Gondola

Top 5 Best Things to do in Telluride this Week

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Hart

It's beginning to feel a lot like ski season around town. After a short and sweet off-season, things are picking up here in Telluride. With the ski resort set to open on Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 22nd - films, concerts and events are gearing up all over town to help get this party started. Here are the Top 5 Best Things to do in (and around) Telluride this Week:

Thursday, November 15^th – Teton Gravity Research Presents “Further” and “The Dream Factory” – Just as the temperatures drop and snow falls on the peaks, Teton Gravity Research and the Sheridan Arts Foundation presents a double feature with its newest films “Further” and “The Dream Factory” on Thursday, Nov. 15. “Further” screens at 6 p.m. and “The Dream Factory” screens at 8 p.m. “Further” is the second installment in the Jeremy Jones snowboard movie trilogy, Deeper, Further, Higher, presented by O’Neil. Further explores some of the world’s most remote mountain terrain while continuing Jones’ mission to camp deep in the backcountry and on the summits of unridden lines in such far-flung locales as Japan, Norway, Austria, Alaska and California. “Dream Factory” features TGR’s team delving deep into the Alaskan way of life, finding the best snow on earth and skiing the terrain that most of us only dream about. Tickets are $14 per movie and $24 for both, purchase them at Sheridanoperahouse.com

Friday, November 16^th – Nappy Roots concert – “Awnaw! Hell naw! Man. Y’all done up and done it”! That’s right… Nappy Roots will bring their southern rap rhythms to Honga’s Roma Bar this Friday night. Tickets are $25 and are very limited… so, swing by Honga’s anytime this week, after 5:30pm, to pick your ticket up. Hopefully this is just the beginning of the historic Roma Bar’s comeback!

Friday, November 16^th – Gondola Reopens for Winter – the prettiest (and freest) transportation system in the world reopens this Friday for the winter ski season. Heck… we’re going to ride it a couple times just for the fun of it... IT’S THAT PRETTY! This only means we’re one step closer to Opening Day of the 2012/2013 Winter ski Season (November 22^nd)!!!! Check out this view...

Saturday, November 17^th – Turkey Bingo – the annual (and awesome) Turkey Bingo at the Elks Lodge is back! Definitely one of the best nights of the off-season. The Lodge will open at 4pm with Kids Bingo from 4-6pm. Hot turkey sandwich dinner for kids = $4. And don’t miss the Adult Bingo: 7-10pm. Hot turkey sandwich, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and more = $8. Play bingo and win turkeys!!! Is there anything better than good food, Bingo, drinks and a chance to win turkeys??! No. No there isn’t. Warning: get ready for your face to be covered in colorful Bingo markers. See you at the Elks!

Saturday, November 17^th – The Great Funktier concert in Durango, CO – we had to give our local funk band, The Great Funktier, a shout-out. If you’re in or around the Durango area this weekend… make sure you swing by The Summit (on Main Ave.) and listen to these guys jam. Show starts at 10pm. We're all heading down for the show... come party with us!

tags: colorado, concert, Durango, films, further, Gondola, nappy roots, ski, telluride, Teton Gravity Research, the dream factory, The Great Funktier, Turkey Bingo, winter

Yoga on the Mountain Top

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Maggie

The leaves are changing and the views from the top of the free gondola are incredible! Sophie and I hopped off the lift to do a little yoga while soaking up the scenery.

Sophie doing dancer.

tags: fall in telluride, Gondola, gondola in telluride, hiking, hiking in telluride, telluride

Gondola Hours this Fall

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Hart

Here's the free Gondola schedule for this Fall and Winter in Telluride:

Mountain Village to Village Market/Parking Gondola will close at midnight, Sunday, October 21^st

Telluride to MV Gondola will reduce hours starting Monday, October 22^nd to Sunday, October 28^th – 7AM to 10PM

Gondola is closed for Offseason from Monday, October 29^th thru Thursday, November 15^th

Entire Gondola reopens for Winter: Friday, November 16^th at 7AM

tags: colorado, free gondola, Gondola, gondola in telluride, telluride, telluride gondola

Gondola Reopens!

