From Tulsa to Telluride
How hard could it be? I was joining Telluride Outside for a scenic snowmobile ride along groomed trails between the Wilson and Dolores mountain ranges to historic Dunton Hot Springs for a soak in ancient waters followed by a gourmet lunch. Well, two hours driving the snow machine, the roar of the engine masking my heavy breathing, left me exhilarated and exhausted. By the time we pulled into the remote Dunton Hot Springs property, an abandoned mining town turned Relais & Chateaux destination, my heart was pounding under the billowy snowsuit. I traded it for a giant fluffy robe and stomped through the snow to “the source,” the hottest of the three hot springs open for day visitors and overnight guests. I climbed gingerly down the slippery 4 foot wood ladder into the subterraneous tub of water naturally heated to 112 degrees by tectonic forces associated with the Triassic Dolores Formation.
Lunch at the Saloon where Butch Cassidy stopped, will blow you away, sophisticated farm-to-table served family style. Beautiful and satisfying.
Telluride has a way of feeding your body and soul.
Telluride is nestled in southwest Colorado among the highest concentration of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks in the Rocky Mountains. Much more than just a charming mountain ski town, the year-round destination attracts characters who make living a big life their priority.
Meet Chef Eliza Gavin at 221 South Oak, she studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and was a Top Chef contestant. Chef Eliza could have landed anywhere in the world but chose Telluride to serve dishes like a Rocky Mountain elk t-bone with goji berry walnut jam. She promises sustenance for even the heartiest diner who appreciates finesse.
The staff at the charming Hotel Telluride, a 59-room luxury boutique chalet with a European feel will gladly plan your excursions and make you feel welcome. Check out the secret bar on the outdoor hot tub deck.
The hotel has a new “Two Picks and a Prayer” ice-climbing package experience. Not only is Telluride a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders, but this former Victorian mining town also offers incredible adventures beyond the slopes, including some of the best ice climbing in North America suitable for all skill levels. Learning how to climb frozen waterfalls is an exhilarating and fun activity for individuals, families and kids and a beautiful (and for some, nerve-wracking) way to spend a winter day beyond the slopes. The hotel is partnering with San Juan Outdoor Adventures, a fully insured USDA Forest Service permitted outfitter located in Telluride, to bring the exhilarating frozen vertical world of ice climbing to guests. The package includes a three-night stay in a Signature room (with a private balcony - many overlooking the San Juan Mountains), daily breakfast for two, a guided ice-climbing experience and, upon return to the hotel, choice of eiswein, a type of sweet wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine, or a hot toddy with a charcuterie board by the roaring fire in The Hotel Telluride's lobby. Two 60-minute massages through Telluride Spa Concierge at The Hotel Telluride are also included (one per person). The package is available from January 3 - April 7, 2019 and starts from $1,739.00 (based on double occupancy, weather conditions and blackout dates apply). Fly to Denver with a connection to Telluride on Boutique Air.
Get outside and play! Tag @tulsalifestylemagazine with your travel photos so we can follow you on your adventures. Happy New Year!
Sue G. Collins is editor of our Atlanta Lifestyle Publications magazines and is a travel writer. Follow her on Instagram: @SeeSueGo_, #SeeSueGo, #LifestylePubsTravel.
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