1. Dog Sledding with Idarado Sled Dog Adventures
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, dog sledding is a must! Idarado Sled Dog Adventures offers thrilling rides through the snow-covered landscapes of Telluride, where you’ll be pulled by a team of energetic and friendly sled dogs.
- What to Expect: The number of passengers per sled depends on individual weights, ensuring a smooth ride (the weight maximum is 350 pounds). The tour guides will introduce you to the amazing dogs—who aren’t just huskies, but a mix of different breeds, all incredibly friendly and well-trained.
- Important Tip: Reservations are required and should be made months in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons. Call them for faster assistance (970)729-2083.
The dog sledding in Telluride was so much fun and the perfect family friendly winter activity. It was so peaceful to be immersed in the wilderness on such a beautiful day.
2. Sleigh Rides – With or Without Dinner!
There’s nothing quite as magical as gliding through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh. Telluride offers classic sleigh rides, some paired with a cozy mountainside dinner experience.
- Scenic Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a peaceful ride through the snow-covered forests, perfect for families with young kids. Roudy’s Telluride Horseback Adventures (tellurideriding.com) offers a charming, rustic sleigh ride experience.
- Dinner Sleigh Rides: Combine the experience with a delicious warm meal at a remote mountain lodge. Telluride Sleighs and Wagons (telluridesleighs.com) provides a magical ride to a cozy ranch where you’ll enjoy a gourmet meal in a heated tent with breathtaking mountain views.
- Reservations Recommended: Sleigh rides are popular, especially during peak season, so be sure to book in advance! There’s nothing quite as magical as gliding through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh. Telluride offers classic sleigh rides, some paired with a cozy mountainside dinner experience.
The Madeline Hotel’s Ice Rink is located in the Mountain Village right next to the hotel. Ice skate rentals were complimentary for children under 12 and a nice activity to do after a day on the slopes and before dinner.
3. Ice Skating at the Madeline Hotel
Located in Mountain Village, the Madeline Hotel Ice Rink is the perfect spot for a classic winter activity. Whether your kids are beginners or experienced skaters, this charming rink is great for all ages.
- Perks: Ice skate rentals are available, and there are plenty of fire pits nearby to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.
- Family Bonus: The Madeline Hotel also offers complimentary skating tokens for kids 12 and under for hotel guests!
The snowmobile tours used the same path as the dog sledding tour. We thought there was an older age limit for the snowmobile tour and didn’t know we could have had our kids ride in the backseat.
4. Snowmobiling Adventures
For families who love adventure, a snowmobiling tour is a thrilling way to explore the backcountry of Telluride.
- Guided Tours: Several outfitters, like Telluride Outfitters (https://www.
tellurideoutfitters.com) or Telluride Outside (https://tellurideoutside.com/ guide-services/snowmobile- tours/), offer family-friendly tours that take you through breathtaking mountain trails. - Good to Know: Some tours have age restrictions for younger riders, but there are options where kids can ride tandem with a parent.
5. Sledding at Firecracker Hill
For a fun, low-cost activity, Firecracker Hill in Town Park is Telluride’s go-to sledding spot!
- No sled? No problem! You can rent one from the nearby Telluride Nordic Center.
- Kid-Friendly: This is a great activity for younger children who may not be ready to hit the ski slopes just yet.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced skier/snowboarder, Telluride Mountain offers beautiful runs for all levels.
6. Skiing & Snowboarding – Private & Group Lessons
Of course, a trip to Telluride wouldn’t be complete without hitting the slopes!
- Lessons for All Ages: Telluride Ski Resort offers private and group ski & snowboard lessons for both kids and adults. Even little ones as young as 2.5 years old can take part in private ski lessons.
- Bonus Tip: Booking early ensures availability and may even get you multi-day or children’s discounts. If you are interested in private lessons, I found that there was more availability by emailing lessons@telski.com or calling them directly (970)728-7414.
7. Cubs Camp Nursery – Daycare for Little Ones
If you need childcare while enjoying the slopes or après-ski, Cubs Camp Nursery at Telluride Ski Resort provides full-day and half-day care for kids ages 1 to 4 years.
- Why It’s Great: Offers a safe and fun environment with engaging activities while parents ski.
- Reservations Recommended: Spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Check out tellurideskiresort.com to make reservations ahead of time.
The free gondola makes it so convenient to travel back and forth from Downtown Telluride to Mountain Village.
8. The Free Village Gondola – A Must-Do!
Telluride’s free gondola isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s an experience in itself!
- Why It’s Special: It connects Telluride town to Mountain Village, offering breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains along the way.
- Perfect for Families: Open from early morning until midnight, it’s a fun (and free!) way to explore the area with kids.