Things to Do in Mountain Village
Surrounded by the towering San Juan Mountains, Mountain Village is a picturesque town that offers plenty to do all year round. From spring hikes and summer mountain biking to scenic fall drives and winter skiing, Mountain Village provides the ideal place for outdoor activities in all seasons. The town also has plenty of other activities and amenities to enjoy, including dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Nearby Telluride, which is just a short gondola ride away, partners with Mountain Village to offer even more activities and events. When you’re looking for things to do in Mountain Village for an upcoming trip, the following guide can help you plan your itinerary.
The Mountain Village area offers some spectacular views of nature, which you can enjoy from the ground or in the air. Several hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the San Juan Mountains, including trails for beginners and more advanced hikers and bikers. Bridal Veil Falls, Bear Creek Falls, and Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail are a few of the more challenging trails that provide stunning views of waterfalls, old mining sites, meadows, and more. The area’s lakes also offer beautiful views and a chance to go boating and fishing. Trout Lake, Blue Lake, Silver Lake, and Alta Lakes are just a few of the alpine lakes in the area. For a thrilling view of the town and mountains from up high, add zip-lining, aerial bridges, and rappelling to your Mountain Village activities.
Mountain Village draws crowds of visitors each year thanks to its reputation as a winter sports paradise. At Telluride Ski Resort, the slopes offer ski and snowboarding trails for all skill levels. Roughly 41 percent are for skiers with expert or advanced skills, while 36 percent are for those with intermediate skills. Around 23 percent of the trails are for beginners. From meandering trails near town to steeply sloped trails up high in the mountains, the area is the perfect place for all skiers and snowboarders to test their skills. Mountain Village also offers other winter activities to enjoy, including scenic sleigh rides, ice skating, and snowshoeing through the mountains.
Mountain Village has a wide range of dining options to fit any appetite and budget, from cozy cafes and casual fare to fine dining at upscale restaurants. The town’s apres-ski atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind with a delicious meal and drinks after a day on the slopes. Fresh Horses offers a ski-in/walk-up bar, while Allred’s provides a fine dining experience at 10,551 feet above sea level. Alpino Vino goes even higher with dining at 11,966 feet for breathtaking views. Vino D’Estate provides farm-to-table fare to help support local farmers. Tracks Cafe and Bar is a family-owned fixture that offers casual dining in a friendly environment.
Mountain Village offers much more than skiing and other outdoor adventures. The town combines mountain charm with artistic expression, which you can experience at local festivals, art galleries, and other cultural attractions. Telluride Film Festival takes place in early September, while the Sunset Concert Series offers live musical performances each summer. The Mountain Village/Telluride Fine Arts Festival at the end of July provides a chance to explore local works of art. Rinkevich Gallery and Adam W. Carlos Fine Art are art galleries that showcase local talent. Telluride Historical Museum offers exhibits and events to help you learn more about the history and culture of the area.
Mountain Village is a small town, but it’s filled with several shops that offer everything from outdoor gear to handcrafted goods. Head to Bootdoctors for outdoor gear, including ski equipment and mountain bike rentals. Other outdoor gear shops include Black Tie Ski Rental and Telluride Sports, which offers luxury ski equipment. Wagner Custom Skis provides custom-made skis and other equipment. Provisions at The Peaks carries a wide range of souvenirs, while The Resort Store has clothing, gifts, and other items. The Shoppe at Madeline offers handcrafted and hand-carved items made from wood, metal, and other materials.
Outdoor activities in Mountain Village can keep you busy, which can wear you out. When you need some rejuvenation and relaxation before or after hitting the slopes or going for a hike, Mountain Village has plenty to offer. The Spa at Madeline Hotel, Rolling Relaxation Massage and Bodywork, and Breathe Skin and Body all provide services aimed at helping you feel relaxed and refreshed, whether you soak in a spa or book a massage. An Tao Acupuncture offers services for easing muscle tension, while RESET Telluride retreat is a private retreat that focuses on wellness and relaxation.
Mountain Village is fun place to go for family vacations. Local events often include amenities and attractions for kids. Mountainfilm hosts an ice cream social for kids, while the Bluegrass Festival features face painting, arts and crafts, and more. Jeff Jurecki Memorial Playground at Meadows Plaza and Sunset Playground at Sunset Plaza give kids a great way to burn off energy. StoryWalk offers a story for kids to enjoy while walking along local trails. Mountain Village’s guest services kiosk also has kid-friendly equipment that families can check out and use, including hula hoops, Frisbees, fishing poles, and jump ropes. Head to Reflection Plaza for ice skating, Village Center to ride the gondola, Market Plaza for disc golf, or Heritage Plaza for other family-friendly activities.
There’s no shortage of accommodation types in Mountain Village. In fact, the town has diverse lodging options, from sprawling estates to cozy lodges. Visitors can rent a condo or villa for a smaller place to stay, or book an entire lodge or estate for a big family trip. Mountain Village also has rustic and luxury hotels to choose from, elegant inns, and high-end resorts filled with amenities. Staying within Mountain Village makes it easy to enjoy the town’s amenities and activities, while also offering convenient access to the gondola to Telluride for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Booking a stay in Mountain Village means having everything you need for a memorable vacation right at your fingertips.
Mountain Village provides an ideal place to go for outdoor excitement, natural beauty, and artistic and cultural attractions and events. No matter what your interests are or what time of year you visit, you’ll find many exciting activities in Mountain Village. Explore the wide range of events and activities in this mountain town and the surrounding area, so you can plan the perfect vacation in the San Juan Mountains.