Best of Free Winter Activities
Whoever said nothing in life is free? If you have booked your Telluride accommodations and are looking to experience Telluride this winter without skis, here are 15 FREE things to do in town - It will help your wallet stay happy!
1. Gondola Ride - Catch a ride on the free Gondola that connects the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. Open during ski season and during the summer from 7am to Midnight, this scenic ride is a must. The 11 minute ride will leave you speechless as you find yourself surrounded by 13,000 foot peaks.
2. Ice Skating in Mountain Village - Check out the frozen pond by Bootdoctor's in the core of Mountain Village and at Town Park. In no time you'll be skating like Oksana Baiul!
3. RiverTrail walk - Located in the town of Telluride, the RiverTrail 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.
4. 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 homes give insight to the rich history that helped build this unique mountain town.
5. Telluride's award winning Wilkinson Public Library - You will spend ALL day once you enter the doors of this library. This is a great way to rent books, magazines, DVD's, CD's, and more for your Telluride vacation. Also, use the FREE internet to change your flights (Because you'll never want to leave Telluride).
6. Nordic Skiing - 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. Make sure you keep an eye out for the Elk!
7. Snowshoe - There are endless spots to snowshoe in Telluride if you're looking to get out and enjoy nature. A popular spot to snowshoe is Bear Creek Trail located on the east end of town. Check out the beautiful scenery and backcountry ski terrain.
8. 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, the Post Office, and numerous Telluride lodging facilities. Catch the Galloping Goose!
9. 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. If you're lucky, you'll see the infamous (and surprisingly friendly) porcupine while skiing near Prospect Bowl.
10. Sledding - Town Park or Chair #7 are great places to sled after the slopes have closed for the day. Fun for the entire family!
11. Guided Mountain Tour - Telluride Ski Resort offers a free tour of our beautiful "Unmatched" terrain with the purchase of a lift ticket. Take advantage of this tour if it's your first time visiting the ski area. Soon you'll be skiing like a local!
12. 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, or drop off something at the end of your Telluride vacation!
13. Outdoor Fire Pit in Mountain Village - 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.
14. Sporting Events - Check out the free sporting events happening all winter long such as the World Cup Snowboard Cross, Freeskiing World Tour, downhill races, regional hockey games and more.
15. Colorado's Largest Waterfall - Check out Colorado's largest (365 ft.) freefalling waterfall at the end of the box canyon. This waterfall is rich in history (AC current was invented in the house perched on top) and absolutely breathtaking!
