Ski season in Telluride is all the rage. And with gorgeous scenery, epic black diamonds and backcountry trails, justifiably so. 

But skiing all week isn't for everybody.

Telluride is a popular destination for families in the winter, many of whom enjoy skiing, but have kids who don’t exactly share the passion or the drive to spend all week out on the slopes. Your dream Telluride vacation this winter can include so much more than just skiing – there are plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy once the snow starts falling in our beautiful box canyon. 

Sledding

While the black diamond runs may get most of the attention during the winter, the sledding in Telluride deserves just as much glory. Sledding is the perfect alternative for families with young children or even those looking for a relaxing day after shredding some powder on the mountain.

Firecracker Hill is the most popular place for sledding in Telluride. This short, but super fun hill is located in Telluride Town Park and is marked by cones during the winter. Sledding generally starts after Thanksgiving and continues as long as snow conditions are ideal. 

Sleds can be rented from the Telluride Nordic Association or purchased from Ace Hardware in downtown Telluride. 

Ice Skating

There is no shortage of ice skating opportunities in Telluride! Both Mountain Village and the town of Telluride have their own outdoor rinks, making ice skating a great way to spend the day with the family. 

Telluride Town Park has both an indoor and outdoor ice rink. The Hanley Rink is a fully-enclosed, refrigerated NHL-sized hockey rink, which is a great place to skate when weather conditions are poor. The outdoor ice rink in Town Park is open mid-December to mid-February, weather permitting. Bathrooms and a warming hut are available onsite and the hut is also available for private rentals. The Telluride Nordic Association rents skates for those who do not have their own. 

Mountain Village also offers its own outdoor ice rink. The rink, which is operated by the Madeline Hotel and Residences, is located in the heart of Mountain Village and offers daily skating and rentals onsite. 

For those who want to get a little wild, ice skating is also available at the Mountain Village pond adjacent to the Bootdoctors retail store. The pond is maintained and supervised seven days a week during the winter season and is free to the public. While it may be smaller than Mountain Village’s ice rink, the price tag definitely makes it worth the adventure!

Sleigh Rides

What could be more memorable than a horse-drawn sled ride on the mountainside with your family? Telluride Sleighs and Wagons offer horse-drawn sleigh rides at the historic Aldasoro Sheep Ranch on Last Dollar Road. The whole family can enjoy a scenic ride, followed by a stop for a family-style dinner at a custom-built farm table in a tent heated by a wood-burning stove. 

Food is included in the price, and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks along for the ride. Dressing warmly is a must on this trip – there are extended periods in the open air. There are two rides per day, and the earlier ride is catered towards families.