Perhaps you’re coming to Telluride for the skiing this winter, but not everyone in your family or friend group wants to hit the slopes. Telluride has so much more to offer when it comes to the outdoors. Try one of these five fun activities instead.
Go Dogsledding in the Thrilling, Scenic Backcountry
Who knows the woods of Telluride better than the Woods? The Wood family has been running Wintermoon Sled Dog Adventures since 1993, taking their team of Alaskan huskies through the back tundra of the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. Put on your sunglasses and heavy parka for a thrilling half-day ride, bombing across snowy trails with vast, blue skies above. Their well-loved dogs are also very comfortable around children of all ages, so get ready for a memorable day.
Go on a Guided Snowmobiling Trip
If you’ve ever wanted to roar out into the white wilderness on a powerful Polaris 600 RMK snowmobile but would rather go with an experienced guide who knows the way, consider Telluride Outside’s half-day snowmobile tours (also customized for families). With zero worry about the sled or directions, you’ll zip through glades, forests and park land between some of the highest peaks in Southwest Colorado. You’ll get to stop along the way to take photos, and maybe see some wildlife (such as elk, deer, and fox). You can ride single or double and there’s even an experienced snowmobiler’s package as well as a full-day package with a gourmet lunch and a dip into the hot springs.
Go Ice Skating at One of the Ice Rinks in the Area
Love figure skating, hockey or just some plain-old free skating? Telluride has several options. The Town Park offers a groomed, frozen pond as an outdoor ice-skating rink starting mid-December, which can be found next to the volleyball courts. There’s also a cozy warming hut as well as rest rooms. Daily skate rentals are available at the Telluride Nordic Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s also a full-service ice rink located in the heart of Mountain Village Center, which offers open skating daily and special events on the European-style plaza. Run by the Madeline Hotel, which rents hockey and figure skates of all sizes and offers a daily rate, and enjoy a round of free skating each day between noon and 1 p.m.
Experience the Outdoors on Snowshoes
Imagine the quiet crunch of snow in tranquil backcountry with the splendor of the San Juan mountain range as your backdrop. If you prefer to take snowshoeing trails on your own, first rent them at Bootdoctors and forge your own tracks on the Mountain Village snowshoe trails. Or, if you prefer an expert guide and naturalist, the Telluride Adventure Center offers group and private tours. Want to really experience a thrill? Snowshoe under the stars along the San Miguel River Trail with the river as your guide.
Dash Through the Woods and Fields of Snow on a Horse-Drawn Sleigh
You can still see the majesty of the snowy mountains without having to lift a finger, thanks to Clyde and Frank, two Belgian draft horses owned by a legitimate cowboy, Roudy, of Telluride Horseback Adventures. As one Trip Advisor guest described, “It was the most fun we have ever had. He kept us laughing the entire time. After our nearly two-hour ride around his pastures, we went back to the barn and sat down with him and listened to his stories.” This is the ideal activity for romantic couples or for the whole family (as the sleighs each hold up to 10 people). Be sure to bundle up!
To get the most out of your visit to Telluride, check out our blog for more great activity ideas. If you need specific information or want assistance planning your vacation experience, contact SilverStar Telluride Luxury Properties at 970-728-3001 or online.