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Hart

The FREE Gondola will open May 24th at 7:00am for the Summer Season! Come ride the prettiest public transportation in the WORLD!

tags: colorado, Gondola, summer, telluride, telluride gondola

2011/2012 Winter Ski Season Review

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Hart

Cheers to another amazing ski season here in Telluride, Colorado! We put together a short film of GoPro videos to reminisce on the wonderful powder days, bluebird skies, leg-burning hike-to's and other memories that made the 2011/2012 ski season... one of the best! Hope to have you back for many, many more.

tags: Alta Lakes, colorado, cool video, FREE, Gondola, GoPro, hiking, lodging, Palmyra Peak, powder, powder day, resort, Revelation Bowl, sheridan opera house, ski, skiing, snow, snowboarding, telluride, Telluride Ski Resort, telluride.com, town, video, winter

End of the Season Top Events

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Hart

Can you believe the 2011/2012 Winter Ski Season is almost over?? It's been one wild ride. As our season comes to an end, the next two weekends are gearing up to be a couple of the best all winter long. Not only do we have some great Final Four & National Championship basketball action... but there are some exciting parties, live music and fun activities going on in town. The skiing is still great here in the San Juan Mountains... so, call in sick or take off work and come spend a long weekend in town before the slopes close on April 8th! We're offering some of the best deals in town. Check out our discounted lodging specials here: http://www.telluride.com/lodging/specials

If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at: 877-507-9695

Here's your Top Events in Telluride from 3/29-4/8:

Thursday, March 29^th – Telluride Museum Pub Crawl – The Telluride Historical Museum presents the last Pub Crawl of the winter season! A four stop tour of Telluride’s famous watering holes with history along the way. $30 includes stein with historic image, tour guides and surprise guests. RSVP required. Call 970-728-3344, ext. 2. Tour starts at 5:30pm! For more info, visit: www.telluridemuseum.org

Thursday, March 29th & Sunday, April 1st – Telluride Choral Society – The Telluride Choral Society presents two nights of Spring Sing! "Up on the Roof... Music of the Sun, Moon and Stars". Come support these locals at St. Patrick's Church on Thursday night and at Christ Church on Sunday night. Shows start at 7:00pm. Adults $15, students $8. For more info, visit: http://telluridechoralsociety.org/HOME.html

Friday, March 30th – ORGANism – Come hear the innovative jazz sounds of ORGANism at The Steaming Bean Friday night. Think Booker T. and the M.G.'s, Soulive, Medeski, Martin & Wood, The Meters and Scofield all mashed together... with a little bit of Rico and Durango local love. Show is 9:30pm - 1:30am. For more info, visit: http://www.thesteamingbeantelluride.com

Friday, March 30^th and Saturday, March 31^st – Burlesque Fundraiser – Enjoy two nights of Burlesque… all while supporting the Telluride Theatre. This fundraiser will be sexy, funny, daring, scandalous and surprising! General Admission tickets are $25 and VIP tables are $300 for 4-5 people. Shows are at the Sheridan Opera House and start at 9:00pm. For more info & tickets, visit: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/222320

Friday, April 6^th – KOTO Street Dance – the annual KOTO Pink Flamingo End of the Season Street Dance and Costume Contest…. Is BACK! Partying down in the middle of Main Street and celebrate another wonderful ski season here in Telluride. ‘The Free Box Find’ and ‘Ralph Dinosaur and His Fabulous Volcanoes’ will be providing live music, dress in your best pink flamingo gear for a chance to win prizes and have a couple beers with friends and locals. Street Party starts at 3:00pm and it’s FREE! For more info, visit: www.koto.org

Saturday, April 7^th – Shakedown Street – The Telluride Conference Center presents Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead Tribute Band) on Saturday night to help celebrate and dance another great winter ski season into the books. BBQ is included in the cover charge and will be served until the show starts or the food runs out! Shakedown Street started jamming in Manitou Springs, CO back in 1987… and is one of the longest running Grateful Dead cover bands in the world. Party starts at 7:00pm in the Mountain Village! For more info, visit: www.facebook.com/ShakedownStreetColorado

Saturday, April 7^th – This Must Be The Band – Like Talking Heads? Yea, me too. This Must Be The Band is a Talking Heads tribute band that will “Burn Down The House” as we celebrate the last weekend of the ski season. Show will be at the Sheridan Opera House and will start at 8:00pm. $20 general admission. BE THERE! For more info, visit: www.sheridanoperahouse.com

Sunday, April 8^th – Last Day of the Ski Season – Happy Easter! Sunday the 8^th will be the last day to strap on some skis and make your last turns of the Telluride Ski Resort’s winter season. After you take some turns, ski down to the Core of Mountain Village & Tomboy Tavern for a celebration with live music by The Great Funktier from 3-6pm! Party on 2011/2012 ski season… it’s been a good one! "LIKE" The Great Funktier: www.facebook.com/thegreatfunktier

Sunday, April 8^th – Gondola Closes – The free Gondola connecting Telluride and Mountain Village will close for the off-season at midnight on Easter Sunday. It will reopen for the summer season on Thursday, May 24^th. Hope to have you in town this summer!

