There’s been a bit more attention on Telluride Ski Resort than usual for this time of year. The magical mountain town I’m lucky to call home has found itself in the headlines, reminding us that even the most idyllic places experience moments of pause.
Winter has arrived in her own time this season, and circumstances have briefly shifted how we experience the mountain. The ski patrol strike is still underway, I remain optimistic that this chapter will be temporary and that all involved will come to a thoughtful, positive resolution soon. Until then, Telluride continues to offer so much of what makes it special—beauty, creativity, community, and that unmistakable alpine magic.
If you currently have a trip planned and are wondering how to make the most of your time here beyond skiing, I’ve put together a few of my favorite ways to enjoy Telluride in peak winter—experiences that invite you to slow down, explore, and fall in love with this place from a different perspective.
Here are eight inspired ways to enjoy winter in Telluride—during peak winter season, when the mountains, town, and creative scene feel especially rich and alive:
❄️ 1. Enjoy Nature! Snowshoe, Sleigh Rides, Nordic Ski & Winter Hikes in Alpine Stillness
Peak winter blankets Telluride in luminous snow. Snowshoeing the Bear Creek Trail and the Telluride Golf Course or taking a winter walk through town reveals a quieter, more contemplative side of the landscape—towering peaks and that unmistakable high-alpine calm. Groomed trails for Nordic skiing is also possible on the Valley Floor, Golf Course and Town Park, weather permitting. Rent or purchase snowshoes or nordic ski gear at Jagged Edge, Bootdoctors or Christy Sports. I advise to call ahead to see if they have what you are looking for.
Experience the great outdoors with Telluride Sleighs and Wagons. They offer a few options, you can choose sleigh ride only or the sleigh with dinner option. Thrill in the magic of a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride at the historic Aldasoro Family Ranch. Embark on a winter adventure with two daily rides, conveniently departing from the Telluride Courthouse at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Whether you’re seeking a family outing or a romantic excursion, these sleigh rides are perfect for all ages.
❄️ 2. Explore Telluride’s Art Galleries
Winter is an exceptional time to immerse yourself in Telluride’s vibrant arts scene. Galleries feel warm and welcoming, showcasing contemporary Western art, photography, sculpture, and mixed media—often with time and space to truly engage with the work. Check our local paper the Telluride Times for Telluride’s monthly Art Walk event, typically on the first Thursday of each month from 5-7pm. This is a festive evening in Town when galleries feature new exhibits and artist receptions from 5-7 PM
Galleries to check out in Town include Heard Gallery, Milk Moon Gallery, Fringe Gallery, Gold Mountain Gallery, Atelier. Telluride Arts HQ has exhibitions around town as well. In Mountain Village you can visit Rinkevich Gallery.
❄️ 3. Take an Art Class or Creative Workshop
With winter fully settled in, it’s the perfect season to turn inward creatively. The Ah Haa School for the Arts offers inspiring classes in painting, ceramics, photography, culinary, printmaking, and more—an enriching way to connect with the community while embracing creative flow.
❄️ 4. Photograph Iconic Winter Landscapes
Telluride in peak winter is visually breathtaking. From the frozen power of Bridal Veil Falls to snow-covered Victorian homes and glowing alpenglow sunsets, the town becomes a living gallery for photographers and visual storytellers.
❄️ 5. Savor the Culinary Scene & Fireside Evenings
Winter invites long dinners and cozy gatherings. Fireside restaurants, intimate wine bars, and refined mountain cuisine create the perfect counterpoint to cold days outdoors—unhurried, atmospheric, and deeply satisfying. Some of my favorite dining spots in Town include Sheridan Chop House, The Grand, The National, La Marmotte, Smuggler Union, Wood Ear, There… and 221 South Oak. In Mountain Village try the Timber Room at the Madeline Hotel.
Chocolate lovers, you must check out Telluride Truffle. I’ve indulged in amazing chocolates around the world, but these continue to by my favorite. If you are looking for a creative and tasteful gift from Telluride, then the Fourteener might be the answer!
Click HERE for more of Telluride restaurants.
Click HERE for more Mountain Village dining options.
❄️ 6. The Art of Shopping, Telluride-Style
Telluride’s boutiques shine in winter, offering a curated shopping experience that feels both personal and inspired. From beautifully edited fashion and cold-weather essentials to handcrafted jewelry, home goods, and locally made treasures, strolling Main Street becomes a cozy, unhurried pleasure. Shop for pieces you won’t find anywhere else, connect with knowledgeable local owners, and bring home something meaningful—a reminder that Telluride style is as refined as it is relaxed.
Fashionable boutiques in Town you don’t want to miss, Two Skirts, CashmereRED and Scarpe. For hats & western wear Crossbow is fun. For cute home goods and gifts HOOK is a great option. In Mountain Village you can find chic outdoor wear at Telluride Sports Franz Klammer Lodge location and clothing/gifts at Heritage.
❄️ 7. Restoration at Altitude: Telluride’s Spa Rituals
Winter in Telluride invites a slower, more restorative rhythm, and the spa experiences in both Town of Telluride and Mountain Village are designed for exactly that. From oxygen-infused facials and deep-tissue mountain recovery massages to steam rooms, saunas, and serene relaxation lounges, these sanctuaries offer the perfect counterbalance to crisp alpine days.
Whether you’re easing sore muscles, prioritizing wellness, or simply indulging in quiet luxury, Telluride’s spas deliver a sense of calm, warmth, and renewal—elevated by snow falling softly just beyond the windows. In Town a few options include Aveda Spa, Studio G and Pure Beauty and Wellness Spa. In Mountain Village, look for spa experiences at The Peaks Resort and The Madeline Hotel & Residences.
❄️8. Find Your Dream Home in Telluride!
Winter is the perfect time to tour properties in Telluride, Mountain Village and surrounding areas. As your local real estate expert and long time Telluride local, I want to help make your dream of property ownership in the mountains a reality. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a property, I’d love to offer you white glove service for all your real estate needs. Fill out the form below to get started. Also, check out my Real Estate website for up to date listings.
Here’s a featured listing from our office, Rapaport Real Estate:
485 East Colorado, Telluride, 81435
MLS 43940
A truly rare offering in the heart of Telluride, this stately residence unites privacy, convenience, and exceptional potential across four flat lots. Enveloped in a park-like setting with mature trees and panoramic mountain views, the property sits just steps from Town Park and the vibrancy of downtown. The main home offers four inviting bedrooms, complemented by a separate caretaker’s apartment ideal for guests, extended family, or rental versatility.
Three lots encompass the existing structures, while the fourth is a standalone parcel—an extraordinary opportunity to expand into a true in-town compound or to sell independently. Properties of this scale and character are virtually nonexistent in Telluride, presenting the chance to craft an unparalled legacy estate.
