Telluride Mountain Club
2025 Recap Report
In 2025, the Telluride Mountain Club (TMtC) thrived thanks to the dedication of our Board of Directors, hardworking staff, and generous donors and members. Together, we advanced our mission and strengthened Telluride’s reputation as an exceptional place for outdoor recreation. Please consider supporting TMtC with an online donation by clicking here.
We’re excited to share some of our 2025 accomplishments in the summary below. A heartfelt thank you to the Telluride community and everyone who supported TMtC this year—your commitment makes our work possible. We look forward to seeing you out on the trails in 2026!
2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Trail Planning, Maintenance & Execution
- Cleared over 240 downed trees from 25 different trails.
- Enhanced trail sustainability and user experience by brush-cutting trail corridors, removing invasive thistle, improving drainage, removing rocks, and redefining tread.
- Collaborated with the Aldasoro Ranch Homeowners Company and San Miguel County to conduct heavy maintenance on the Breckenridge Trail, break ground on a new loop, and secure public access.
- Hired an additional Trails Maintenance Specialist to increase trail maintenance capacity in response to USFS funding cuts and growing regional demand.
- Entered the final stages of the NEPA analysis for TMtC’s trails proposal, with a decision expected in spring 2026.
- Partnered with the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program to improve adaptive mountain bike access on the Breckenridge and Galloping Goose Trails.
- Worked with the USFS to identify necessary improvements to the Hope Lake Trail.
- Hosted volunteer trailwork days with members of the public on the Eider-to-Mill Creek Connector and Deep Creek Trails, and with TASP team members on the Galloping Goose and Breckenridge Trails.
- Worked with the USFS to purchase and install four new signs for regional trails.
- Installed five trail counters to gather valuable data about trail use in the region.
- Worked with San Miguel County to maintain the Bridal Veil Trail and its vital infrastructure.
- Coordinated with regional governments, towns, and other land management entities on trails, funding, stewardship, access, maintenance, and etiquette.
- Collaborated with private landowners and homeowners associations to discuss formalizing public access to trails on private property.
- Volunteered with the Hardrock 100 team to improve trail tread on Grant Swamp Pass.
- Sanded and stained two benches on the Mill Creek Connector Trail.
- Distributed pheromone packs on the T35/Sunshine Trail to prevent beetle kill, in conjunction with San Miguel County.
- Decommissioned redundant sections of the San Miguel River Trail to minimize impact.
- Worked with the USFS to get three staff members chainsaw-certified.
- Purchased a truck, chainsaws, brushcutter, trail tools, and safety equipment to outfit a trails team of four.
- Worked with the American Safe Climbing Association and local volunteers to coordinate the replacement of essential safety equipment at popular climbing crags.
- Partnered with local volunteers to perform heavy maintenance on climbing access routes.
- Administered a survey to the climbing community to better understand and prioritize maintenance needs for climbing crags and access routes.
Education, Awareness & Stewardship + Other Trail Initiatives
- Hosted five volunteer trail work events with the general public, the climbing community, and the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program.
- Commented on the USFS Reorganization Plan and Telluride Ski Resort’s proposed Master Development Plan.
- Attended the Colorado Mountain Bike Coalition’s annual summit to discuss sustainable trail building in the state.
- Provided e-bike materials to local bike retailers to educate customers on permitted e-bike areas and offer safety tips.
- Distributed “Mountain Safety Tips” print collateral for the Telluride Tourism Board to share with visitors.
- Shared social media ads and visual assets targeting Telluride visitors to promote trail etiquette, personal responsibility, safety, and stewardship.
- Distributed trail updates, clearing and closure information, and news on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Published press releases about important trail information in the newspaper, on KOTO, and through other local media outlets.
Noteworthy Programming
- Hosted a sold-out “Mental Health in the Mountains” event at the Sheridan Opera House to educate the community on the connection between mental health and mountain life.
- Completed year four of the free outdoor recreation gear drive, distributing items to 200 people at CAFI’s annual Community Fiesta.
- Facilitated a second wilderness first aid workshop in Spanish to support outdoor education for the immigrant community.
- Organized the annual “Party in the Park” to raise awareness about TMtC’s work and generate funds for trail projects.
Telluride Via Ferrata
- Coordinated Via Ferrata upkeep needs with Via Ferrata Sustainability Fund (VFSF) partners and volunteers.
- Continued stewardship efforts to keep the Via Ferrata route free and open to the public.
- Replaced signage at the trailhead.
Peter Inglis Avalanche Education Fund
- Hosted four Backcountry Chats to provide community members with free avalanche education.
- Awarded $6,382 in avalanche education scholarships to 17 individuals.
- Hosted the 2025 SkiDola race with 113 registered participants, raising over $7,500 to support the scholarship program.
- Installed and maintained the avalanche beacon checker at the entrance to Waterfall Canyon in Ophir.
