Wednesday, March 5, 2026 from 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Enjoy a leisurely walk through time and history

Step into the past with the at Telluride Gay Ski Week! The Historical Museum  is hosting a Walking Tour allowing visitors to explore the unique history of the charming town. Discover the mining, Ute Native American, ski and festival history that has earned the town the designation of a National Historical Landmark.

Tour Outline

The tour begins with a discussion of the Native American influence in the valley. In addition, topics covered will also include the discovery of silver in 1872, the town's name change from Columbia to Telluride, regional transportation and the legendary Galloping Goose train.

The tour then moves into the Sheridan Opera House, covering the 1913 structure and notable artists who have performed there over the years. The tour also showcases the ground level rooms of the New Sheridan Hotel, and points out many original features of the lobby, ladies waiting room, restaurant, and saloon.

The tour wraps up at the site of Butch Cassidy's first attempted and successful bank robbery along with a brief overview of the colorful red light district. The tour conveniently concludes at the historic Stronghouse building - which happens to be the Après-Ski party location of the day.

History

In 1961, the town of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark as one of the most important places associated with mining history in the United States. With just one glance down Colorado Avenue, you’ll see the preserved Victorian Style architecture holding timeless stories of the wild west.

Ashley Boling

Ashley Boling has lived in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado since 1990. He is an active skier, paddler, mountain biker, hiker, camper, and loves all outdoor sports. Ashley has worked for many nonprofits in various capacities and is very involved with many Telluride festivals. He is a DJ with local radio station KOTO, has been a morning television show host, appeared in television and film, and has acted in numerous stage productions. He traveled behind the Iron Curtain: when there was one.