FREE

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

a Telluride Sunset...

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Hart

Has anyone seen a Telluride sunset recently?! They have been amazing. Check out a few pictures from last night at the Sunset Concert Series where Mountain Standard Time performed for free in Mountain Village.

tags: colorado, concert, FREE, live music, sunset, Sunset Concert Series, telluride

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

Top 5 Best Things to do in Telluride this Week, 6/7-6/14

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Hart

The next couple weeks are my absolute favorite time to be in town. Main Street is packed with locals and visitors, tons of events going on, and people get to experience some of the prettiest weather they have ever felt. Lots going on this week before a HUGE week of Bluegrass shenanigans... here's your 'Top 5 Best Things to do in Telluride this Week':

Thursday, June 9th - Wild West Fest 20th Anniversary Shindig - The Sheridan Arts Foundation is excited to host the 20th Anniversary Shindig celebrating Western history and culture with Wild West Fest participants and the Telluride community. The celebration will host the Yellow Bird Native American Hoop Dancing troupe, Ken Waldman, fiddle players, an ice cream social, games and more on Thursday from 6:00pm-8:00pm. All entertainment and activities are FREE and open to the public.

Friday, June 10th - Langhorne Slim in concert - The Wild West Fest presents a benefit concert with country, blues and rock & roll artist, Langhorne Slim. Come kick off the Sheridan Opera House's first concert of the Summer season... all while giving back to a great cause. Show is from 8:00pm-11:00pm, tickets are $23 and are available at www.sheridanoperahouse.com

Saturday, June 11th - The Great Funktier live at The Llama - Your favorite local jam-band is playing a show at The Llama this Saturday night. They just played a funky show down in Durango, CO last weekend at The Summit... and they're ready to blow the roof off The Llama. I bet you'll hear the cover 'Funky Town'... Show starts at 10:00pm, $5 at the door.

Sunday, June 12th - A Day at Schmid Ranch - This beautiful, historic ranch on Wilson Mesa can be seen for free this weekend as part of the Heritage Fest. Tours, hayrides, farm animals, cowboys, and more will take place on this amazing homestead that has been around since 1882. For more information & directions, visit here: http://www.visittelluride.com/festivals-events/calendar/2010-06-13/day-schmid-ranch

All Day, Everyday - Whitewater Rafting - This is PRIME Whitewater Rafting season here in Telluride. Get on a trip before the river's die down... We recommend going with our friends from Telluride Outside - a local Fly Fishing, Jeep Tours, Whitewater Rafting, Mountain biking Tours shop here in T-ride. Ask for my buddy, Wyatt Listrom, he'll take you for the ride of your life! For more info, visit: http://www.tellurideoutside.com/

tags: FREE, Heritage Fest, Langhorne Slim, Schmid Ranch, Sheridan Arts Foundation, sheridan opera house, this week, top 5, Wild West Fest

10 Things to Love about Mountain Village, Colorado in the Summer

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Hart

The town of Telluride, Colorado, evokes many things for different people — world-class skiing, the Bluegrass Festival, the Telluride Film Festival, etc., but most people aren’t aware that a free, short gondola ride away is the town of Mountain Village. Skiers flock to Mountain Village in the winter to be close to the slopes and ski school, but this small hamlet is sometimes forgotten during the summer season, even though it has a lot to offer visitors to the area!

1. Peaceful – Since most of the major festivals and events happen in Downtown Telluride during the summer, Mountain Village remains a peaceful, serene escape from everything. Guests enjoy the peace and quiet in the quaint European-style core area or REALLY get away from everything in a house along the thawed out Telluride Ski Resort slopes.

2. Sunset Concert Series – Every Wednesday evening throughout the summer, an open air concert takes place on the Sunset Plaza lawn for FREE. Music lovers bring blankets, snacks, and the entire family to enjoy live music and a beautiful sunset. Shows in the past have featured The Avett Brothers, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Taj Mahal and more.

3. Golf – It will be hard to stay focused because Telluride Ski & Golf’s 18-hole golf course is located among the highest concentration of 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks in North America. The Telluride Golf Club, open from May to mid-October, is a spectacular way to spend an afternoon in the outdoors. Playing golf at 9,000+ feet in altitude creates less resistance against the golf ball during flight, translating to 15% more distance on your drives.

4. Frisbee Golf Course – Located across the street from Town Hall Plaza, a free Double Cabin Disc Golf Course is available from 7 a.m. to sunset during the entire summer. Players aim for the metal baskets and the fewest number of throws wins. A great mix of hiking, friendly competition, and outdoor scenery… this activity is perfect for all ages.

5. Trampoline & Adventure Rock – Located in the Heritage Plaza and the Conference Center Plaza, are a couple adrenaline activities for adults and kids alike. Get strapped in and catapult into the air on the trampoline bounce or test your strength on the free-standing, man-made climbing rock.

6. Mountain Biking – The greater Telluride region offers some of the best mountain biking in the region behind Moab, UT. From the San Sophia Station (top of the Gondola), access the Mountain Village Bike Park with five trails stretching three miles along the ski slopes. The trails are equipped for all ability levels.

7. Trail running and hiking – From the San Sophia Station, your hiking and running opportunities are endless. Hike up to the top of Gold Hill, run along the thawed out ski slopes, or simply build up your appetite by hiking down to the Mountain Village Center for lunch.

8. Free scenic Gondola – The scenic and very unique Gondola that separates Telluride and Mountain Village is a spectacular 13-minute ride and is 100% free. The Gondola is the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the United States and is worth every minute. Don’t forget your camera!