- Played a key role in promoting the local backcountry radio program, expanding regional communication and safety efforts.
Operations
- Expanded the team with the addition of a Trails Maintenance Specialist to support increased fieldwork.
- Welcomed new board member Jon Tukman.
REGIONAL TRAILS PLANNING & EXECUTION
TMtC’s trail work expanded significantly in 2025. With the addition of a new Trails Maintenance Specialist, the organization more than doubled its on-the-ground impact—clearing over 240 downed trees across 25 trails and maintaining more miles than ever before. Trails like Deep Creek, Mill Creek, Magic Meadows and Sneffels Highline saw extensive brush cutting work, invasive thistle removal and tread redefinition, all contributing to more sustainable trails and an improved user experience.
The year’s major focus was the Breckenridge Trail, locally known as Penelope’s. In fall 2024, TMtC learned that a well-loved spur off the main trail had been closed to public use because it crossed private property without a formal easement. This route had long provided a popular loop option for trail users. TMtC brought together the Aldasoro Ranch Homeowners Company and San Miguel County to identify a new solution.
During these discussions, it became clear that the main Breckenridge Trail itself also lacked a formal public easement. Recognizing the importance of securing long-term access, TMtC, the County, and Aldasoro worked collaboratively to formalize an easement, design a new segment of trail, and address necessary maintenance. The 2024 monsoon season had caused significant damage, making this an opportune time to invest in long-term improvements. In August, all three parties finalized agreements to secure permanent public access, begin construction on the new trail section, and bring the entire corridor up to current standards. The project serves as a model of how nonprofits, local governments, and private landowners can work together to protect and enhance public recreation opportunities.
Beyond the Breckenridge Trail, TMtC made progress on several other initiatives. The organization entered the final stages of the NEPA analysis for our regional trails proposal, with all fieldwork completed and a decision expected in spring 2026. Once the USFS decision is issued, TMtC plans to begin construction on the newly proposed trails. More information about the trails proposal can be found here.
Volunteer engagement continued to grow in 2025, with more than 30 community members participating in TMtC-led trailwork days. TMtC also partnered with the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program (TASP) to improve adaptive mountain bike access on the Breckenridge and Galloping Goose Trails. TASP volunteers contributed field hours and helped identify narrow sections and obstacles, ensuring that adaptive riders can navigate these trails independently. These efforts not only enhanced trail conditions but also reinforced the sense of community stewardship that TMtC strives to cultivate.
The club continued its long-standing partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, identifying necessary improvements to the Hope Lake Trail and Sheridan Crosscut, with heavy maintenance scheduled for 2026 or 2027. Together, TMtC and the USFS purchased and installed four new trail signs across the region, including at Whipple Trail, where the crew also brush-cut, logged out, and redefined tread—work made possible by the expansion of our team.
TMtC collaborated with San Miguel County to maintain the Bridal Veil Trail and its vital infrastructure, performing repairs and routine maintenance on the stairs. The organization also decommissioned redundant sections of the San Miguel River Trail to minimize environmental impacts and helped three staff members obtain chainsaw certification through the USFS. To support these expanding efforts, TMtC purchased a truck, chainsaws, a brushcutter, trail tools, and safety gear, fully equipping a four-person trail crew.
Our support for the local climbing community continues to grow. We are currently working with the American Safe Climbing Association and volunteers to replace aging safety hardware at popular crags and perform heavy maintenance on climbing access routes. To guide future priorities, TMtC administered a community survey to better understand how local climbers value, use, and wish to maintain crags and access points.
Altogether, 2025 marked a transformative year for the Telluride Mountain Club’s trail and access programs—defined by expanded capacity and meaningful progress toward sustainable, accessible outdoor recreation in the Telluride region.
EDUCATION, AWARENESS, STEWARDSHIP + OTHER TRAIL INITIATIVES
In 2025, TMtC continued to play an active role in local and regional advocacy efforts, promoting responsible recreation and the protection of public lands. The organization submitted comments on both the U.S. Forest Service Reorganization Plan and Telluride Ski Resort’s proposed Master Development Plan, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management and advocating for free and equitable access to outdoor recreation.
TMtC also participated in the Colorado Mountain Bike Coalition’s Annual Summit, engaging with land management agencies and peer organizations from across the state to discuss sustainable trail building practices, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges.
Education and outreach remained a cornerstone of TMtC’s work this year. The team provided e-bike education materials to local bike retailers to help customers understand where e-bikes are permitted and to encourage safe riding practices. TMtC also collaborated with the Telluride Tourism Board to distribute printed “Mountain Safety Tips” for visitors. We continue to identify gaps in recreation education within the community in order to better inform both locals and visitors.
