Activities
The adventure started in 1972, when Aspenite and Beverly Hills entrepreneur Joseph Zoline opened the fledgling ski area. With the help of local miner and skier Billy Mahoney Sr. and French ski racer/coach Emile Allais, runs were cut from the top of Lift 6 to the Day Lodge at the present-day bases of Lifts 1 and 10. Of the five lifts constructed, none picked up in Telluride. Instead, a bus drove skiers from town, around the mountain, through the Adams Ranch (now Mountain Village) and dropped them off at the Day Lodge (present-day Big Billies). Lift 1 took you to Lift 3 or 4, and from there you skied to Lift 5, and finally up to Lift 6, which dropped you off at the top of the ski area. If you skied down the wild and ungroomed north face to town, you had to ride the bus back to the Day Lodge to get back on the mountain. The pros, the ski bums, and the hard-core powder hounds could catch five rides in a day. It wasn't until 1975 that Zoline acquired enough mining claims and permission from the Forest Service to put in a lift (#7) from Telluride to the top of Coonskin Ridge, and the legend of Telluride was born.
In 1978, Ron Allred and Jim Wells purchased the ski area from Zoline. They added snowmaking, built Lifts 8, 9 and 10 and cut more runs down the steep north face of the ski area, including the famous Spiral Stairs, Plunge and Kant-Mak-M. In the years to follow, their company welcomed snowboarders, built Gorrono Restaurant, developed the Mountain Village, constructed the free gondola transportation system, created a snowboarding park and opened Allred's on-mountain restaurant.
The finale of this 30-year saga was the recent purchase of the mountain by Hideo "Joe" Morita, who took the resort to its present glory by adding four lifts and expanding the area by 733 acres into Prospect Bowl.
This prime location, perched in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, offered one thing no ski area entrepreneur ever had to buy or develop - unrivaled scenery. Telluride has always taken top honors in ski magazine surveys for its 360-degree views and towering mountainscapes.
Be sure to check out all our Telluride lodging options when planning your next trip.
In the menu to the left you can read more about the various activities that Telluride offers. You can also find information about some of our most popular activities below;
Summer Activities
Telluride is not only a world-class ski resort, it is also known for its natural beauty in the summer time. There are also plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy during your vacation.
Rafting 
Feed your adventurous side by enjoying a rafting trip on the San Miguel, Dolores or Uncompahgre rivers. Trips range from half-day to multi-day and include class II-III rapids. The season usually starts in late May and goes all the way through September on the Uncompahgre river. This is a fun-filled activity suitable for most ages, making it perfect for a family gathering!
Fly-Fishing
The Telluride region is one of the best for trout fishing in the world! Trips are available from half-day to multi-day and some trips even combine fly-fishing with waterfowl hunting! We can help you book the fly-fishing adventure of your dreams in either private or public waters.
Rockclimbing
Whether you are an experienced climber or never tried it before, Telluride is the place to 
rockclimb! Mountain views do not get any better than this! Rock climbing classes are available for all ages and abilities and range from half to full-day trips.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy a horseback pack trip with an incredible view! Trips are available from two-hour and full-day tours to customized multi-day trips.
Hiking
Hiking, with or without a guide, can be done virtually everywhere in Telluride. There are plenty of trails varying in difficulty to suit the whole family!
Mountain Biking
Both Telluride and Mountain Village have an extensive mountain bike trail system. The San Juan 
Hut System with overnight facilities connects Telluride with Moab, UT via 206 miles of varied terrain. Phil's World in Cortez, CO also offers great trails for mountain biking.
To rent mountain bikes for your Telluride vacation, please contact us at 888.376.9770. We also work with some of Telluride's best outfitters who offer half-day and custom mountain bike trips in the beautiful Telluride area.
4x4 Tours
4WD tours are a great way to see the Telluride region's amazing scenery and learn about it colorful history at the same time. Half to full-day guided tours are available and can be booked by calling us at Telluride Reservations Center at 888.376.9770.
4x4 tours are also available to fo on your own - there are plenty of 4WD roads in the area!
Winter Activities
Skiing
Not surprisingly, skiing is the main winter activity in Telluride! Whether you prefer to enjoy the ski mountain or go Nordic skiing, Telluride Reservations Center can help you book both lift tickets and ski rental equipment.
Snowmobiling 
Enjoy a two-hour guided tour to historic Alta Lakes near Telluride or indulge in a full-day trip with a soak in hot springs and a country gourmet lunch. We can help you book the right snowmobile adventure for your family!
Sleigh Ride
Bond with your family while enjoying a cozy sleigh ride along with Roudy, Telluride's own colorful cowboy. Snuggle up underneath a blanket and enjoy amazing views, including open meadows and both the San Juan and La Salle mountain ranges.
Fly-Fishing
Not only a summer activity, fly-fishing is great in the winter time too, especially in early spring!
Ice Climbing 
The Telluride region contains areas with some of the best ice climbing in the country. Guided ice climbing tours are available from introductory to advanced tours, either as a half or full-day tour.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is another great way to take a break from skiing and experience the amazing surroundings of Telluride. Guided tours are available from half and full-day tours to animal tracking tours. If you prefer to go snowshoeing on your own, snowshoes are available to rent. We can help you book either a guided tour or snowshoe rentals - please contact us at 888.376.9770.
Booking your vacation is the easy part! Telluride Reservations Center can help you book anything for your vacation; from lodging, air fare and transportation to festival and lift tickets, rentals and activities - all in one step!
To start planning your vacation, please contact our local Telluride vacation specialists at 888.376.9770 or e-mail us at inquiry@telluride.com!
