Blog | Mountain Lodge Telluride

a woman in a hot tub with mountains in the background

Discover Telluride Bike Park at the Telluride Ski Resort

Calling all mountain biking enthusiasts! The Telluride Bike Park at the Telluride Ski Resort offers an unforgettable experience on two wheels.

One of our top picks is the Galloping Goose Trail. Following an old railroad grade into Ilium Valley, this trail spans approximately 20 miles one way. The beauty of this trail lies in its accessibility, as it offers a non-technical tread and a reasonable grade. It's an excellent choice, especially for those who are not accustomed to the altitude, as it provides a relatively easy climb.

Moreover, for visitors without their own bikes, worry not! Our concierge team at Mountain Lodge Telluride is ready to help with discounted bike rentals and all the essentials so you can hit the trails with confidence.

Adventure and natural beauty merge for an exhilarating mountain biking journey. Tickets for the park can be purchased here along with more information about guided tours and clinics.

a drone shot of the cabins and the lodge during the day

a black jeep on a dirt road with snow in the mountains

Unveiling the Magic: A Guide to Telluride's Spectacular June Festivals

The charming town of Telluride comes alive in June with a spectacular month of events that will ignite your senses and leave you in awe.

The season kicks off with the Food + Vine Festival from June 1- 4, followed closely by the Balloon Festival from June 2-4. For those visiting later in the month, Telluride Bluegrass Festival from June 15 – 18 is a local’s favorite, or checkout the Telluride Yoga Festival from June 22 – 25 to immerse yourself in mountain zen.

As you prepare for your adventure, pack essentials for the unpredictable mountain weather. Layered clothing is a must, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Don't forget sturdy walking shoes, a rain jacket, and sunscreen for the high-altitude sun. Additionally, for the Balloon Festival, bring a camera to capture the mesmerizing hot air balloons floating against the backdrop of the picturesque mountains.

To blend seamlessly with the locals, embrace the laid-back mountain vibe. Ditch the formal wear and opt for casual attire that reflects Telluride's relaxed atmosphere. A wide-brimmed hat and a reusable water bottle are invaluable companions as you explore the festival grounds. Don't be shy to strike up conversations with locals and fellow festival-goers; they often have insider tips and recommendations to enhance your experience.

Upon arrival, be sure to grab festival guides for both events to plan your itinerary. The Food + Vine Festival offers tantalizing culinary experiences, including tastings, cooking demonstrations, and farm-to-table events. The Balloon Festival showcases a stunning display of colorful hot air balloons ascending into the sky, creating a magical atmosphere. Be sure to check the schedule for balloon ascensions and evening glow events.

While the festivals steal the limelight, don't miss the chance to explore the breathtaking nature that surrounds Telluride. Embark on a scenic hike or bike ride, and take a rejuvenating dip in the crystal-clear mountain streams. Explore the charming streets of Telluride, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes.

The Summer Season is Full of Festivals

Summer is just around the corner, and there's no better place to spend it than in Telluride. With an exciting lineup of festivals happening throughout the season, there's something for everyone to enjoy in our picturesque mountain town.

Starting Memorial Day Weekend, Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival, which celebrates documentary films about adventure, nature, and the environment, draws film buffs near and far. This festival is perfect for those who love the great outdoors and want to be inspired by breathtaking landscapes and stories of human endurance and triumph.

The Telluride Bluegrass Festival celebrates their 50th season in June with a bang, drawing thousands of music fans from around the world to experience the magic of this iconic American genre. With a mix of top-notch performers, workshops, and jam sessions, it's a weekend filled with toe-tapping fun.

The Telluride Yoga Festival invites yogis from all over to recharge, unwind and practice with world-class teachers in a stunning mountain setting. The Plein Air Festival is another excellent option for those who love art and nature, as it invites artists to paint outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

In August, the Telluride Jazz Festival brings a unique blend of performers to town, creating a laid-back atmosphere that captures the spirit of Telluride. The Telluride Americana Music Festival is another fantastic event to attend, featuring a blend of folk, bluegrass, country, and blues music that will get your toes tapping.

For those who love mushrooms, the Telluride Mushroom Festival in August is a unique and exciting event that celebrates all things fungi, from gourmet mushroom dinners to educational seminars and guided foraging expeditions.

And for fans of film, the Telluride Film Festival during Labor Day Weekend is a premier event for independent cinema, showcasing some of the most exceptional films from around the world.

Finally, the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival in September is a must-attend event for blues music and craft beer enthusiasts, featuring dozens of breweries showcasing their craft beers alongside performances from some of the best blues musicians in the country.