On the communications front, TMtC shared stewardship messaging through social media, digital ads, and local media outlets to promote trail etiquette, personal responsibility and safety. Between June and October 2025, TMtC’s posts and paid campaigns reached more than 22,000 people, generating over 210,000 views.
The organization also distributed trail updates, clearing and closure information, and other news through its website, Facebook, and Instagram, ensuring the community remained informed and engaged. TMtC regularly published press releases to local outlets such as The Telluride Daily Planet and KOTO Radio to share important trail and access updates with the broader public.
Through these efforts, TMtC reinforced its role as both a trail steward and a trusted community voice—advocating for sustainable recreation, informed use of public lands, and a shared sense of responsibility among all who enjoy Telluride’s trails and open spaces.
NOTEWORTHY PROGRAMMING & OPERATIONS
TMtC continued to strengthen community connections in 2025 through events, education, and outreach that promote wellness, inclusion, and access to outdoor recreation.
In March, TMtC hosted a sold-out “Mental Health in the Mountains” event at the Sheridan Opera House to explore the connection between mental health and our shared mountain passions. The evening featured professional skier and filmmaker Drew Peterson and Outside Magazine journalist Paddy O’Connell, who shared deeply personal stories about their mental health journeys. Their messages encouraged the Telluride community to come together to address the growing mental health crisis in the Rocky Mountain West and highlighted the importance of connection, empathy, and support within outdoor communities.
In May, TMtC completed the fourth year of its outdoor recreation gear drive, held during the community cleanup event in collaboration with EcoAction Partners, San Miguel County, and the Town of Telluride. During the event, a trailer full of donated outdoor gear was collected and later distributed for free to 200 community members at CAFI’s annual Community Fiesta. This program helps remove one of the major barriers to outdoor recreation—access to proper equipment—by ensuring that more people can participate regardless of financial means or resources.
TMtC also facilitated its second wilderness first aid workshop in Spanish, expanding access to outdoor safety education for the region’s immigrant community. TMtC continues to work closely with Spanish-speaking residents to identify additional workshops and educational opportunities that meet community needs.
Finally, TMtC hosted its annual “Party in the Park” fundraiser, which once again sold out with 350 tickets. The event raised awareness of TMtC’s mission and generated essential funds to support ongoing trail projects and community programming.
VIA FERRATA
TMtC coordinated the upkeep of the Via Ferrata with Mountain Trip, San Juan Mountain Guides, San Juan Outdoor Adventures and Telluride Mountain Guides – our partners in the Via Ferrata Sustainability Fund (VFSF). Throughout the season, the route remained in good condition, requiring no major work aside from light trail and hardware maintenance.
TMtC continues to collaborate with the GMUG Norwood Ranger District of the USFS on route stewardship.
PETER INGLIS AVALANCHE EDUCATION FUND / BACKCOUNTRY RECAP
This winter, the PI Avy Fund organized four free Telluride Backcountry Chats, hosted at the Wilkinson Public Library. Each event drew 45–65 attendees and featured small group discussions and 13 local guest presenters. Both new and experienced backcountry users were engaged, and the series was led by the Telluride Mountain Club with support from Advisory Board members. Topics included snowpack updates from the CAIC, information on the regional backcountry radio program, interactive trip planning, emergency preparedness, lessons learned from close calls, and the history of local backcountry routes.
During the 2024-2025 season, the PI Avy Fund received 38 scholarship applications to help offset the cost of avalanche education for regional community members. A total of $6,382 was awarded to 17 individuals—up from $4,537 last year—with scholarships ranging from $320 to $649 each. Auberge Resorts contributed $1,400 to fund two full scholarships. These awards support local backcountry users who might not otherwise afford avalanche education. Scholarships were applied to AIARE Level 1, AIARE Instructor, and Partner Rescue courses. We’re proud to support our community and aim to expand the program each year.
In March, the PI Avy Fund partnered with the Telluride Foundation to host the fifth annual Skidola, an uphill on-snow race from Telluride to the top of the Gondola. We had 113 registered participants (up from 93 last year), with 92 total racers making it across the finish line. Prizes and awards were donated by La Sportiva, while the Oak restaurant again hosted the after-party. This year’s SkiDola also included the return of the “Pies for PI” silent auction, which grossed more than $1,200. The Telluride Foundation donated $6,326 in proceeds from the event, and in total the SkiDola generated $7,562 to support the work of the PI Avy Fund.
The Telluride Mountain Club is proud of the progress and growing engagement its avalanche education programming has achieved in recent years within the local backcountry community. We look forward to continuing to advance avalanche education and backcountry awareness throughout the region for years to come.
THANK YOU
TMtC owes much of its success to the invaluable support of our partners, grantors, donors, and volunteers. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed in 2025. Your exceptional generosity is what made our achievements possible!
For any questions about our projects and programming from the past year, please email info@telluridemountainclub.org. To become a member or supporter of our initiatives, click here.
