The Mountain Village in Telluride, Colorado

If you visit Telluride, Colorado, it is likely that you will stay in one of the resorts in the Mountain Village. It is truly a self-sufficient resort community with plenty of restaurants and shops located amongst the many different ski runs on the mountainside. Much like one of our favorite getaways, Beaver Creek, the Mountain Village has a European feel that is part of its deliberate design.

Center of the Village with the Ice Skating Rink Covered for Summer
Statue in Town
Taking the Gondola into the Mountain Village

Because all of the large condominium resorts are located in the Mountain Village, you will likely find it busier than the town of Telluride itself. There is a free gondola that will take you to and from the town of Telluride and there is also another free gondola that carries people back and forth between the Mountain Village and the shops and grocery store at the Market Plaza.

Restaurant Where We Ate Lunch
Bird in the Village
Gondola Station and Bell Tower

The Mountain Village is almost a 1,000 feet (about 300 meters) higher than Telluride and sits at 9,540 feet (about 2,900 meters) above sea level, so be sure to give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude. If you purchase a pass, you can also take one of the ski lifts with a mountain bike to the top of the mountain in order to ride your bike down one of the many trails. There are also several hiking trails leading from the Mountain Village.

Condominiums in the Village
Outdoor Seating to Enjoy the Mountain Sunshine
Beautiful Architecture

We did not stay in the Mountain Village on this trip to Telluride, but we did stay there several years ago and you can enjoy an entire week without ever going into the actual town of Telluride, but we’d highly recommend that you go into town at least once to enjoy the historic architecture and friendly restaurants. The town of Telluride and the Mountain Village are truly different experiences, each with their own charm and ambiance.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

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Colorful Wildflower

Most people associate Steamboat Springs with being a destination for skiing, which would be correct, but it is also a popular destination during the summer. Situated in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, there is ample hiking, biking, zip lining, golf, and other activities. The town of Steamboat Springs is a typical Colorado mountain town with historic buildings and ample choices of restaurants and local shops. Whether mountain biking, walking or riding bikes along the Yampa River, playing miniature golf, or riding down the Alpine Slide, there are plenty of things for children as well as adults.

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View of Downtown Steamboat Springs

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The Yampa River

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Stunning Views as You Drive to Steamboat

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Fun for the Children

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Shopping and Dining in the Old Town Square

Getting into the mountains is a wonderful way to beat the heat and enjoy fresh air, good food, and get away from the daily grind. If you are looking for solitude, though, you will need to get out of town and go hiking or biking on a nearby trail as the resort town is extremely busy as tourists descend upon it in droves. The weekends are especially congested as people escape from Denver and other surrounding cities to join tourists from around the world. Friday and Saturday nights feature a pro rodeo as well as an opera series during the summer. There is also a farmer’s market on Saturdays with a large variety of local artists, fresh vegetables, and other oddities for sale.

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Farmer’s Market

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Court House

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Busy Streets Downtown

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Walking the Trail along the Yampa River

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Whimsical Statue Downtown

If you make your way out of town and up to the actual ski resort, you take the gondola to the top to enjoy the views or, if you are more daring, rent a mountain bike and take a thrilling ride down the side of the mountain. There is also horseback riding or white water rafting for those who want a true mountain experience. With so much to do, you may find yourself jumping in the hot tub of your local condominium or hotel to sooth those aching muscles at the end of the day. Also, be aware that Steamboat Springs is at 6,700 feet (2,050 meters), so be sure to drink plenty of water as well as sports drinks. When not refueling, perhaps enjoy one of the many local craft beers that are available in the restaurants and pubs.

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Gondola to the Top of the Mountain

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Bike Rentals and Rafting Adventures

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Enjoying a Drink at the Ski Resort

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Biking across the River

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Downtown Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is definitely a wonderful place to enjoy the best of what Colorado has to offer. Stunning views, outdoor activities, friendly people, and gourmet dining. Regardless of your fitness level, you will be able to find activities that suit your lifestyle. Also, being a large ski resort area, you can find accommodations ranging from upscale hotels and resort condominiums to motels and cabins catering to almost any budget.

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Rugged Scenery

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Miniature Golf

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Statue at the Resort

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Downtown Stores and Restaurants