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Telluride, Colorado founded in 1878 was a mining town bringing in the sophisticates of the east and the rough and tumble gold seekers from the south. The bipolar atmosphere of Telluride exists today.

December is an excellent time to experience these extremes. Begin by driving slowly down historic Main Street to the New Sheridan Hotel built in 1895. Stop in at the Smuggler's Brewpub and grill for refreshment and a quick bite to eat before checking in at one of the various boutique hotels. If the historic mining town is too rustic, ride the Gondola to the Town of Mountain Village located 9500 feet in the San Juan Mountains. There is no trouble skiing right to a condo like the Inn at Lost Creek with the comfort of a fireplace, full sized kitchen, and a balcony with a spectacular view of the surrounding area.

After settling into the room, take a refreshing walk or ride the free Galloping Goose shuttle to Telluride's Historic Museum. Browse through the fashion boutique of Two Skirts or the Black Bear Trading Company, a western boutique. From there, go to the Golden Door Spa for a swim in the lap pool before heading back to the room.

If choosing to stay at the New Sheridan Hotel, go to dinner at the Chop House Restaurant and Bar for steaks, wild game or seafood. A desert plate of Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake enjoyed in front of a toasty fireplace will be the perfect way to end the evening.

Wake to a sunrise that will highlight the treacherous cliffs and sheer drops of the San Juan Mountains. Now the urgency is on to ride a helicopter up into the high elevations of the Rocky Mountains. A guide will show the way through chutes, stands of trees, and alpine bowls where making tracks through the virgin snow can become an art form. The exhilarating views will intoxicate and entice until there is no thought of the past or the future.

After descending the mountain, ski into the Atmosphere Day Spa at the base of the Gondola for a much needed massage.

The following day soar above the mountain ridges on a sail plane with Telluride Soaring. As the thermals keep you afloat, gaze upon the wonders of the snowy winter scenes below. In the evening take a custom guided snowmobile ride through the mountains into a valley that reflects the nighttime sky and the beautiful Milkyway. Roast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate as sparks from the campfire drift into the night and breath freezes in midair.

With the vacation almost over, ski the NASTAR racetrack or Snowshoe below the magnificent spires of the snow covered rock and investigate Telluride's history by taking a three hour guided tour. Over tea and muffins, the guide will explain the area's mining history along with the flora, fauna and geological history or the area. At day's end, take a romantic sleigh ride from Heritage Plaza in Mountain Village to Gorrono Ranch where there will be a western-style buffet. Sit around the fire and watch the New Year's Eve Torch Light Parade. Take the sleigh on a final ride down the mountain to finalize the evening.

The winter season runs from November 22 to the end of March. If atmosphere and daring sports is what is needed than Telluride, Colorado is the place to spend any time of the year. Arriving on time is required but departing, never.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Mckinley.
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