9. Red, White, & Blues – a pre July 4^th celebration, the Red, White, & Blues concert is a great way to spend time with family & friends while listening to free music. Face painting, trampoline bounce, and an ice cream social will ensure your kids a great time. Kick off the holiday weekend with great music and even better views.

10. Festival of the Arts – Every August, share a common passion for local art, food, wine, and spirits as art lovers meet in the Mountain Village core for the Festival of the Arts. This annual weekend culinary and visual arts event, produced by the same folks as the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, features a Grand Tasting, nationally juried art show, and delicious local culinary.

For the more information about events, activities and accommodations in the Mountain Village and Telluride area visit Telluride.com. Telluride Alpine Lodging, the exclusive lodging provider for Telluride.com, offers a varied range of vacation rental accommodations throughout Telluride and Mountain Village, Colorado. We feature a large selection of hotel rooms, one, two and three bedroom condominiums and premier homes – each offering a diverse range in location, décor and price.

tags: FREE, Mountain Village, summer, top 10

The Great Funktier get funky

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Hart

The Great Funktier, your favorite local band, is playing a FREE show at The Buck tonight at 9:00pm. Also, look out for them opening up the KOTO Street Dance Friday afternoon on Main Street. Good times around the bend!

tags: FREE, live music, The Buck, The Great Funktier

Epic Squid

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Sam

Thank you to everyone who came out to see Dude & Bros Epic Adventure! It was an epic success.
Thank you for supporting free community theatre in Telluride!
Here are some clips of opening night!

tags: FREE, sheridan opera house, SquidShow, theatre, thespians

Top 5 Best Things to do in Telluride this Week, 2/28-3/8

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Hart

How was everyone's weekend?! New snow, sunshine, great show from Leftover Salmon, Gay Ski Week kicked off, The King's Speech taking top honors at the Oscars, and Squidshow putting on three hilarious shows at the Sheridan Opera House. Can you believe its almost March?!!? With exactly 34 days left in the ski season, make everyday count!

Here are the Top 5 Best Things to do in Telluride this Week, 2/28 - 3/7:

Wednesday, March 2nd - The Kinsey Sicks - Telluride Arts and Gay Ski Week presents The Kinsey Sicks - America's favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet. The Kinsey Sicks have performed in Vegas, Off-Broadway, featured films, and on seven albums throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Come to the Sheridan Opera House on Wednesday night at 7:30pm. Seats are $35 and $50. This hilarious act will surely be a highlight of the Telluride Gay Ski Week.

Thursday, March 3rd - Telluride Art Walk - The first Thursday of every month, participating galleries stay open til 8ish for the Telluride Art Walk. Mission Statement: "To cultivate a partnership between Telluride businesses and the art community which promotes established and emerging artists, local commerce, and public access to the arts". The Art Walk is FREE and is a great way to browse Main Street, have a few refreshments & snacks, and view local art and culture. Participating venues and artist brochures are available at the Stronghouse Studios (283 S. Fir Street) or at any of the participating galleries. Check it out... its a really cool way to visit local shops you might not have visited before.

Friday, March 4th & Saturday, March 5th - Telluride Jazz Festival presents The Charlie Hunter Trio - The Telluride Jazz Festival presents two live shows with the 7-string guitar virtuoso + band, The Charlie Hunter Trio on March 4th & 5th. Hunter is a Jazz phenomenon with over 17 recorded albums on his custom made 7 and 8-string guitars. Listen to his simultaneous baselines, rhythm guitar, and solos this Friday and Saturday nights at The Llama. Show starts 9:30-10:00pm and tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. This will be a great way to gear up for the Telluride Jazz Celebration coming to Town Park, August 5th-7th.

Saturday, March 5th - Telluride AIDS Benefit Gala Fashion Show and Auction - It's back. The most anticipated night of the Winter. A night full of lights, cameras, glam, body paint, designer clothes, the runway, high heels, makeup, and lots of people looking for tickets. This is the one night when you feel you've been teleported to 171 West & 23rd Street in downtown New York City. And the best part, the entire production benefits the mission to fight HIV/AIDS by heightening awareness, as well as generating financial support for educational programs. The Telluride AIDS Benefit (TAB) Fashion Show is an extremely fun and awesome experience. Over the past 17 years, TAB has donated over $1,000,000 toward HIV/AIDS education and research. If you can get a ticket to this event, it's one of the cooler events you'll see in Telluride.

Tuesday, March 8th - Mardi Gras with Joint Point - Happy Mardi Gras!!! After you slam a couple Irish Car Bombs at OB's... swing by the Sheridan Opera House for local favorite band, Joint Point. The Sheridan Opera House is excited to host a complete evening of music, costumes, and themed festivities. Tickets are $25.

Have a great week! Enjoy the little bit of new snow and sunshine. Just another week in paradise!

tags: AIDS Benefit, Art Walk, colorado, fashion show, FREE, Gay Ski Week, Jazz Festival, live music, sheridan opera house, telluride, this week, top 5

Squidshow Presents "Dude & Bro's Epic Adventure!"

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Sam

Our favorite local group of thespians, Squishow Theatre, are putting on a play this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Historic Sheridan Opera House at 8PM. Show is free, but a hat will be passed around. Suggested donation of $10 is appreciated.
And yes, I am in this production. Selling lodging isn't my only talent. See you there!

tags: bromantic, comedy, FREE, sheridan opera house, SquidShow, theatre, thespians