A- Overview:
What makes a vacation in Telluride so outstanding? The experience begins with the journey itself. Whether driving or flying, travel to Telluride includes breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. Direct flights to an airport located just 10 minutes from town, smooth and scenic roads, and in-town transportation are just a few of the conveniences.
A remote boomtown established at an elevation of 8745 feet in the heyday of Colorado’s gold and silver mining era, the Town of Telluride was incorporated in 1878. Unlike other ski resorts, Telluride has never lost its Old West characteristics. Just five blocks wide and eight blocks long, it is filled with colorful Victorian homes, clapboard storefronts, boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, gourmet restaurants, and historic buildings. Great care has been given to the renovation of old saloons, general stores, and icehouses. Some have been converted into elegant restaurants, western boutiques, and fine art galleries. All have retained their authenticity.
Present day Telluride is home to the Telluride Ski Resort, and there is a new sophistication to the town. By day, its slope-side location makes it the ideal ski-in/ski-out mountain town with everything within walking distance. By evening, charming restaurants, galleries, and night -spots are gathering places for guests and locals alike.
Telluride is known for its summer and winter outdoor recreational opportunities, its venues for visual and performing arts, its internationally acclaimed music and film festivals, and other sport and cultural events.
Telluride is nestled in the spectacular San Juan range of the Rocky Mountains approximately 100 miles from Four Corners (the intersection of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah). It is a dynamic community and a place of incomparable natural beauty.
In addition to excellent skiing and snowboarding, there are many other great activities for skiers and for non-skiers. Some favorites are snowmobiling and snowshoeing, dog sled tours and sleigh rides, ice climbing, ice skating, and visits to Thrill Hill, an outdoor activity center that offers tubing, snowbiking, and snowskating.
Hike or mountain bike in the spectacular high country in and around Telluride, or try mountain and rock climbing, backpacking, and camping. A car is not needed in Telluride as everything is within walking distance. Additionally, the Galloping Goose is available for a free ride within Telluride and “Dial a Ride” offers free transportation within Mountain Village.
A free gondola runs continuously from 7 a.m. to midnight (except during the off season) between Telluride and Mountain Village. The ride takes about 14 minutes with spectacular views and an optional stop at San Sophia station where passengers can visit the Nature Center in summer. The gondola accommodates pets, bicycles, skis, and passengers with disabilities.
Telluride hosts hundreds of events year round. Festivals include the MountainFilm Festival, the Bluegrass Festival, Wild West, Wine, Jazz, Blues & Brews Festivals, Chamber Festival, and the world renowned Telluride Film Festival. There are also the Mushroom Festival and the Nothing Festival, designed to prove that nothing compares to the festivals in Telluride. There are also sports events, the colorful Balloon Festival, seasonal celebrations, and Repertory Theatre.
Take a mountain hike, a dog sled or sleigh ride, a Jeep tour, or a ride on the Durango-Silverton narrow gauge railroad. Enjoy excellent fishing, paragliding and balloon rides. You can even view the area from the back of a horse. In Telluride there’s something unique for visitors of every age. For children there are seasonal camps and children’s recreational programs. There are special programs from the Nature Environmental Center, the Telluride Youth Center, and there are regularly scheduled family-friendly events.
Art, antiques, housewares, clothing, sporting goods, gifts, and crafts are available at Telluride’s varied shops.
Mealtimes are always enjoyable with a full array of excellent dining opportunities from elegant to casual. A vacation at Telluride is a dream come true!
B- City Information:
Population: 2,221
Elevation: 8,792
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time with Daylight Saving Time from April-October.
When it is noon in New York City; it is 10:00 AM in Telluride.
Average Temperatures:
Month
High
Low
January
38F
12F
February
43F
17F
March
51F
24F
April
60F
30F
May
69F
36F
June
80F
43F
July
83F
51F
August
82F
49F
September
75F
42F
October
64F
32F
November
53F
23F
December
39F
13F
When to Visit Telluride
In spring and fall, the weather is unpredictable, but rates drop and the crowds are gone. Spring is a good time for fishing, rafting, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. In Fall, the fish are spawning and the angling is excellent.
Summer begins in late June or early July. Days are warm, with highs in the 80s, and nighttime temperatures falling to the 40s and 50s. Winter arrives in during November, and deep snows cover the mountains and valleys by December. Temperatures are just above freezing by day and below zero at night. Winter tapers off in March, though snow lingers into April on valley bottoms and into July on mountain passes.