See you this Summer! Here's a video from our friends at the Telluride Newb participating in the Pub Crawl:

15 FREE things to do in Telluride in the Winter!

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Hart

Whoever said nothing in life is free? If you're looking to experience Telluride this winter without skis, here are 15 FREE things to do in town - It will help your wallet stay happy!

Gondola Ride – The only transportation of its kind in North American, catch a ride on the free Gondola that connects the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. Open 275 days per year from 7am to Midnight, this scenic ride is a must do. The short, 13 minute ride will leave you speechless as you're surrounded by 13,000 foot peaks. Don’t forget your camera! http://www.townofmountainvillage.com/index.aspx?nid=197
Ice Skating - If you bring your own gear... check out the frozen pond by Bootdoctor's in the core of Mountain Village. Kids 5 years and younger skate for free! In no time you'll be skating like Oksana Baiul! http://www.mountain-village.co.us/index.aspx?nid=193
River Trail - Located in the town of Telluride, the River Trail is a popular path for both locals and tourists trying to take the scenic route. Stretching along the San Miguel River, this is a beautiful trail that connects the East and West ends of town.
Historic Walking Tour - Take this historic walk around town that helps explain how Telluride has grown from a booming mining industry into a world class ski resort. Placards located outside various Victorian style homes give insight to the rich history that helped build this town. http://www.visittelluride.com/sites/default/files/Telluride%20Historic%20Walking%20Tours.pdf
Wilkinson Public Library - You will spend ALL day once you enter the doors of this award winning library. This is a great way to rent books, magazines, DVD's, CD's, and more for your vacation. Also, use the FREE internet to change your flights (because you'll never want to leave T-ride). http://www.telluridelibrary.org/
Nordic Skiing - If you bring your own gear... take advantage of this large Nordic course that weaves through the protected land of the Valley Floor. Located on the west end of town, this is a great exercise to get the leg's burnin' and the heart pumpin' in a beautiful valley setting. http://www.telluridetrails.org/
Snowshoeing - If you bring your own gear... there are endless spots to snowshoe in Telluride if you've got the gear. A popular spot to snowshoe is Bear Creek Trail located on the east end of town. Check out the beautiful nature and backcountry ski terrain. Another great spot, the River Trail (#3). http://www.trails.com/activity.aspx?area=12155
Town Loop Bus - Take a ride on the free transportation provided by the Town of Telluride. This bus will circle around downtown Telluride (7am-Midnight) stopping at various spots to access restaurants, Post Office, and numerous lodging facilities. Catch the Galloping Goose every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes at night! http://www.telluride-co.gov/index.aspx?page=56
Wildlife Viewing - It would be extremely rare to vacation in Telluride and not see any wildlife. While you're driving into town, check out the wild elk herds that feed and rest on the Valley Floor.
Sledding –Telluride Town Park or by Chair #7 are great places to sled after the slopes have closed for the day. Fun for the entire family!
Guided Mountain Tour – If you already have a lift pass... complimentary Mountain Tours led by Telluride Ski Resort Ambassadors, this free daily tour of the ski area incorporates stories of Telluride’s history and facts about the mountain & environment. Tours are for intermediate and above skies and snowboarders only… and depart at 10am from the top of the Coonskin Lift (7). Soon you'll be skiing like a local!
Free Box - A "Telluride Tradition" located right off Main Street, the name says it all. The Free Box is a place to exchange clothes, small trinkets, books, and many other trash or treasures. Be sure to swing by the Free Box and see what you can find! http://www.colorado-for-free.com/FreeThingsToDoColorado/TellurideFreeBox.htm
Fireside Chats - Located right in the core of Mountain Village, this is a great place to unbuckle the boots, grab a bite to eat, and relax. Enjoy "people watching" as you warm up your fingers and toes. Fireside Chats are often organized and help shed light on the rich history of the ski area. http://www.telluridemuseum.org/fireside.html
Sporting Events - Check out the free sporting events happening all winter long such as the World Cup Snowboard Cross, North American Freestyle Mogul Competition (Telluride was awarded the NorAm Cup season opener Feb. 5-9), downhill races, regional hockey games and more.
Colorado's Largest Waterfall - Check out Colorado's largest (365 ft.) freefalling waterfall at the end of the box canyon. In the winter, it’s the home of extreme ice climbing. This waterfall is rich in history (AC current was invented in the house perched on top) and absolutely breathtaking! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridal_Veil_Falls_(Telluride)

