12 Diverse Things to Do in Telluride in Winter (Beyond Skiing!)
There are so many amazing places to go skiing in Colorado and Telluride is one of them. But, there is a lot to do in Telluride in winter beyond just skiing!
Quick Telluride Travel Guide
If you’re traveling to Telluride at the last minute, be sure to book hotels and tours ahead of time. Below are some of my top picks:
❄️ Top tour option in Telluride:
- Half-day ice climbing (perfect for adventurers!)
🛌 Top lodging and hotels in Telluride:
- Lumiere by Dunton (luxury living in Mountain Village – my top pick!)
- The Hotel Telluride (mountain hotel near the ski lift)
- The Auberge Residences at Element 52 (luxury stay with wellness/fitness center)
- The Bivvi Hostel Telluride (cheaper accommodation with a rustic interior)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Telluride (and nearby)? Click here to check rental car rates for Colorado!
This guide details some of the best activities for those spending a bit of their winter in Telluride. I highlight other snow activities and things to do with families during the colder months.
Did I leave out any cool things to do in Telluride during winter? Let me know your tips in the comments! Thanks!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the following:
Telluride Winter Tips + FAQ
When is it winter in Telluride?
Telluride is one of those places where you will find no ‘best’ time to visit. Because the entire year has something to offer and is truly one of the coolest destinations in the US!
And while I, for the sake of this guide, focus my efforts on December, January, and February in Telluride, winter ‘more or less’ lasts from mid-November until early April. Or at least some winter activities do, if the snowfall sticks around.
Average Snowfall in Telluride
The first snowfall in Telluride typically comes in October and the last snowfall happens in May. Here are the averages (by month) in Telluride.
- November: 24.7 inches
- December: 26.2 inches
- January: 24.6 inches
- February: 26.9 inches
- March: 34.7 inches
- April: 20.3 inches
As you can see, March is the ‘snowiest’ month typically. March is also when the most snowfall days happen in a month, averaging 10.4 inches.
Winter Temperatures in Telluride
We have listed the average winter temperatures by month below. Granted, some of this falls during ‘spring’ or ‘fall’, but for the sake of the snowfall amounts during these months, I know foot traffic in Telluride is heavy.
- Telluride in November: Highs around 45F, lows around 14F
- Telluride in December: Highs around 37F, lows around 5F
- Telluride in January: Highs around 36F, lows around 4F
- Telluride in February: Highs around 39F, lows around 8F
- Telluride in March: Highs around 43F, lows around 15F
- Telluride in April: Highs around 51F, lows around 22F
Best Things to Do in Telluride in Winter
1. Go ice climbing in Telluride.
Tired of a traditional ski vacation? You can seek out the more adventurous things to do in Telluride in winter, such as ice climbing!
The small Colorado town boasts many gorgeous ice ‘walls’ (I am not sure what the technical term is here), making it possible to enjoy this exciting activity. I highly recommend doing this as part of an organized activity such as the one I recommend below!
Mountain Trip operates private tours where you can go ice climbing in Telluride. Their experienced guides organize the instruction and a half-day ice climbing adventure for you.
This tour is best for families, newcomers, and those short on time. All the necessary equipment like ice tools, mountaineering boots, helmets, and harnesses are provided.
The participants must be of moderate physical condition with no heart or back problems or any other medical conditions.
Your activity could be canceled if weather conditions do not cooperate, but you can have a chance to rebook it, or you will be fully refunded if this happens. Click here to book a trip ice climbing in Telluride.
2. Go snowmobiling through the Colorado wilderness.
The great snow conditions of Telluride create the perfect paradise for snowmobiling. Telluride boasts plenty of snowmobiling tour options for all ages and ability levels.
If you plan to go snowmobiling in Telluride, consider the following options and tours with Telluride Outfitters:
The Alta Ghost Town Tour provides historic family and group tours for beginner and intermediate riders. You’ll get to enjoy the stunning scenery and historical experience of old mining times.
The Dunton Hot Springs Tour is a great choice, offering private tours to the historic town of Dunton and a delicious lunch in its natural surroundings. Single and double riders are welcome. The trails aren’t groomed.
For those seeking more adventurous trips, the Full Day Backcountry Tour organizes rides to remote alpine settings. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are included. You’ll also visit Barlow Creek and Dunton.