Telluride Slope Summary
Summit Elevation – 10,822 feet
Base Elevation – 8,793 feet
Vertical Rise – 2,029 feet
Lifts – 11 Total
Total Ski/Ride Terrain – 1,700 acres
Snowmaking – 250 acres
Number of Trails – 85
Longest Run – Galloping Goose – 4.6 miles
Pipes and Parks – 2 terrain parks
Holidays
New Year’s Day (Jan. 1)
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Mon. in Jan.)
President’s Day (3rd Mon. in Feb.)
Memorial Day (last Mon. in May)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.)
Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.)
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24 and 25)
New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31).
Ambulance ( 911).
Fire ( 911).
Police ( 911).
Tips: At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments. The same goes for taxi drivers, bartenders, and hairdressers.
Safety
Many trails are at high altitudes, where oxygen is scarce. You may find yourself alone on a trail, so it is important to be prepared. Hikers and bikers should carry emergency supplies in their backpacks. Proper equipment includes a flashlight, a compass, waterproof matches, a first-aid kit, a knife, and a light plastic tarp for shelter. Backcountry skiers should add a repair kit, a blanket, an avalanche beacon, and a lightweight shovel to their lists. Always bring extra food and a canteen of water as dehydration is a common occurrence at high altitudes. Never drink from streams or lakes, unless you boil the water first or purify it with tablets.
Altitude
You may find yourself breathing heavily at high elevations. It takes a few days to get used to the rise in elevation. It is easy, in Colorado, to climb to 12,000 ft and higher while driving. The remedy for altitude-related discomfort is to go down quickly, into heavier air.
Wild Animals
When in any park, respect the territorial rights of all animals, and never attempt to feed them. Photograph from a distance, bringing the subject closer through use of a lens.
Telephone:
The country code for the United States is 1. The area code for Telluride is 970.
Business Hours
Most retail stores are open from 9 or 9:30 AM until 6 or 7 PM daily in downtown locations and until 9 or 10 in suburban shopping malls and in resort towns during high season. Downtown stores sometimes stay open later Thursday night. Normal banking hours are: weekdays 9-5; some branches are also open on Saturday morning.
Arriving in the United States: For customs information, contact the U.S. Customs Service, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229
Electricity
The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC. Foreign visitors traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.
Arriving by Air
Telluride Regional Airport,
1500 Last Dollar Road suite 1, Telluride, CO 81435
Telephone: (970) 728-5051. Fax (970) 728-0178.
Other regional airports include: Grand Junction (GJT), 128 miles north and Durango (DRO),120 miles southeast, (both 2.5 hours away).
International travelers fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) ( 303/342-2200; 800/247-2336, which is about a five-hour drive from Telluride. Connecting flights to Telluride are available.
Transfers Between the Airport and Town
Shuttles and rental cars are available at all airports.
By Taxi
Telluride Express (970/728-6667)
Driving
When entering Colorado from the south, U.S. 550, U.S. 160, and U.S. 666 lead to the Four Corners region. From the east or west, I-70 (U.S. 6) intersects U.S. 50 in Grand Junction; U.S. 50 runs south to the San Juans and Four Corners area. From the north, take I-25 to I-70 in Denver, for a long drive west to U.S. 50.
Telluride is 330 miles southwest of Denver. The route is scenic. The fastest is way is to take U.S. 285 south to U.S. 24 south to U.S. 50 west to Montrose. Take U.S. 550 south to Ridgway. From Ridgway, take Route 62 west to Placerville and Route 45 south to Telluride.
Summer driving times: Montrose – 1-1/2 hours
Durango or Grand Junction – 2-1/2 hours
Denver – 6-7 hours
Phoenix – 8-9 hours
Albuquerque – 5-6 hours
Getting Around Telluride
By Bus
The Galloping Goose (970/728-5700) provides an in-town loop and the gondola connects the town of Telluride with the Mountain Village with no fare charged., 7 AM-11 PM.
By Gondola
A gondola connects Oak Street with the Mountain Village. The 2-mile ride takes 11 minutes. Another gondola joins the Mountain Village with a parking lot. The gondola operates 275 days a year 7 AM-11 PM Sunday-Thursday and 7 AM-midnight Friday and Saturday.
By Taxi
Taxis are easy to find, and the wait is only about 15 minutes.