Top 5 Best Things to do in Telluride this Weekend, 11/17-11/20

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Hart

Bye, bye off-season. It was nice having you around… but we’ve got things to do, people to see, places to SKI! Town is firing up for another amazing winter ski season with more events, concerts, activities than you can shake a stick at. Here’s your Top 5 Best Things to do in Telluride before the slopes open next week… on Thanksgiving Day!

Thursday, November 17^th – Teton Gravity Research’s “One For The Road” – Travis Julia Presents one of the hottest ski films of the year at the Sheridan Opera House on Thursday night. One For The Road follows some of the world’s best skiers in Jackson Hole, Japan, Alaska and much more. Not only do you get to see an awesome film… but door prizes and free swag will be handed out, including a FREE pair of skis! There are two showings – at 6:00 and 9:00pm at the Sheridan Opera House. Tickets are $15. Be there. Time to get pumped for the ski season!

Thursday, November 17^th – Telluride Film Festival presents – 50/50 – The Telluride Film Festival presents the dramatic comedy 50/50 with Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The movie will show at the Nugget Theater at 8:30pm. Seth Rogen is hilarious and I can't picture Gordon-Levitt in anything but Terminator 2... but this actually looks like a really good movie. Kind of a dry, feel-good comedy. Should be a great flick!

Friday, November 18^th – Free Gondola Re-opens – Your favorite and freest public transportation in the nation re-opens for the 2011/2012 Winter ski season. I mean is there any prettier commute in the country??! Did we mention it was free?? We’re so excited we’re going to ride it a couple times… just for fun. Can't wait!

Saturday, November 19^th – Turkey Bingo – One of the best nights of the holidays returns to the Elks Lodge. That’s right… play bingo and win turkeys for your Thanksgiving feast! Bingo, beer, drawing all over eachother... it doesn't get much better. Get there early… because seats go fast! Doors will open around 7:00pm. Winner, winner, turkey dinner!!!

Sunday, November 20^th – Think SNOW – This might be the most important thing you do all weekend. With the Telluride Ski Resort opening on Thanksgiving Day the 24^th, let’s all do a little snow dance so we can have many, many, many, many, many happy powder days this season… with no injuries! There's a 50% chance of snow on Sunday... so do whatever you can do to make that 110%! Get ready for a fantastic winter here in Telluride. Here are just a few highlights to look forward to: Telluride World Cup, Jason Isbell concert, Canned Heat New Years Eve party, North American Freestyle Mogul Competition, Leftover Salmon concert, Telluride Fashion Show, Chocolate Lover’s Fling, Comedy Festival, and much much more.

We hope to have you in town this winter! If you have any questions about events, lodging, what to do, where to eat or anything else... feel free to give us a call at 877-507-9695 or ask us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TellurideCO). Here's a beautiful look at a Telluride winter from Felt Soul Media:

tags: 50/50, colorado, Elks Lodge, film, FREE, Gondola, movie, One For The Road, sheridan opera house, ski, telluride, Telluride Film Festival, Teton Gravity Research, Turkey Bingo

Top Best Things to do in Telluride, 10/6-10/16

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Hart

We received over 5 inches of snow this morning... time to break out the skis and get ready for Narnia to set in! As Offseason quickly approaches... we've still got LOTS going on in town. Offseason is really one of the best times to visit... cool temps, pretty fall weather, snow-capped peaks, not as busy, perfect hiking conditions and ANYTIME in Telluride is a good time! Here's your Top Best Things to do in town for the next 2 weeks (we'll update when more events arise):

Thursday, October 6^th – Pinhead Institute Science Soiree – Our friends over at The River Club are hosting the Science Soiree from 5:30-7:00pm with a FREE wine reception (donations welcome). Featuring Andrew Berry, Harvard University Pinhead’s Science Soiree lets you engage with scientists participating in our esteemed Scholars in the Schools program. This program enables students from schools thought the region to interact with PhD scientists from around the world specializing in everything from nanoscience, to chemistry, to biology, to climatology and much more. Dr. Berry will be on hand to speak about the mysteries of human evolution at our 1^st Science Soiree of the season.

