Morning | Shopping & Scenery

After perusing The Shoppe at Madeline for one-of-a-kind finds like vintage Native American turquoise jewelry, take a ride on the picturesque gondola from Mountain Village into town, where you’ll find an incredible array of well-curated boutiques, delicious local fare and breathtaking box canyon views. Grab a signature dirty chai and a slice of homemade banana bread from the Coffee Cowboy before heading straight to Crossbow for customizable hats, stylish vintage and creating your own personalized bolo tie. Discover unique gifts and fabulous finds at Hook Telluride, browse the literary selection at Between the Covers Bookstore scoop up customized cashmere at CashmereRed and stop by Two Skirts for a high-fashion fix.

Afternoon | Alphorn & Après at Timber Room

Every day at 4PM, Madeline’s general manager Bryan Woody signals the start of après celebration by blowing a custom-made Bernatone Alphorn with his Saint Bernard, Cheyenne. Enjoy a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape beside one of Timber Room’s outdoor fire tables as the late-afternoon light begins to soften. Share Mountain Mezze and Signature Devilish Eggs while the day’s adventures turn into stories worth retelling.

Evening | Epic Views and Elk Carpaccio

Ride the gondola to St. Sophia Station for dinner at Allred’s, perched at 10,551 feet, with floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal a view stretching for miles. The scene is especially striking just before sunset, when the last of the light moves across the peaks. The elk carpaccio is a must-have – thinly sliced, deeply flavorful and the perfect start to the meal. The atmosphere is both polished and welcoming, with a sense of calm that settles in as the town lights sparkle far below.

Morning | Horseback Adventure

Take in Telluride’s mountain vistas and wide-open landscapes on a private backcountry horseback ride. Ride through aspen forests and verdant meadows, surrounded by the gentle beauty of nature. Midway through, stop at a scenic overlook for a chef-prepared picnic lunch, thoughtfully packed for the trail.

Afternoon | Alpine Self Care

An afternoon at Madeline Spa is a welcomed pause. After a morning on the trail, there’s something grounding about stepping into a quiet space and letting the cadence of the day slow down. The Spirit of the Mountains massage, with its warm herbal poultices and deeply calming flow, helps melt tension and bring you back to yourself.

Evening | Dinner in Town

Start with a cocktail at the Historic Bar inside the New Sheridan, a Telluride landmark since 1895. The original mahogany paneling and vintage mirrors hold more than a century of stories – once a favorite haunt for miners, now a gathering spot for locals and travelers alike who appreciate a well-made drink in a space that hasn’t lost its soul. From there, head to Petite Maison, a charming French bistro that feels equal parts intimate and effortless. The coq au vin is rich and undeniably comforting, the warm pain au beurre impossible to resist and the profiteroles? Absolutely worth saving room for.

Morning | Mountain Movements

Ease into the day with a guided yoga and meditation class at Madeline, designed to align breath, body and mind in the stillness of the morning. With the mountains just beyond the mat, every inhale feels a little deeper and every moment more grounded. After class, head to Black Iron Kitchen & Bar for a hearty breakfast. Cast iron skillets arrive hot from the kitchen, the coffee is strong and the dishes highlight local, seasonal ingredients.

Afternoon | Explore the Arts

There’s a subtle kind of inspiration that lives in Telluride, found in the galleries, studios and the expressions captured through art. Begin with Spirit of the West at Madeline, a series of images that capture the raw beauty, stillness and layered character of the American West. Then wander into town to explore Telluride Gallery, where contemporary and regional works speak to the creative pulse of the place. At the Ah Haa School for the Arts, step into an ever-evolving space filled with open studios, exhibitions and playful curiosity. End at the American Academy of Bookbinding, where each hand-stitched piece reveals a deep respect for process and precision.

Evening | From Rodeo to Timber Room

If the San Miguel Basin Fair and Rodeo is in town, it’s worth starting the evening in nearby Norwood. There’s something unforgettable about the energy – boots in the dirt, local families in the stands and a proud celebration of the Western way of life that still runs deep. Afterward, return to Telluride and settle into the Timber Room, where the fire crackles, the bar stays busy and conversation flows easily. A New Fashioned in hand sets the tone, smooth and smoky with just enough bite. The elk loin is richly satisfying, perfectly prepared, and the fries never last long.

@anoukmassonkrantz