Telluride is one of the best family-friendly towns to spend your holidays and by December, the No. 1 best small town kicks up the enchantment factor x 10. Here are five reasons why it’s worth spending your holidays in Telluride during the most wonderful time of the year.
Sleigh Rides & Dinner
Starting December 12, Telluride Sleighs and Wagons hitches up Bambi and Pearl, two American draft horses who know their way around the ranch. Depending on the evening, you’ll bundle up in a wagon or sleigh and take a sublime ride under the moonlight through the snowy fields of an authentic sheep ranch before arriving at a warm and cozy tent where a special dinner and drinks await. There are two sittings with the earlier time being ideal for families accommodating small children to teens, while the later sitting is perfect for adults and couples sharing an intimate and private dinner with a traditional Spanish tapas and specialty cocktails. They also have special events for Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade.
This Annual Telluride Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade literally lights up the mountain. At 6:30 p.m., watch as hundreds of Telluride Ski Area ski instructors and snowboarders splash down Coonskin and Telluride Trail and into town with glowing red torchlights. Prepare to get a spot at the base of the gondola in downtown Telluride for the best view of one of Telluride’s best holiday events. Then again, on New Year’s Eve, this magical light show happens again, as they zig and zag down the mountain as fireworks are set off to this spectacular show.
Ceremonial Ski Burn and the Ski Tree
The kids are going to love the town’s annual sacrifice to the Snow Gods (or specifically Ullr, the Norse God, known for his love of skiing) with a ceremonial ski burn — a pagan sacrifice of skis to ensure bountiful snow for the coming season — and lighting of the town’s eclectic Christmas tree made from old, recycled skis. Gather in Elks Park on Noel Night, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m., for the Main Street lighting ceremony to see the tree lighting and to enjoy the music, discounts, food and beverages the town has to offer.
Hit The Slopes
Travel & Leisure names Telluride “The Perfect Ski Resort for Families” and this is why: 1) minimal lift times; 2) nearly 24 percent of the mountain is devoted to beginner skiing and snow boarding and; 3) the gondola, which is not only an efficient means for transportation between Mountain Village and the town of Telluride but is also a built-in amusement ride for kids and teens. Plus, Telluride’s Ski & Snowboard School offers first-timers and children ski lessons with their dedicated Children’s Center, so you can get in a few runs and trust your family is having the time of their lives.
Walk Around Town and Get Your Holiday Shopping Done
With Telluride’s brightly lit Main Street as one option and the Mountain Village as it transforms into The North Pole with The Holiday Prelude celebration on December 14-15, crossing off gifts on your holiday shopping list is actually fun. Visitors can enjoy discounts and specials until late into the evening, such as food and drink specials, raffles, and giveaways. The kids can take pictures with Santa, work on some crafts, and sample hot cocoa and popcorn. As a family, you can take in holiday movies, and relax with an adult cash bar and lounge afterwards.
For more ideas on the best winter activities in Telluride, contact SilverStar Telluride Luxury Rentals at 970-728-3001 or online.