The Telluride Blog

The Sheridan Arts Foundation in conjunction with Jeb Berrier present the 14th annual Telluride Comedy Festival. Each night has a special theme, featuring a different group of comedians. 

Thursday night kicks off the festival with Variety Night, or better known as Local's Night. This evening, Rob Huebel (Childrens Hospital, How I Met Your Mother), Paul Scheer (The League, 30 Rock),  Jason Mantzoukas (The League, The Dictator), Seth Morris (Childrens Hospital, Step Brothers), Scot Armstrong (Starsky & Hutch, Old School), June Diane Raphael (New Girl, American Dad!), Danielle Schneider (The Back Room, Players) and Morgan Walsh (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Upright Citizen's Brigade) will pay tribute to the local flavor and quirks of Telluride. Many of tonight's comedians are part of the Upright Citizens' Brigade comedy theater based out of LA and NYC. 

Friday night stars Michaela Watkins, June Diane Raphael, Morgan Walsh, Danielle Schneider and more in a hysterical skit: The Real Housewives of Telluride. The Upright Citizens' Brigade will finish up the evening with a long-form improv skit. 

On Saturday, Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer will host the evening of ski-themed comedy as the infamous "Telluride Ski Patrol," along with the rest of this year's comedians for the Dawn of Telluride. Stop by the Telluride Thrift Shop or Pip's Fine and Funky Consignment on Main Street to get ready for a 70's-skiing-themed dance party in the Gallery Room after the show as part of the Sheridan's Centennial Celebration.

Sunday night's festival finale features everyone's favorite: stand-up night. Rob Corddry hosts with Troy Walker and Nick Thune  (Comedy Central, Laugh Factory, the Tonight Show). 

Here in Telluride we are so thrilled to host these amazing comics and can't wait for the festival to begin this Thursday night! Purchase your tickets in advance through the Historic Sheridan Opera House, by clicking  here or by calling (970) 728-6363 . 

Cross-country skiing in Telluride is a great way to experience the outdoors in our beautiful box canyon. Not only is it a great form of low-impact exercise, but it's also free! There are a great deal of maintained Nordic trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking within town limits as well as some that are a short drive away. Check out the Telluride Nordic Association's website for great resources on trail systems in the area! If you need to rent cross-country or backcountry ski gear, check out Telluride.com's equipment rental specials through Telluride Sports.

Ajax Peak towers over the town of Telluride, as viewed from the Valley Floor Nordic Trails.

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Last week I went out for a little tour on my telemark skis on the valley floor after work. We have enough sunlight to be out skiing until 5:45 PM or so, and it's so peaceful and beautiful to be outside around dusk. The valley floor trails wind along the burbling San Miguel River and through a gorgeous forest of Colorado Blue Spruce trees. I didn't see any elk this time, but this is one of their favorite places to hang out. 

Above: the Valley Floor Nordic Trailhead

Below: 13,000 foot peaks in the sunlight over the Town of Telluride

Telluride ski trails are now visible on Google Maps!

Check it out on your mobile device and at maps.google.com!

Remember to check Telluride Ski Resort's Snow & Grooming Report for more information on open trails and lifts.