The picturesque town of Telluride, Colorado, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a luxurious getaway. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers breathtaking scenery, world-class skiing, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, visiting Telluride can be expensive, especially during peak season. In this article, we will explore the cheapest time to visit Telluride and provide valuable insights to help you plan your trip.
Telluride is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences and activities. The town’s popularity peaks during the winter months, when skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes. However, the summer months are also busy, with hikers, bikers, and festival-goers descending upon the town. If you’re looking to save money, it’s essential to know when to visit.
The Cheapest Time to Visit Telluride
The cheapest time to visit Telluride is during the off-season, which typically falls in the spring and fall. These periods offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices for accommodations and activities. Here are some specific dates to consider:
Spring (April to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Telluride if you’re looking for mild weather and fewer crowds. The snow has melted, and the trails are open for hiking and biking. Many of the town’s accommodations offer discounts during this period, making it an excellent time to visit on a budget.
Some of the top events and activities to enjoy during the spring season include:
- The Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June, but some events occur in April)
- The Telluride Wine Festival (April)
- Hiking and biking on the San Juan Mountains’ trails
- Exploring the town’s historic district and shops
Fall (September to October)
Fall is another excellent time to visit Telluride, with comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage. The crowds are smaller than during the summer months, and many of the town’s accommodations offer discounts. Some of the top events and activities to enjoy during the fall season include:
- The Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June, but some events occur in September)
- The Telluride Jazz Festival (September)
- Hiking and biking on the San Juan Mountains’ trails
- Exploring the town’s historic district and shops
- Fishing in the San Miguel River
Accommodations and Activities
When visiting Telluride on a budget, it’s essential to consider your accommodations and activities. Here are some tips to help you save money:
Accommodations
Telluride offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly vacation rentals. During the off-season, many of the town’s accommodations offer discounts and packages. Some of the top options include:
- The Peaks Resort and Spa
- The Inn at Lost Creek
- The Telluride Mountain Village
- Vacation rentals through services like Airbnb and VRBO
When booking your accommodations, be sure to ask about any packages or discounts available. Some of the top packages include: (See Also: Best Time To Visit Seoul? Seasonal Delights)
- The Telluride Ski Resort’s “Ski and Stay” package
- The Peaks Resort and Spa’s “Winter Wonderland” package
- The Inn at Lost Creek’s “Romance Package”
Activities
Telluride offers a range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and biking. During the off-season, many of the town’s activities are discounted or free. Some of the top activities include:
- The Telluride Ski Resort’s summer activities, including hiking and mountain biking
- The San Juan Mountains’ trails for hiking and biking
- The Telluride River Trail for walking and biking
- The Telluride Museum for history and culture
When planning your activities, be sure to check the town’s events calendar for any free or discounted events. Some of the top events include:
- The Telluride Bluegrass Festival’s free concerts
- The Telluride Jazz Festival’s free concerts
- The Telluride Museum’s free admission on the first Friday of each month
Food and Drink
Telluride is known for its upscale dining scene, but there are also plenty of affordable options. Here are some tips to help you save money on food and drink:
Dining
Telluride offers a range of dining options, from fine dining to casual eateries. During the off-season, many of the town’s restaurants offer discounts and specials. Some of the top options include:
- The New Sheridan Chop House
- The Ore House
- The Telluride Brewing Company
- The Butcher & the Baker
When dining out, be sure to ask about any specials or discounts available. Some of the top specials include:
- The Telluride Brewing Company’s happy hour specials
- The New Sheridan Chop House’s early bird specials
- The Ore House’s lunch specials
Drink
Telluride is known for its craft beer scene, with several breweries offering tours and tastings. Some of the top options include:
- The Telluride Brewing Company
- The Carver Brewing Company
- The San Juan Brewing Company
When visiting the breweries, be sure to ask about any tours or tastings available. Some of the top tours include: (See Also: Best Time to Visit the Valley of Flowers – Peak Blooming Season)
- The Telluride Brewing Company’s brewery tour
- The Carver Brewing Company’s brewery tour
- The San Juan Brewing Company’s brewery tour
Transportation
Telluride is a remote town, and getting there can be expensive. However, there are several options to consider:
Flights
The nearest airport is the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), which offers flights from several major airlines. However, flights can be expensive, especially during peak season. Some of the top airlines include:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
When booking your flights, be sure to compare prices and look for any discounts or promotions. Some of the top deals include:
- American Airlines’ “Book Now” promotion
- Delta Air Lines’ “Sale” promotion
- United Airlines’ “Discount” promotion
- Frontier Airlines’ “Low Fare” promotion
Shuttles and Taxis
If you’re not flying into Telluride, you can take a shuttle or taxi from the nearby airport. Some of the top options include:
- The Telluride Express
- The San Miguel County Airport Shuttle
- The Telluride Taxi Company
When booking your shuttle or taxi, be sure to compare prices and look for any discounts or promotions. Some of the top deals include:
- The Telluride Express’ “Discount” promotion
- The San Miguel County Airport Shuttle’s “Low Fare” promotion
- The Telluride Taxi Company’s “Special” promotion
Conclusion
Telluride is a beautiful town with plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy. However, visiting the town can be expensive, especially during peak season. By visiting during the off-season, you can save money on accommodations, activities, and food. Additionally, by comparing prices and looking for discounts, you can make the most of your budget. Whether you’re a skier, hiker, or foodie, Telluride has something for everyone.
Recap
Here are the key points to remember when planning your trip to Telluride:
- The cheapest time to visit Telluride is during the off-season (April to May and September to October)
- Accommodations and activities are discounted during the off-season
- Compare prices and look for discounts on flights, shuttles, and taxis
- Ask about any packages or specials available at local restaurants and breweries
- Plan your activities and events in advance to save money
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest time to visit Telluride?
A: The cheapest time to visit Telluride is during the off-season, which typically falls in the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). (See Also: Best Time to Visit Bc? Peak Season Guide)
Q: Are there any discounts available on accommodations?
A: Yes, many of the town’s accommodations offer discounts and packages during the off-season. Be sure to ask about any specials or promotions when booking your stay.
Q: Can I save money on activities?
A: Yes, many of the town’s activities are discounted or free during the off-season. Be sure to check the town’s events calendar for any free or discounted events.
Q: Are there any discounts available on food and drink?
A: Yes, many of the town’s restaurants and breweries offer discounts and specials during the off-season. Be sure to ask about any promotions or deals when dining out or visiting a brewery.
Q: How do I get to Telluride?
A: The nearest airport is the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), which offers flights from several major airlines. You can also take a shuttle or taxi from the nearby airport.
