Telluride is unique for a number of reasons; the remote location in the high altitude climate make this mountain utopia a destination like no other. Year round, the stunning mountain vistas and bright blue skies offer a feeling of connectedness with nature and pure awe at the beauty of this place.
Like all resort towns with a slightly transient/seasonal group of inhabitants, Telluride experiences a nearly two month long “off-season” on each side of the ski season.
Off-season sneaks up on us in autumn, after the last large-scale festival, Telluride Blues & Brews, ends September 15th. Things slow down; but most dining and activity options are still available at their regular hours and pricing. The end of the full summer festival season, wrapping up this year with the now annual Telluride Horror Show Festival October 11 – 13, truly gives rise to the true beginning of the fall off-season. The gondola connecting our two towns of Telluride and Mountain Village closes on October 20, to re-open as the snow starts to hit the ground on November 22, just prior to the opening of the ski mountain.
The Gondola closes for a few weeks during the Fall Off-Season, so plan accordingly!
As school is in session through autumn, many local families continue to stay in town through the fall off-season. Shops and restaurants have shortened hour
From a bench on Telluride’s Main Street – Colorado Avenue – one may enjoy chatting up the locals, the turn of the aspen leaves from neon green to bright yellows and oranges, or glance around at the sidewalk sales the shops along the street have through the low tourist season. Lodging deals abound; travelers can stay with Telluride Rentals in a luxury residence at discounted rates and enjoy concierge services to help them plan around the closures and seasonal changes. Discounts pop up around town at local eateries too, offering specials and deals through opening day of the ski mountain. One not to missed is the prixe fixe menu at La Marmotte that everyone here at Telluride Rentals adores! Brown dog pizza offers delicious food and a great family atmosphere all through September, October and November — as well as an excellent location to enjoy NFL Football Sundays! The Butcher and the Baker on the east end of Colorado Avenue closes for the weekends but is a hot spot to grab breakfast or lunch during the week (another one of our Telluride Rentals Team’s favorite spots for yummy food).s or close a few extra days of the week – but rest assured, a good coffee or meal can still be had. The pace slows and we here in Telluride, along with visitors to the area, are reminded to take a deep breath, relax and enjoy all the area offers!
In search of more things do do through Late September, October and November? Below are a few things we love to stay busy:
- Head out on a photo tour or mid-day fishing with Telluride Outside
- Enjoy wine and a plate of delectable cured meats and cheeses at Over the Moon
- Take an art class at the Ah Haa School for the Arts OR stop in at the artist co-op Melange for Tuesday ‘Crafternoons’
- Grab a book at Between the Covers (any day but Sunday through the off-season)
- Get a coffee or chai latte at the Coffee Cowboy
- Check out the KOTO Halloween Bash October 26 or the KOTO Ski Swap the first week in December
- Go on a 4×4 Tour with Telluride Outside!
- Clean out your closet and bring your gently used items to the Telluride Thrift Shop
- Enjoy a plate of ribs or a warm bowl of gumbo at Oak The New Fat Ally
- Rent movies, CDs, or books at Telluride’s Wilkinson Public Library
- Head to Ouray for a trip to the hot springs of Orvis, the Ouray Public Hot Springs or the Wiesbaden Vapor caves
- Enjoy the Farmer’s Market on South Oak Street Fridays from 11am to 4pm through October 11
