Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts
Welcome weekend warrior. Telluride is not the easiest vacation destination to reach (of course that’s part of its charm and beauty) but you made it, and now you’re going to see just what can be done over a weekend in the Telluride valley. Check our calendar of events for specifics on what's on tap for the weekend, and take a look at our special itinerary on finding adventure in a few days.
Day 1: Ski Area Tour & Apres Ski
One of Telluride’s most unique aspects is its quaint size and easy ski access. With Lifts 8 and 7 and the gondola all accessed right from town, it’s not hard to get in ample ski time while poking into town for off-the-hill leisure. Stay in Telluride or Mountain Village and walk out your hotel door to the lifts—easy. If you’re in town and need a little lift to the lift, take the Galloping Goose bus, it’s free and Biodiesel powered.
Get your ski gear on and grab a breakfast bite at the Chair 8 restaurant located, yes, at the base of Chair 8. Ski boots are allowed and the breakfast/brunch/lunch menu is lengthy and tasty, and the location is unbeatable.
Jump on the gondola or Lift 8 and take a mountain tour over to Prospect Bowl—don’t forget a camera. The views from the top of Prospect Lift overlooking Palmyra Peak are postcard perfect. Grab lunch at the High Camp Warming Hut and have a seat in the sunshine (brownies and cookies are not to miss).
Ski boots hurting your feet by noon? Ski to town for lunch and take a stroll in comfy shoes. Telluride is a mostly sunny place and main street (Colorado Avenue) warms up quick even in the heart of winter. And then be pampered at Aromatherapy Day Spa with therapeutic massage, custom wraps, facials and reflexology.
If high altitude is getting you down, make sure to have some down time. Take a nap, a Jacuzzi, a hot tub or a sauna; most of Telluride’s accommodations offer all of these. Try the Bubble Lounge, a swanky oxygen and martini bar. Don’t snooze through après ski though, it’s the best part of the day aside from skiing. No need to change out of ski gear, just mosey on in and warm up at the Chair 8 for hearty nachos and an extensive imported beer list, or the New Sheridan Bar for martinis. If you’re still on the hill late afternoon, stop in at the classic ski lodge Gorrono Ranch.
What’s your flavor? Meet for dinner at Honga’s Lotus Petal for sushi, Rustico Ristorante for traditional pastas, or the Cosmopolitan for seafood and filet mignon accompanied by local organic ingredients. For the town’s size, you can travel the globe by fare—Thai, Italian, Asian, Chinese, Latin, Southwestern Mexican, French and American Bistro themed restaurants are all on the dining-out menu in Telluride.
Top off the evening at the romantic, quaint La Marmotte with a stellar selection of French desserts, ports and cognacs. Grab a show at the Sheridan Opera House and a cocktail at the New Sheridan Chop House bar, a perfect people-watching seat in style.
Day 2: Nordic Skiing & Town Tour
If alpine skiing on the following day is not on the agenda, then enjoy Telluride by Nordic skis. There are many mellow trails accessed right from town: the Valley Floor, Idarado Mine trail, Top A Ten trails and the Town Park loops. Rentals are available at the Telluride Nordic Center located in Town Park.
Ice-skating your thing? The Hanley Pavilion offers ice-skating indoors, while the Mountain Village and the Town Park offer ice-skating rinks outdoors. Rent your skates at the Nordic Center or Bootdoctors.
Duck into La Cocina de Luz for breakfast Southwest Mexican style with chilliquiles and a cup o joe from the neighboring coffee hot spot, the Coffee Cowboy. Likely the weather will be nice and the bench seating even nicer.
Take a stroll up the sunny side to the Telluride Historic Museum and step back in Telluride time, the town's history is rich and full.
Stop by the Gyro Stand on your way back to main street. Grab a gyro and walk to a bench in Elks Park. Gaze up at the peaks and at the peeps on main street. Stroll into Between the Covers for book gazing, it’s Telluride’s one and only original bookstore.
Dinner already? Of course, you’re on vacation and it’s always time to indulge. This evening take a trip to high altitude to check out the stars both in the sky and lighting up main street from your table. Allred’s is a high dining experience and a gondola ride gets you to elegant dining, American bistro fare at its finest complimented by unmatchable views.
Ride the gondola back into town and stroll the streets. Take a hot tub, a Jacuzzi, or a steam shower. And relax…
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