PLAYING FIELDS

FUN PLACES TO PLAY

THRILL HILL

Adrenaline junkies of all ages satisfy their need for speed at Thrill Hill, an outdoor activity center offering tubing and ski-biking. Located off Lift 2 and accessible from Mountain Village, Thrill Hill is open 2:30-7 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

CHILDREN'S NURSERY

The Children's Activity Center features a glass kiosk above the nursery's central playroom, allowing parents to check on their little ones without being seen. Daycare is available for infants (2-11 months) and toddlers (12 months-3 years), daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations required, call (970) 728-7531.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

On "Wildlife Day" children meet friends of the Rocky Mountain Ark, a local, nonprofit, wildlife rehabilitation facility. During lunch hour, children are exposed to rehabilitated wild animals in a safe, fun and informative environment. The program is also open to the public on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays throughout the season, call (970) 728-4275.

YOUTH LINK

FREE place for kids 11 to 15 to hang out, with skateboard ramps, video games, computers and more! In Telluride, near the Post Office.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

Upon arriving, children meet Telluride's friendly mascots--Olivia the Otter, Eddie the Eagle and Morris the Bear. Olivia, Eddie and Morris educate children and parents on Telluride's history, the environment and Ute Indian heritage. Children are divided into programs offering age-specific learning experiences. Snowboard instruction is available for children ages 7-12; ski lessons are offered to children ages 3-12.
Gold Miners: 3 years (potty-trained only)
Ute Indians: 4-6 years
Explorers: 7-12 years

TERRAIN PARKS

Telluride's skiers and riders can go huge in the Air Garden's new Superpipe this year, thanks to Telski's new Pipe Monster. The 3,250-pound Pipe Monster, designed by Zaugg of Switzerland, is an advanced cutting and blowing machine famous for creating Superpipes for the X-games and U.S. Open. Located on Butterfly, the new Superpipe rivals other resort terrain parks nationwide. Telluride's redesigned Terrain Park features all the latest jibs, including rainbows, fun boxes, tabletops and A-frames. Those new to the airborne experience can ease into things at the Pocket Park, off the Ute Park Lift. The small hits and rollers in this minipark create the ideal environment for beginners.