The Top 8 Things to do in Telluride and Mountain Village While the Ski Resort is Closed
Telluride experienced over two weeks of 50-degree weather, no snow for three weeks, and is now closed due to a ski patrol strike after failed wage negotiations. Needless to say, it’s been a tough December in this picturesque mountain town. Since the ski resort closed on 12/27/2025 with no estimated reopening date, many visitors who came to ski might be wondering, “what can I do here?” Well, I’m here to suggest some excellent winter alternatives.
If you’re in Telluride or Mountain Village and want to stay close or don’t have a car, here are some options to make the most of your time there.
Book a spa day at the Peaks – A great way to relax is to take advantage of the 20,000 square foot spa and gym at the Peaks. You can purchase a day pass, which allows you to come and go as you please throughout the day. Warm up in the sauna, soak in the hot tub, and swim a few laps in the indoor/ outdoor pool. It’s something even the locals like to do on occasion. You can also incorporate a treatment into your day as they have a full-service spa.
Schedule your dinner reservation at a restaurant that is usually booked – Most fine dining restaurants require or at least recommend reservations. Many are booked even a year in advance. This might be the best time to snag that open table! Even though the resort is closed, Alpino Vino is open for dinner (many people may not know this). This is a small rustic cabin restaurant with a crackling stone fireplace situated on the run known as “see forever” just below chair 14. If you know the resort, you know this location is spectacular. For dinner, it is only accessible via snowcat and offers a set menu with wine pairings presented by skilled sommeliers. Reservations are often booked more than a month in advance. Due to high demand and limited seating, they’re sometimes unavailable from January through the ski season. This may be a rare opportunity to reserve a table and enjoy this exclusive fine-dining experience at 12,000 feet. Some other excellent options in Mountain Village are the Timber Room, Allred’s, and La Piazza, or The Grand, The New Sheridan Chop House, and 221 in Telluride. See below for brief descriptions of each place.
Take a Food and/ or Beverage tour
People love the food and ambiance at restaurants in Telluride and Mountain Village. You can do a tour in one town or both. You can keep it casual or explore the fine dining scene. Local spots might have more availability than usual at this time. Every restaurant has a bar, and most have first-come, first-served seating. While there’s no tour to sign up for, it’s an easy thing to coordinate yourself (it’s one of my favorite things to do when I travel). Here are a few ideas….
Fine Dining Food Tour
Go to a few of the best fine dining places and get a seat at the bar for a cocktail and appetizer. It’s a great way to try out the menu and the bartenders are usually happy to chat. At the last place, treat yourself to dessert. Most places have house made desserts with original flavors. Some great places include the Timber Room, La Piazza, Allred’s, The Grand, The New Sheridan Chop House, and 221.
Mountain Village
Timber Room – A newer restaurant that is part of the Madeline. They have an extensive cocktail list and large plates that are great for sharing. You can also watch people ice skate in the core while enjoying your meal.
La Piazza – An authentic Italian restaurant in the village core. It is also connected to a casual restaurant called La Pizzeria (in case the kids want pizza). They have homemade soups, daily specials (seafood specials are my favorite), and house made gelato.
Allred’s – The highest restaurant on this list sits at the top of the gondola. It’s beautiful with a wine case wall displayed upon entry. Try to get a seat at a window table in the bar for après so you can enjoy the alpenglow as the sun sets.
Telluride
The Grand – The newest fine dining establishment in Telluride has been extremely busy since it opened. But you might still be able to find an empty bar seat. The upscale vibe is reminiscent of a big city establishment. If you’re an oyster lover, hit up their oyster bar.
New Sheridan Chop House – The oldest restaurant on the list resides in a charming historic hotel right on main street. Steaks are obviously their specialty, but their seafood is excellent as well.
221- A small restaurant in a cottage style house less than a block from the gondola. This restaurant is the most accommodating to dietary restrictions. Their bourbon bread pudding is a crowd pleaser.
Rustico – I had to add this restaurant because the restaurant is beautiful and their house-made gelato is excellent (I like mine affogato style or with Bailey’s on top). This is the largest restaurant in Telluride, so it may be busy.
