Watch as locals become celebrities for a night at the Gala Fashion Show.  The most sought after event of the week sells out almost as quickly as the dates are announced.  Local residents rehearse for weeks to put on a show that contains amazing fashions from local and big name designers.   In addition to the clothing, the production includes dance and theatrical elements that you would expect to see during New York Fashion Week.  Tonight's Gala Fashion Show is definitely an event that should not be missed.  

My favorite winter activity is sledding! It is an easy activity to gear up for and there are plenty of exciting hills to find around Telluride. All it requires are some warm clothes, a fast sled, and of course your family and friends to share the fun and laughter with.

Being brought up in Telluride, sledding was something I enjoyed almost every weekend. I loved finding a great spot and repeating the same run over and over until I was too exhausted to hike up the steep snowy hills one last time. Afterwards, I would go inside and make some hot chocolate, sit in front of the fire, and recall my favorite runs.

Despite being older and slightly less carefree, I still find time to escape and go sledding with my family. One of our favorite spots to sled is Trout Lake, where there are massive snow-packed hills in every direction. We gather several blow-up sleds, which are the fastest and the most exhilarating sleds to ride on, and trudge our way up the smooth powdery snow. At the top of the hill, we scope out our run and jump into our sleds for a long 20-second run. For the most part, the ride is refreshing, although there are occasional crashes that are followed by laughter and cold, frosty faces!
 

If you visit Telluride in the wintertime, be sure to go sledding. I will gladly recommend some of the best sledding spots in Telluride!
 

Skiing is the most obvious winter-time activity in Telluride, but with my three boys we probably skate at the Town Park as much as we ski. I have three little hockey players and whether we are practicing Hockey at the covered, refrigerated, NHL size Hanley Rink in Town Park or free skating at the romantic outdoor rink it is always good exercise and a blast.

The romantic outdoor ice rink in Town Park is the rink that I grew up skating on with my sisters. This natural, non-refrigerated rink is surrounded by Victorian light posts and equipped with warming hut and bathrooms. The outdoor rink opens in mid-December and closes in mid-February, pending weather conditions. The outdoor ice rink and warming hut hours are 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., 7 days per week for public skating. Skates can be rented or sharpened at the Town Park Nordic center.

During the day take in the breath taking mountain surroundings as you skate hand in hand, play tag or race across the ice. In the evening dress warm, bring some hot-cocoa and skate under the stars. The dim light of the lamp posts give the atmosphere of a historic skating pond. Locals and visitors alike enjoy this rink for the beautiful setting day or night. If you are not motivated to skate sit in the warming hut by the fire and watch the local rink rats, like my boys, weave their way around the ice at top speeds occasionally tackling one another into the snow banks.

Day or night skating at the park is one winter time activity not to be missed.

Pictured above are Kai and Kobe Kusuno, Brigitte's middle and youngest sons.

Every Thursday for the next seven weeks, one of our staff members will blog about their favorite winter activity. Some of these activities include an adventurous daytrip, a romantic outing, and one of Telluride’s signature events.

With a combined 97 years of living in Telluride, the staff of the Hotel Columbia offers a true insight into the charm of Telluride. We welcome you to tune in to these weekly blogs to share our top picks. As an honorary local, we invite you to discover your own Telluride favorites.
 

In Telluride we kick-off the celebrations with our annual torchlight parade and firework display. Telluride’s finest ski instructors and ski patrol will be skiing down the mountain at dusk while carrying lit batons between their frozen gloves. The snow and the night sky will be illuminated in red and orange hues as the skiers zigzag their way down the steep ski slopes. Spectators can view this exciting scene either in the Town of Telluride or in the Mountain Village.

Immediately following the torchlight parade, local volunteer firefighters set off dozens of fireworks in the Mountain Village. Thunderous bangs will echo through the surrounding valleys as the cold night sky lights up in streams of color. After the festivities finish, visitors and locals alike will make their way to the bustling restaurants, bars, and shops in town.

Shortly before midnight, hundreds of people gather in front of the courthouse to help countdown to the New Year. This year, a special in-town firework display will be added to the festivities. A few minutes before midnight, turn your gaze to the east where the end of this magical box-canyon will provide a truly magnificent setting for this firework display. Once the final illumination recedes, grab your special someone to steal a kiss when the clock strikes midnight!
 

From all of us at the Hotel Columbia, we wish you an enjoyable New Year’s Eve and a Happy 2013!

Meanwhile, the Hotel Columbia is celebrating its own Christmas spirit within the hotel lobby. Staff members helped set up a six foot, brightly light and ornamented tree. Mini Christmas trees, garland, and plants have been placed on the mantle and tabletops. Warm apple cider is sipped in front of the welcoming fireplace.  A steady flow of people stop to dine with family and friends at the Cosmopolitan restaurant. Christmas time has finally arrived for everyone.

The Hotel Columbia wants to wish you a wonderful Christmas day and Happy Holidays wherever you are!
 

I am excited to be filling out my first blog as a way to keep people informed of things going on at the Hotel Columbia and in the Telluride area. Please check back often for updates.