Winter Activities in Telluride, Colorado
Thanks to the efforts of the Telluride Nordic Association, plenty of Nordic skiing trails are found within Telluride and the immediate surrounding area. You can appreciate the well groomed trails in Telluride Town Park, the Valley Floor, the golf course in Mountain Village, Trout Lake, and Priest Lake.
The trails vary in terrain to accommodate beginner and expert Nordic skiers and all the trails offer amazing views of the majestic mountains. Please note that not all trails are dog-friendly and are not permitted on any trail on the Valley Floor except for Boomerang Road. Dogs are allowed on trails at Priest and Trout Lakes.
The Telluride Nordic Association, a non-profit organization, manages and grooms the trails with some funding coming from the Town of Telluride, County Open Space, and the Telluride Foundation. Memberships are available and encouraged for frequent skiers as well as donations for visitors. The association encourages a donation of $15 per person per day for use of the trails and donation boxes are at located at the Priest and Trout Lake trailheads. Some of the trails include:
- Town Park: A three kilometer trail right outside the Nordic Center. The perfect spot for beginners to acclimate to their rental equipment, or for visitors hoping to fit in a quick and fun workout.
- Valley Floor: A six kilometer loop that’s designed for beginners and is only about a mile away from town.
- Mountain Village golf course: Another six kilometer trail, but designed for intermediate skiers.
- Priest Lake: Preist Lake offers beginner trails and loops that extend out to intermediate and advanced trails. Priest Lake is about 12.5 miles south of Telluride and located on the east side of Highway 145.
- Trout Lake: Trout Lake always receives the most snow of these trails, making it the first and last available trail for Nordic skiers. This trail is designated as intermediate and is about five kilometers one way.
The association also provides grooming reports as well as equipment rentals, lessons, maps, and tours through the Nordic Center. The Nordic Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with group lessons at 11 a.m. each day.