If you're seeking more casual and budget-friendly spots, these places are perfect for you. There aren’t many casual options left, but the ones that remain are worth checking out.
Mountain Village
Crazy Elk Pizza – This easy access spot is in the core near chair 4. They have rotating daily special pizza slices. The portion size is what makes this a great deal. One slice of pizza is one quarter of a large pie. It’s large enough for a meal or even for two people to share.
Tracks – A casual spot with comfort food and an outdoor patio in the core to people watch. If you go at the right time, you’ll hear a band playing on the stage for the passersby
Telluride
Cornerhouse – A local spot where people go for burgers (and tots) and to watch today’s game. They run different specials every day and have trivia and karaoke. It’s only one block from main street, so it has a convenient location.
Uno Dos Tres – The newest casual dining spot opened where Taco del Gnar used to be. It’s a similar style menu so it’s nice to have a more price conscious Mexican option. Can you ever go wrong with tacos and margaritas?
Siam – If you like Thai food, Siam is a must-visit. The flavors are authentic and spot-on. I know several people who make this their first dinner stop every visit. It’s a small place that gets very busy, so I usually order takeout before heading to the dining room opens.
Brewery/ Distillery tour
Telluride is home to 3 breweries and a distillery. Stronghouse and Smugglers Brewpub are in Telluride while Telluride Brewing Company and Telluride Distilling Company are in Mountain Village. It is easy to make an afternoon out of visiting these places. You can even take the free bus to Lawson Hill to Telluride Brewing Company’s original location, do a beer flight, and sit outside in the sunshine. There’s another great article that dives deeper into Telluride’s must-visit breweries and it’s right here on Wandering Bel’s site!
Flatliner Tour
Many of the restaurants are quaint and charming. When you don’t have enough time to eat at each one, a beverage tour is a great option. And what better way than to try every restaurant’s flatliner, the official drink of Telluride. It started at the New Sheridan Chop House, but all restaurants that have espresso machines will make them and many offer them on the cocktail menu. My favorites are at the Sheridan and Rustico (they use fresh espresso shots, which gives it a different flavor).
Non Food Places To Check Out
Enjoy a show at the Sheridan Opera House – There are multiple shows between Christmas and New Years that are worth checking out. They book incredible acts and have a lovely, intimate, and historical concert hall. Head to their events calendar and check out their upcoming shows for January. If something strikes your fancy, get your tickets before they sell out!
Telluride Historical Museum - Telluride is a historic mining town. Why not learn more about the history by visiting the Historical Museum? It’s in a gorgeous historic building that was once Telluride’s hospital. It’s a great place for children and adults. They’re generally open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm. Check their site in case the hours change.
Activities in Mountain Village core – The town has graciously set up activities and is even offering free parking in the Heritage and gondola parking garages while the resort is closed. There will be family-friendly activities, including ice skating, a western photo booth, and free movies at the conference center. Go to their website for the full schedule!
Wilkinson Public Library – The library is a favorite spot for locals as it provides a lot of activities for adults and children in our community. There are various donation yoga classes, tea and tarot, ping pong, and movies. View their full events calendar to see what’s coming up this week.
Enjoy the Outdoors – With the warm weather, it’s a perfect time to explore other outdoor options in the area. The Telluride Nordic Center is open, and the trails are groomed. Try the sledding hill in town park. Both kids and adults can partake (adults will definitely pick up speed). A little cross-country skiing is a great cardio workout. And the best part is you can still revel in the box canyon scenery! You can also enjoy an easy hike to Bridal Veil Falls (only to the Bridal Veil Trail trailhead). You can hike from town or take the Galloping Goose to the east end and walk the rest of the way if you want a shorter option. Bridal Veil and Ingram Falls are frozen, which is always a beautiful site. Pack a picnic and enjoy it before heading back to town.
I hope these ideas help you make the best of your time in Telluride while the mountain is closed. Please let me know which ones you try, and which are your favorite. Also, please remember that this is a difficult time for everyone living and working in Telluride. With so much uncertainty ahead, please be patient, kind, and generous to everyone.
Welcome to the most magical mountain town in Colorado!