Hidden away in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, tucked in a box canyon stands the town of Telluride. Originally a Victorian mining town, Telluride is filled a long and rich history. Sitting at the base of a ski and golf resort and surrounded by forest-covered mountains means that adventure is never far, no matter what time of year you visit.
An important aspect of Telluride is the gondola system connecting various sections of Telluride with Mountain Village. The free gondola system offers one of the most scenic public transportation routes in the world. The gondola begins at the base of Oak Street in Telluride and ends in the Mountain Village Core. It may not be the reason why you come here, but once you discover our preferred form of transportation, the car keys will be stored in a drawer for the duration of your vacation. The gondola, the first and only free public transportation of its kind in the United States, was inaugurated in 1996. It was originally constructed to help improve air quality and expand the skiing industry at the same time. The gondola has helped to make Telluride a vacation destination and is visited by thousands of tourists yearly as it puts them up close and personal with Mother Nature at 10,500 feet above sea level.
In the winter, enjoy the Telluride Ski Resort as it is covered in snow. With more than 2000 acres of terrain, there is fun for everyone. Nearly 60% of the terrain is dedicated to beginners and intermediate level skiing and snowboarding allowing those less confident in their abilities lots to do while offering plenty for well-seasoned visitors as well. For extreme level visitors the park offers legendary hike-to terrain. The terrain parks at the resort boast over 100 features, accommodating every skill level. There are also 10 km of groomed trails for Nordic skiing.
In the summer, the same ski resort offers many more activities. With all the same area as in the winter the resort has an 18-hole golf course, a ropes course, mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, and more.
In town, the town park offers a variety of winter and summer sport areas, playgrounds, camping, and free equipment rentals to help enjoy the sports areas. The town’s historic district offers a look into the past with a performing arts center from 1913, the Sheridan Opera House, and the Telluride Historical Museum. The Telluride Historical Museum offers an interactive and engaging look at the town’s history from inside a hospital built in 1896.
Outside of town, Bear Creek trail offers some beautiful hiking and recreation areas. Bridal Veil Falls is a 365-foot waterfall with hiking trails nearby. In the winter the falls freeze and make for a great ice climbing challenge.