Telluride Express ( 970/728-6667).
By Car
A car is unnecessary for local transportation, except for any out-of-town excursions.
Road Conditions
Colorado offers some of the most spectacular and challenging driving in the world. Deer, elk, and even bears may try to cross the road in front of you.
For road conditions and information, contact Colorado Road Conditions (303)639-1111 within a 2-hr drive of Denver or 303/639-1234 statewide; 877/315-7623).
Winter Driving
Even main highways can close. Be prepared for stormy weather: carry an emergency kit containing warm clothes, a flashlight, some food and water, and blankets. It’s also good to carry a cell phone, but be aware that the mountains can disrupt service and there will be some areas in which there is no cell phone service.
Highway Rules
The speed limit on interstate highways ranges from 65 to 70 mph, as indicated, unless otherwise posted. Right turns on red lights (after making a stop) are legal in Colorado.
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Dave’s Jeep Tours leads exploration of the high mountain passes and scenic back roads of the San Juan Mountains and the Lone Cone Country. 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour or all day guided tours into the Uncompahgre National Forest on snowmobiles.
Dave’s Snowmobile Tours invites you to experience the magic of Beaver Park. Breathtaking scenery and panoramic vistas!
Dave’s Mountain Tours offers several activities for the family to enjoy in Telluride Colorado (970) 728-9749.
San Juan’s Paddling School
From traditional kayaking, day excursions to multi day trips, whatever your age or experience, there’s a paddling adventure for you.
Telluride Outside
Enjoy a horseback ride in the valley of Telluride. Colorado Telluride Outside has an activity to suit everyone in the family.
The TopAten Picnic and Touring Area
offers 10 kilometers of groomed, rolling trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, a sunny picnic deck with restrooms and a heated teepee for escape to warmth on cold, snowy days.
Located at the top of Lift 10, the Nordic trails provide breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding the ski area.
Tours
Snowshoe through spruce/fir and aspen forests while learning about Telluride’s wildlife, forest ecology, geology and history and taking in Telluride’s unsurpassed mountain scenery.
Routes of varying difficulty welcome participants of all abilities. Tours meet at 10am, at the new Plaza Nature Center located near the gondola in the Mountain Village Plaza.
Thrill Hill
Children, teens and adults find speed and excitement at Thrill Hill, offering tubing, snowskating and snowbiking from 2:30 to 7:00 pm, Wednesday- Sunday. Stop by the Gravity Garage to compare stories hang out. Located at the base of Lift 2 in Mountain Village. Thrill Hill opens December 24.
Mountain Tours
Led by Telluride Mountain Hosts, these free tours of the Telluride Mountain incorporate colorful stories about Telluride’s history, interesting facts about the environment, and local trivia. There is one tour daily open to intermediate-level- and-above snowriders, the “Meet the Mountain” tour meets daily at 10:00 am at the top of Lift 7, by the big trail map sign.
NASTAR Racing
Race on the NASTAR course where you’ll be nationally ranked against others of your same gender and in your age bracket for the opportunity to win bronze, silver or gold medals. The Pay-to-Race course lets you practice your proficiency in the gates before racing for medals in the NASTAR, which is open 11 am to 3 pm daily.
Plaza Arcade
The perfect hangout for teens, the Plaza Arcade is located in the Mountain Village next to the Slopeside Lockers. The Plaza Arcade, open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm offers video games, pinball, air hockey and foosball.
Telluride Outside
121 W. Colorado Avenue Telluride, CO (800) 831-6230
White Water rafting and other activities. Daily 7-7.
Wyndham Peaks Resort & Spa
An indoor water slide, indoor lap pool and outdoor pool make this perfect for the whole family. Daily access fees apply.
Tomboy Mine
Located near the 13,000 foot summit of Imogene Pass,
A visit to the mine gives visitors the opportunity of exploring the town’s mining past.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
The TopAten Picnic and Touring Area
offers 10 kilometers of groomed, rolling trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, a sunny picnic deck with restrooms and a heated teepee for escape to warmth on cold, snowy days.
Located at the top of Lift 10, the Nordic trails provide breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding the ski area.
Thrill Hill
Children, teens and adults find speed and excitement at Thrill Hill, offering tubing, snowskating and snowbiking from 2:30 to 7:00 pm, Wednesday- Sunday. Stop by the Gravity Garage to compare stories hang out. Located at the base of Lift 2 in Mountain Village. Thrill Hill opens December 24.
