THE SCENE | ARTS
FINDING THE MAGIC BY JESSE JAMES McTIGUE
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this year. Bars and restaurants will likely remain open, providing culinary and social experiences to savor. And, most importantly, the chairlifts and Gondola will continue to ascend the mountain’s rugged face. Snow will fall gently, and frequently, we hope, reminding us why we are here. Instead of filling the holidays busily planning and preparing, let’s spend it alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, fat biking or watching elk lazily wander the Valley Floor. We might splash out on Patagonia instead of Cartier and spend more time outside in the San Juan Mountains, basking in the sunshine. Nightlife will also be outdoors and traditions such as the Christmas Eve Torch Light Parade and New Year’s fireworks may still happen. Or, perhaps we can create new traditions: a sleigh ride to dinner at a yurt or skiing into a remote mountain cabin. Maybe this year, instead of fireworks, we make a quiet fire, enjoy an intimate toast and recite resolutions we can keep. Whatever we choose to do, we’ll notice that the heart of the holidays in
Telluride will not change. The chairlifts and Gondola will still whisk skiers and boarders up the mountain’s rugged face. Skis and snowboards will still be stashed in offices, instead of briefcases, and lunch breaks will take place on the Plunge and Spiral Stairs, instead of over martinis. The views of Wasatch and Bear Creek will still be as spectacular from the top of Gold Hill and the burn in our legs from skiing See Forever top to bottom will feel just as good. The surrounding, stunning San Juans will still make our Christmas wishes come true by demanding that we pay attention, not just to them, but to those with whom we are sharing the magic of this holiday season. Our presence will be our greatest Christmas present. Yes, the holiday season may look different in Telluride, but its soul remains the same — and may be even stronger. For up-to-date information on Noel Night, Holiday Prelude and holiday season events, go to telluride.com.
Ryan Bonneau
he irony of Covid-19 is that, while doing much harm, it has taught us what is most important — health, family, friends and gratitude. It has also taught us to slow down. And, there may be no better time or place to embrace these lessons than during the holidays in Telluride. This year, some traditions will stay the same and others will change. There may not be as many indoor concerts, crowded cocktail parties and packed shops, but the magic of the holidays, the parts we may not have paid enough attention to in the past, will hold fast — and might even make this the best holiday season ever. Shops in the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village will adopt the usual spirit of Noel Night and Holiday Prelude in early December, kicking off the holiday season. Twinkling lights will still adorn Main Street and shop owners will welcome patrons as always, just a few at a time
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