Telluride is a magical place, and there's no better time to visit than during the summer months when the town comes alive with festivals and events.

a car parked on a road between two large white walls

Experience Telluride Like a Local

April in Telluride is a time of excitement and anticipation, as the winter season draws to a close and spring brings with it a variety of activities and adventures. Locals in Telluride eagerly await the warmer temperatures and longer days, which provide the perfect opportunity for a variety of outdoor activities without the out-of-town crowds.

One of the most popular spring activities in Telluride is cross country skiing, which offers a unique and peaceful way to explore the beautiful mountain landscapes. Snowshoeing is another favorite pastime, providing a great workout and breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains.

Visit the Nordic Center in Telluride Town Park and explore the scenic winter landscapes of Town Park, Trout Lake, Mountain Village, and Priest Lake on cross-country skis or snowshoes. There you can also take skiing and snowshoeing clinics, pick up ski trail maps and rent equipment. Check online for seasonal hours and reservations.

Classic skiing remains a popular option during the first few weeks of April, with trails winding through the scenic forests and valleys that surround the town. Be prepared as temperatures are quite varied this time of year.

For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled experience, white water rafting and off-roading are thrilling options.. As the snow begins to melt and the rivers swell, locals and visitors alike take to the rapids and mountain passes for an unforgettable adventure. The San Miguel River offers some of the best rafting in the area, with thrilling rapids and stunning scenery.
April is a special time to experience the beauty and slower pace of our magical mountain town.

Spring is the Ultimate Skiing Experience

Many Telluride locals feel that March is the best month of the year for skiing. March means long sunny days (with lifts open until 4:30pm), spring snow storms, and lots of local events happening around Telluride.

The snow conditions are often at their best during this time of year with all of the expert hike-to terrain being open to explore. Telluride’s high altitude means that the snow tends to stay in great condition, even as the temperature rises. Plus, late-season snow storms can bring fresh powder, creating the ultimate skiing experience with sunny skies.

Mountain Lodge is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes and to continue enjoying the stunning views of the San Juan mountains. After dark, there are a number of lively musical offerings on the calendar this March. All events are at Telluride’s Historic Sheridan Opera House unless otherwise noted.

March 1 - The Dopapod quartet performs a live concert at 8:00 p.m.
March 6 - Telluride Chamber Music and Telluride Arts is sponsoring wine and an hour of live music by violinist Anneke Dean at Telluride Arts HQ Gallery on Main Street from 5-6 p.m.
March 9 - Keller Williams live in concert at 9:00 p.m.
March 22 – 25th – Telluride Theatre’s Burlesque Shows
March 30 - Birds of Play live in concert at 8:00 p.m.
March 31 - Joint Point, a guest favorite at Mountain Lodge, is marking the end of ski season with a Community Night at the Opera House and admission is only $1!

Join us this month at Mountain Lodge for an exhilarating time for skiing!

February Fun

The winter is heating up with lots of fun events this month. Mountain Lodge will be a hub for guests enjoying activities on property as well as in Telluride. There is something for everyone!

Whether you are a fan of the Eagles or the Chiefs or just great football, ski straight into The View to watch The Big Game on Sunday, February 12th. We offer the perfect place to watch the game (and the commercials!) while enjoying burgers, wings, craft cocktails, local brews on tap. There will be lots of game day specials to keep you cheering starting at 4pm. Reservations are required and can be made on OpenTable.

The View offers a beautiful fireside Valentine’s Day’s dinner with spectacular views of the San Sophia Range. Order a bottle of wine to accompany the evening and indulge in one opulent dish after another with your special someone. Celebrate the occasion for $135 per person. Reservations are available from 5-9pm and can be made here.

The View will host a local band called Joint Point on Friday, February 17th This live performance is in celebration of Mardi Gras. We might be almost 1500 miles to New Orleans but a carnival atmosphere abounds!

Telluride Gay Ski Week, a custom since 2002, will kick off February 25th and extend until March 4th. Participants and locals alike look forward to the week-long calendar of events. New ownership SBG Productions has amped up the festivities with round the clock parties including the signature White Party held at Sheridan Opera House on March 3rd. Stay at Mountain Lodge and top the week with a celebratory brunch. Unlimited mimosas + aperol spritz, a latin-infused menu, and a drag show by Durango's finest Queens + Kings are sure to delight! Make your reservations here.

The TAB (Telluride Aids Benefit) Fashion Show is one of the hottest events of the winter and all for a good cause. Coinciding with Telluride Gay Ski Week, this special three-day event celebrates high-end fashion.