Friday, October 7^th – Telluride Farmer’s Market – Get your fresh produce while you still can… not only is this one of the last Farmer’s Markets of the summer, but it’s also dumping snow outside… which means it’s time to stock up for the cold, long winter ahead.

Saturday, October 8^th – St. Patrick’s Church Chili Cookoff – The St. Pats Holy Chili & Salsa Cookoff/Block Party will kick off this Saturday from Noon-6:00pm on Galena Street (from Spruce to Pine). Come show town what you’ve got! Admission is $15 (early bird), $20 at the gate. Tickets are sold at the American National Bank, Ace Hardware, Viking Rentals or call St Pats at 970-728-3387. Live music by The Blisters, The Great Funktier and The Rico Blues Project. Cash money prizes will be given out to the best chili and salsa. Come out for this sizzling Saturday Cookoff!

Wednesday, October 12th - New Faces, New Visions - The Telluride Education Foundation invites you to 'New Faces - New Visions - The Future of Education in Telluride" at The River Club on Wednesday evening from 5:30-7:30pm. Joins us for an informative evening on the future of our children's education with guests: Kyle Schumacher - Superintendent, Telluride R1 School District and Joseph Stefani - Head of School, Telluride Mountain School. Limited bar and light apps will be served!

Thursday, October 13th - Lunafest - The Ah Haa School of Arts presents, Lunafest, short films by, for, about Women. Appetizers and drinks will be served and the program will feature 9 selected short films by, for and about Women. Come out to the Ah Haa School at 7:00pm on Thursday! For more info, visit: http://www.ahhaa.org

Friday, October 14^th – Sunday, October 16^th – Telluride Horror Festival – Get ready to get spooked… the 2^nd annual Telluride Horror Show will return to town… bringing back the best in horror, sci-fi, fantasy & scary movies to the Sheridan Opera House and Nugget Theatre. Don’t forget… we’re giving away two, 3-day passes and 3 nights lodging at the Aspen Street Inn to a lucky couple! Enter the contest on our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TellurideCO or ENTER HERE: http://bit.ly/nseV9Y

Sunday, October 16^th – Gondola Closes for Offseason – Your favorite (and prettiest) public transportation in the nation (or the world??) will close down for the offseason beginning at midnight on Sunday the 16^th. Maintenance crews will work for a couple weeks getting the free ride ready for the 2011/2012 Winter Ski Season… and will reopen at 7:00am on Friday, November the 18th. So get your last Gondola ride of the season in before Thanksgiving weekend and don't forget your camera... the views are amazing right now!

To celebrate another wonderful summer season of free transportation on the Gondola... check out Telluride's version of 'Cash Cab'... the Gondola Game Show! Enjoy.

tags: Ah Haa School of Arts, Chili Cookoff, Gondola, Lunafest, Nugget Theatre, offseason, R1 School District, sheridan opera house, St. Pat's Church, St. Patrick's, Telluride Education Foundation, Telluride Horror Festival, Telluride Mountain School, The Great Funktier, The River Club, top 5, What to Do

The Gondola Game Show!

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Hart

Have you seen the Discovery Channel's "Cash Cab" TV show? You answer random trivia questions... and win prizes along the way. Well, Telluride has made its own version on the free Gondola (connecting the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village) here in town called the Gondola Game Show. Check it out!

For all episodes, visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrYAMProductions

tags: Cash Cab, colorado, FREE, Gondola, Gondola Game Show, telluride, trivia

Dirk Nowitzki's Doppelgänger

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Hart

Thanks to Twitter... we found this awesome photo of a Telluride local. Big thanks to @leftglutegone for pointing this out. NBA Champion, Dirk Nowitzki from the Dallas Mavericks must have a twin working at the Gondola station in Telluride. Give him a highfive next time you ride the "G"... Check it out:

tags: colorado, Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki, Doppelgänger, Gondola, local, Mavericks, NBA, operator, telluride

Gondola Season Closures: April 3rd - May 25th

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Hart

Don't forget that the free Gondola connecting the town of Telluride and Mountain Village will close soon for the off-season & maintenance. Here is the schedule:

Closes at midnight for the Spring off-season on: Sunday, April 3rd.

Re-opens at 7:00am for the Summer season on: Thursday, May 26th.

Look forward to having you in town this Summer and thanks for a GREAT Winter!

tags: colorado, Gondola, Mountain Village, telluride, Telluride Ski Resort