NASTAR Racing
Race on the NASTAR course where you’ll be nationally ranked against others of your same gender and in your age bracket for the opportunity to win bronze, silver or gold medals. The Pay-to-Race course lets you practice your proficiency in the gates before racing for medals in the NASTAR, which is open 11 am to 3 pm daily.
Plaza Arcade
The perfect hangout for teens, the Plaza Arcade is located in the Mountain Village next to the Slopeside Lockers. The Plaza Arcade, open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm offers video games, pinball, air hockey and foosball.
Telluride Outside
121 W. Colorado Avenue Telluride, CO (800) 831-6230
White Water rafting and other activities. Daily 7-7.
Wyndham Peaks Resort & Spa
An indoor water slide, indoor lap pool and outdoor pool make this perfect for the whole family. Daily access fees apply.
Tomboy Mine
Located near the 13,000 foot summit of Imogene Pass,
A visit to the mine gives visitors the opportunity of exploring the town’s mining past.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Annual Events
May (Memorial Day Weekend)
Mountainfilm Festival
June (3rd weekend in June)
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
August
KOTO Duck Race
Annual fundraiser for community radio KOTO. Launch your rubber duck and watch it brave the rapids of the river. If yours is the lucky winner, you’ll win some special prizes.
Telluride Jazz Celebration
Jazz aficionados worldwide gather for this annual festival which is held at the Sheridan Opera House.
Telluride Chamber Music Festival
September
Labor Day Weekend: Telluride Film Festival
Blues and Brews Festival
Fabulous blues music accompanied by a microbrew grand tasting, craft and food market, intimate late-night blues clubs, and a venue beneath towering peaks in beautiful Town Park. Information: 888-515-6166
Telluride Culinary Arts Festival
Food lovers gather in Telluride’s Mountain Village for culinary offerings from renowned local restaurants and chefs. Acclaimed guest chefs from America’s Southwest also showcase their cuisine.
Telluride Oktoberfest
Mountain Village celebrates in traditional Bavarian style during this fun filled day.
Annual Telluride Wine Festival
The world’s finest wine and gourmet food await at this four-day event where guests may enjoy one-on-one contact with noted culinary masters and wine experts, in Telluride’s stunning outdoor setting. Seminars, expertly prepared food, and wine tastings are offered throughout the weekend.
Arts and Entertainment
Telluride Repertory Theater Company
970/728-4539
The Telluride Repertory Theatre produces high caliber productions of original, classic and contemporary works. Each summer the Rep presents “Classics in the Park,” a three-week run of outdoor theatre ranging from Shakespeare’s Macbeth to dramatic tragedies like Medea. The Rep also presents free Commedia Del’Arte performances in Mountain Village. During the winter, the Rep performs at the Sheridan Opera House with high-energy Broadway favorites.
Telluride Choral Society
The Telluride Choral Society holds WinterSing concerts in December, SpringSings in April, and SundaySings in February and March. It supports the Children’s Chorus of Telluride, the Telluride Chorale, the Telluride Chamber Singers, and other vocal music through performances and ongoing music education. 728-3411
Telluride Writers Guild
The Writers Guild brings writers together for readings, workshops, competitions, occasional publications and an annual literary festival in October, called the Walking Words. Every month, a free, open meeting is held at the Ah Haa School featuring a local or nationally known writer presenting their work. Later, meeting participants share their own poetry, writing samples, lyrics and stories of all kinds. 728-0399
Sheridan Opera House and Sheridan Arts Foundation
The Sheridan Opera House at the center of Telluride’s thriving arts community. It is a venue for everything from concerts to movie premieres. 970-728-6363
Telluride Academy
Providing enrichment education to youth and teens since 1984, this non-profit organization specializes in summer arts and recreation programs. Free. Tel: 728-5311 fax: 970-728-5312
Telluride Chamber Orchestra
Opportunities for local and regional amateur and professional musicians to work together and perform for the community are provided by the chamber orchestra. Musicals that feature various styles and instrumental groupings are performed in the spring, summer and fall. 728-1463
Telluride Council for the Arts & Humanities
Dedicated to keeping the arts strong, healthy and growing in Telluride, TCAH is a grassroots, community-based group that offers the “Homegrown Series” which showcases the original works of local artists, and the annual Celebration Arts Street Fair. 728-9830