Since 1994, TAB has worked to provide awareness and financial support for HIV/Aids educational programs and client care. The TAB Fashion Show returns this February 23-25 for three nights of high-end fashion. Tickets are on sale here. This annual event is highly professional and choreographed making it Telluride’s premier show during the winter. In addition, festive parties, special pop-up sales and auctions all contribute to raising funds to fight HIV. See, sip and celebrate all for a good cause!

Out of The Canyon 2/24: Mountain Lodge couldn’t be more excited to showcase some of Telluride’s most innovative, chef-driven cuisine. Guests will have the opportunity to savor the western slope’s freshest ingredients as The View collaborates with local Chefs for Out of the Canyon, an 8-course pairing dinner for $145 per person. Two seatings are offered at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Reservations are required and can be made on OpenTable.

It is a busy month of celebrations and special events but there is still plenty of time for skiing!

Winter Menu Delights

The View at Mountain Lodge strives to surprise and delight its guests. While the outdoor scenery is sure to dazzle, the food and beverage menu is truly the star of the show.

This winter we offer several new menu items to savor. Enjoy selected local brews on tap or a hand-crafted cocktail near the roaring fireplace while you peruse the myriad of choices. You can’t go wrong starting off with a sharable like Burrata with shaved sherry marinated persimmons, pistachios, frisée and a drizzle of olio verde or our house made Ricotta seasoned perfectly with a twist of citrus. If your new year’s resolution includes a more veg-forward diet, try the Roasted Butternut Squash, Winter Kale Salad or Caesar Broccolini for a hearty yet healthy option. Main entrees to highlight include Colorado Elk with celeriac root and a flavorful au poivre sauce and Squid Ink Tagliatelle with crab, calabrian chili and lemon accents, and topped with chives.

While our chef keeps the menu fresh and updated, seasonal favorites like Bison Tartare, Crab Cakes, Steak and Patatas Bravas are mainstays.

four skiers with their gear in front of the lodge with snow all around

Thanksgiving at Mountain Lodge Telluride

Telluride Mountain’s Opening Day is much anticipated for skiers and winter enthusiasts. Thanksgiving marks the occasion, and here at Mountain Lodge Telluride, we have a number of ways to celebrate the season slopeside.

Telluride Mountain’s Opening Day is much anticipated for skiers and winter enthusiasts. Thanksgiving marks the occasion, and here at Mountain Lodge Telluride, we have a number of ways to celebrate the season slopeside.

We offer a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner with a twist at The View with two seatings, 5pm and 7:30pm.

The menu offers something savory and sweet for everyone: Parker house rolls with butter and honey, herby mixed green salads with a shallot vinaigrette, seared sweet potatoes with brown butter harissa honey and roasted hazelnuts, Caesar Brussels sprouts, and a 12-hour brined turkey breast with pan dripped gravy. Deserts include pumpkin bread pudding, caramelized pecans, spiced caramel, and vanilla ice cream. Adults can join us for $75 per person and kids for $35 per person. Reservations are required and can be made on OpenTable.

Kick up your heels Friday evening, November 25th, at The Mountain Lodge’s Annual Snow Dance featuring a local band called Joint Point. Enjoy free entry beginning at 6pm and food & drinks for purchase. A special giveaway for a two-night staycation will be offered during the festivities.

Continue the fun with our Hangover Brunch on Saturday, November 26th from 7:30am–3pm, which offers an a la carte “fall themed” menu with bottomless mimosas and aperol spritz add-ons. Relax and gaze at the scenic mountain views. Reservations are recommended on OpenTable.

Celebrate the Season in Telluride

December is a magical time of year and Telluride is the perfect place to gather with friends and family or that someone special. You decide the pace. There are plenty of outdoor activities to fill your day or simply relax among the spectacular San Juan Mountains.

December is a magical time of year and Telluride is the perfect place to gather with friends and family or that someone special. You decide the pace. There are plenty of outdoor activities to fill your day or simply relax among the spectacular San Juan Mountains.

Holiday décor and sparkling lights abound. Our concierge can help plan a plethora of special outings. How about a private sleigh with horses? Dress warmly and jingle all the way to the historic Aldasoro Ranch where a special ride in an uncovered sleigh or wagon and Basque dinner in a heated tent await.

There are several festive evening celebrations throughout December. Noel Night is a fun Telluride tradition promoting shopping local which coincides with the annual ski tree lighting at Elks Park on December 7th at 5:30pm. Mountain Village offers its popular Holiday Prelude on December 10-11 including Santa, Carolers, hot chocolate, and more. To close out the holiday season, Telluride Ski Resort puts on a Torch Lit parade down the Telluride Trail on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with added fireworks to help ring in the new year – 2023.

There are lots of memories to make this season.

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