3. Go winter hiking on the Bear Creek Trail.
During winter in Telluride, many trails of the area become inaccessible for half of the year, whereas the Bear Creek Trail offers year-round activities, including hiking.
This mellow trail welcomes newcomers and families with kids (in summer). The double-track trail Bear Creek follows several creeks (hence its name), stretches through conifer woods, and reaches open meadows with vistas of surrounding steeps and cliffs.
After two miles of hiking, you’ll find yourself on a flat plateau and enjoy the fantastic view of the falls at the back of the canyon. As a bonus, you’ll have a chance to check out any Colorado wildlife that stumbles in your path along the trip!
Add Smuggler’s Brewpub, located at the base of the trail, to your hiking plan to have a post-hike drink and snack. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 11:30am until 9pm.
Good to Know
Even though Bear Creek can be a smooth and fun hike during the summertime, during the wintertime, it can be dangerous with potential avalanches because of the large amount of snow. Please do this hike ONLY if you are a professional winter hiker and have the right gear for that. Also, if you are planning to take your kids with you during the winter, make sure you are extremely skilled and safe.
4. Enjoy the craft beer scene in Telluride.
In operation since 2011, Telluride Brewing Company produces excellent craft beers made with premium malt, hops, and yeasts.
With its high-quality craft beer, the company has earned a special place in the world of beer crafting. Their Face Down Brown has won Gold at the World Beer Cup (2012) and the Great American Beer Festival (2012 & 2014), as well as Bronze at the Great American Beer Festival (2016).
Their Whacked Out Wheat is another unique product that has taken medals at the Great American Beer Festival (2015) and World Beer Cup (2016 and 2018).
Today, the company still goes on innovating and expanding its tap range, and you should stop by and try it when you’re visiting Telluride! The taproom is open daily from 11am until 8pm and the brewpub is open daily from 11am until 9pm.
5. Go on a fat biking adventure.
Telluride has a never-ending list of winter recreation activities, and fat biking has become especially popular in recent years.
Grab yourself a fat bike (on a tour or get yourself a rental) and discover the trail network on the Valley Floor. The most famous trails are Bear Creek, starting right in the town, and Jurassic, stretching from Mountain Village to the Valley Floor.
If you don’t like exploring trails on your own, join custom tours organized by various companies like Bootdoctors/Paragon Outdoors, Telluride Brewing Company, and the Telluride Adventure Center (at the resort).
If you’re a newcomer and want to try your skills at fat biking in Telluride, renting a bike is an option for you.
For rentals, check out Bootdoctors/Paragon Outdoors, Box Canyon Bicycles, and Gravity Works. You’ll also be able to get some local maps and information before starting your biking journey.
6. Try out Nordic skiing.
There are plenty of places to enjoy Nordic skiing in Telluride, but these six places are popular for their diverse terrain, groomed trails, and epic views.
- Telluride Town Park
- Valley Floor
- Trout Lake
- Priest Lake
- Golf course in Mountain Village
- Top of Chair Ten
The Telluride Nordic Center maintains and grooms its trails. It also provides cross-country skiing lessons, trail maps of the area, and rental options.
Dog owners can head to Priest and Trout Lake trails or Mountain Village. Don’t forget to control and pick up after your pets if they join you for the day!
If you plan to visit the area regularly, get the membership, which partly secures the funding of Telluride Nordic Association. As a bonus, attend special events held throughout the year, like ski demo days.
7. Go snowshoeing in Telluride (and nearby).
Explore the sweeping snow-covered landscapes of Telluride by snowshoeing, a winter activity for all ages. Choose among various guided trails organized by local companies and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Below are some of the popular trails for snowshoeing in Telluride (and nearby):
Bear Creek Trail is a moderate option for snowshoeing and offers waterfall vistas along the hike. Another moderate trail featuring a picturesque lake is the gorgeous Hope Lake Trail.
The Valley Floor is also an incredible spot for snowshoeing with an available parking lot, views of the frozen river, and Ajax.
For the extreme adventurer, try Lizard Head Pass, stretching through pine woods and hills. While snowshoeing, try not to walk on the groomed tracks intended for Nordic skiers!
8. Go ice skating in Mountain Village.
Telluride is full of winter culture and things to do, and the mountain town boasts the perfect opportunities to get out on the ice! Find another frozen adventure in the heart of the Mountain Village.
