It is a common saying in mountain towns that you come for the winters, but you stay for the summers. This is especially true in Telluride. With an average of more than 300 inches of snow per year, Telluride, Colorado is just about the perfect ski and snowboard mountain. The mountain opens on Thanksgiving each year and does not close until early April. The holidays are an extra special time in Telluride. The Palm Theatre and Sheridan Opera House book their biggest shows of the year, the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade is the highlight of the season as skiers glide down the trails in the evening with glowing lights, and New Year's Eve is always hopping in downtown Telluride.
Summer in Telluride is a great place to beat the heat! Daytime temperatures rarely top 80 degrees and the evenings cool off to the 40s for great sleeping weather. The variety of Telluride festivals and activities in the summer means there is something for everyone. Plan ahead to attend one of our famous music or film festivals or a great niche event like the wine festival or the Festival of the Arts.
Adventurous souls
know that May and early June are the best times to take advantage of
spring run-off for white water rafting and kayaking. While not all of
the restaurants are open until later in June, those that are open don’t
have lines and the shops offer great sales in the spring! Check with a
Telluride local to see which hiking trails are clear of snow and which
mountain passes have opened.
The most special moment to visit Telluride is in autumn. The mountainsides catch fire as the sun sparkles through the golden aspens, and the fresh breeze hints at the first signs of winter. The sun takes away any fear of a chill, though the cooler evening temperatures make for the perfect atmosphere to curl up by the fire and read the latest bestseller. As you hike through sunlit trails, you'll begin to understand why some come for a visit and never leave this magical place.