(HealthNewsDigest.com) - If you’ve dreamed of a summer vacation in the Colorado mountains, but thought it would be too expensive for your family to get to – let alone enjoy once you’re there – think again.
Tight economic times have opened up new opportunities for budget-conscious families this summer throughout the country. In Telluride, Colo., the world-famous ski area’s terrain has turned verdant green, offering a host of new adventures – and this summer, an especially affordable vacation.
Fly free
For a limited time this summer, families can take advantage of the “4th Flies Free†offer that allows anyone purchasing three or more flight tickets with the same itinerary to get one free round-trip ticket (up to $350 in value) on any American, Continental or Delta flight to Montrose Regional Airport, which serves Telluride.
The “4th Flies Free†offer, which is good for Sunday through Tuesday flight arrivals, is good for travel completed by Oct. 31. The special requires a minimum stay of four nights at one of 10 participating lodging partners. Accommodations include luxury hotels, affordable inns, and condo and private home vacation rentals. Many of the participating properties are offering a fourth night for free. Flights must be booked by Aug. 31.
Now that you’ve found an affordable way to get to Telluride, and are set on lodging, you can start planning fun and relaxing activities for your family.
If your kids (and you) love being outdoors in the summer, Telluride is the place to be. At an elevation of 8,700 feet, Telluride has a mild climate, with low humidity and moderate temperatures creating an ideal setting for hiking, biking, horseback riding, golf and river sports.
Kids’ programs
Families appreciate the large variety of specific programs for kids that Telluride offers.
Telluride Academy (www.tellurideacademy.org) provides one- to two-week intensive programs that include eco-education and guided outdoors activities.
Bear Creek Canyon‘s Junior Ranger program (www.telluride-co.gov) is centered around a free summer hike led by a park ranger that teaches kids ages 4-12 about plants, wildlife and the environment. Participants become certified Junior Rangers upon completion of the program.
The San Juan Outdoor School (www.sanjuanoutdoorschool.com) provides year-round adventures for kids of all ages (yes, that includes adults). Summer activities include rock climbing, mountaineering and backpacking.
Telluride Kids’ Camp (www.tellurideskiresort.com) provides instruction for kids ages 4-12 in hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing and more. The ski resort’s instructors trade in their ski boots for hiking boots to provide these lessons. Day care is available for younger children.
Free activities
Numerous free activities stretch the vacation budget further in Telluride. The town’s energy efficient gondola provides a free ride between Telluride and neighboring Mountain Village, running daily from 7 a.m. to midnight.
San Sophia Nature Center – At the top of the gondola, visitors can walk to the center, open daily, to learn about hiking and biking trails, weather expectations and local ecosystems. The center also features native wildlife education, children's nature activities and crafts, and guided interpretive hikes exploring Telluride's natural flora and fauna.
Telluride Town Park (www.telluride-co.gov/home/index.asp?page=45) is the center of all things fun. At the Trout Pond, fishing by kids is encouraged. A skate park, Imagination Station, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, disc golf, outdoor swimming and camping sites are available.
Wilkinson Library (www.telluridelibrary.org) is famous for its kids programming and activities, and features a daily story time.
Mountain Village Climbing Rock, located by the Telluride Conference Center, provides supervised climbing challenges for all ages. The rock is open daily during sunlight hours.
Evening concerts - From late June through early September, the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association offers free Wednesday evening concerts from 6 to 8 p.m. in Sunset Plaza. Kids and dogs are welcome, and dancing is encouraged.
And while the Telluride Historical Museum (www.telluridemuseum.org) isn’t free, it’s very affordable. Set in the building that housed the town’s first hospital, the museum offers a look into Telluride’s unique history, from the mining boom days to Telluride’s storied ski fame.
Going green
Feeling the need to “go green†this summer? If any member of your family is concerned with the planet’s well-being, they’ll find that Telluride is a truly earth-friendly destination.
Once in Telluride, you’ll find no need for a car. The preferred modes of transportation are walking or biking. Otherwise, there’s the free gondola or the town’s continuously running in-town shuttle – which runs on non-toxic, biodegradable, vegetable oil-based diesel fuel.
For those who do want to rent a car in town, Telluride’s Go Green Electric Car Rental Program provides two- and four-door vehicles that can be driven on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or lower.
So what can adults do if the kids are off enjoying one of the many kids-only programs? It may be hard to decide, as the area offers ample opportunities for enjoying the green hillsides: hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, golfing – or just relaxing and soaking in the soothing mountain air.
The festivals
Telluride also hosts events nearly every weekend from through September. In fact, several famous festivals originated in the town, and have become long-standing traditions for locals and visitors alike. Here’s a sampling:
Bluegrass Festival, June 18-21
Wine Festival, June 25-28
Yoga Festival, July 10-12
Americana Festival, July 23-25
Chamber Music Festival, Aug. 6-15
Festival of the Arts, Aug. 14-16
Mushroom Festival, Aug. 27-30
Film Festival, Sept. 4-6
Blues & Brews Festival, Sept. 18-20
So if you’re ready to head to the mountains in search of family activities, fun – and discounts – look to southwest Colorado. Telluride truly is an accessible, affording summer destination.
To take advantage of the “4th Flies Free†promotion, contact Telluride Central Reservations at 888-355-7433 or check the “Places to Stay†section at www.visittelluride.com. Each reservation booked will receive a restaurant gift card ($25 value) to use at Excelsior Café, Blue Point Grill & Noir Bar or X Café.
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