Enjoy skating at the full-service ice rink maintained by Madeline Hotel and Residences. The season starts in November and goes until spring arrives.
Their scenic rink is an ideal place for family skating and beginners. It provides daily open skating from 12pm to 8pm, and you may also join a free skate hour if you wish!
The Madeline offers equipment rentals, punch cards and season passes, and skating lessons. Ice skate rentals are $15.
9. Go heli-skiing with Helitrax.
Discover the ultimate heli-skiing in Telluride with Helitrax. The company organizes trips for those looking for untracked powder in the backcountry.
Board the helicopter and experience the best skiing in Colorado this way (but beware, this is not for beginners)!
The trip offers 200 square miles of pristine terrain in the San Juan Mountains with a group of professional guides, where you’ll have access to stunning Alpine valleys and couloirs.
Your adventure includes a morning briefing, avalanche safety equipment, powder skis, snacks, and water. You’ll have six runs, at approximately 10,000-14,000 vertical feet.
At the end of the day, enjoy après ski. Visitors can book a single or multiple-day heli-ski trip. Helitrax also provides custom tours for private groups.
10. Soak in hot springs near Telluride.
Take a break from skiing, skating, and biking by visiting one of the numerous hot springs in Telluride and its vicinity. Below are some of the most beloved spots nearby!
Orvis Hot Springs offers natural pools from 98 to 114 degrees, an indoor kids’ pool, a cabin, a massaging tent, and a clothing-optional experience.
At luxurious Dunton Hot Springs, visitors can soak in the mineral-rich pools, spend a night in a private log cabin, and visit Colorado’s only geyser situated nearby.
Another wellness spot worth visiting is the natural vapor cave and spa treatment room at the historic Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings.
Ouray Hot Springs is a famous family destination, offering slides, a diving area, a water volleyball area, and shallow sections for young swimmers.
And the last spot to mention is Penny Hot Springs. This Colorado natural gem is located in the Crystal River.
11. Have a luxury stay at Lumiere Telluride.
Have an unforgettable and luxurious vacation at the Lumière. For travelers seeking an upscale stay in Telluride, this boutique hotel is an absolute treasure.
Located in the heart of Mountain Village, Lumiere is an exclusive hotel, offering 18 boutique residences and excellent ski-in, ski-out opportunities.
You’ll have full services and amenities designed to secure your personal mountain experience. You can relax at the health spa, jump in one of the pools, visit a sauna or an outdoor hot tub, and much more.
Check out high-quality wines, cocktails, and beers at the fireplace and have a board game with friends or family. The hotel can also arrange outdoor adventures, personal chef services, and babysitting.
12. Go fly fishing in Telluride.
Grab your fly rods and add another fantastic outdoor activity to your trip itinerary – fly fishing! Enjoy the winter fly fishing season in Telluride in the beautiful rivers of the area.
You’ll find several excellent places for fly fishing, including the Uncompahgre, San Miguel, and Gunnison Rivers. Spend a gorgeous day floating from the Gunnison Forks toward the Austin Bridge, and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
The Lower Gunnison River is populated with rainbows and brown trout, and the San Miguel River is excellent from February until April and nymphing is the primary technique used during this season.
Another perfect option for winter fishing, and one that is preferred by locals and visitors, is the Uncompahgre River. Optimal water conditions and low fishing pressure bring forth the best fly fishing opportunities in the area!
Where to Stay in Telluride
You will find plenty of lodging and accommodation in Telluride during winter! Options range from luxury, spa-included hotels to cabins in the beautiful wilderness.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Telluride on your winter trip:
- Lumiere by Dunton (luxury living in Mountain Village – my top pick!)
- The Hotel Telluride (mountain hotel near the ski lift)
- The Auberge Residences at Element 52 (luxury stay with wellness/fitness center)
- The Bivvi Hostel Telluride (cheaper accommodation with a rustic interior)
What are some of the top things to do in Telluride in winter aside from skiing, in your opinion? Let me know in the comments! Thanks!
More Colorado Winter Guides
- Breckenridge in winter
- Garden of the Gods in winter
- Steamboat Springs in winter
- Crested Butte in winter
- Day trips from Colorado Springs
- Day trips from Denver
Pin this Telluride Winter Vacation Guide
