two go together nicely.
First, visit the well-appointed Telluride Historical Museum to learn about the town’s long story. Did you know that Telluride was the first town in the world to have electric power? They even beat Paris, the City of Lights.
After you learn stuff, head out to have a few drinks in Telluride’s historic taverns, like the Floradora Saloon, the bar at the New Sheridan Hotel and Last Dollar Saloon (locals refer to it as “The Buck”).
Bar hopping in Telluride is a way to actively participate in the town’s history. After all, a local newspaper wrote in 1887, “Ouray has 4 churches and 14 saloons. Telluride has 10 saloons and plans for a church.”
Festivals in Telluride
Like many of Colorado’s mountain towns, Telluride has festivals throughout the year. I was in town this past weekend for the brand new Telluride Fire Festival. It was very unique and I hope that it will continue as an annual event for many years.
Other major festivals include the famous Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June and Telluride Blues & Brews in September. There are some niche events too such as the Telluride Mushroom Festival in August.
Of course, there’s always something going on at Telluride Ski Resort. Check out their full event calendar here.
This is part of my series, Things to do at Colorado ski resorts with you’re not skiing. These are not paid advertisements and all opinions are my own.
Other posts like this one:
Steamboat Springs when you’re not skiing (posted 12/18/13) *the inspiration for the series*
Things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado when you’re not skiing (posted 12/11/14)
Things to do in Vail, Colorado when you’re not skiing (posted 1/6/2015)