Story: Ouray Downtown
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane & Stevie Jacobs
Broadcast Date: 14 June 2025

Forget the glitz of big ski resorts—Ouray offers rugged, rural charm and a true local experience. Set 480 km south-west of Denver, this mountain town lets you live the essence of Colorado’s wild past and adventurous present.

• Founded in 1876 during the gold and silver rush, Ouray earned the nickname “Switzerland of America” thanks to its stunning alpine surroundings. Once a booming mining hub, it now thrives as Colorado’s outdoor recreation capital.
• Don’t miss Vinegar Hill—Ouray’s iconic sledding street, closed off to vehicles every winter. Named after homemade Prohibition-era vinegar, this block-long snowy slope is reserved entirely for toboggans, sleds, and plenty of laughs.
• The entire downtown is a designated National Historic District, rich with Wild West character. Explore landmarks like the Wright Opera House, built to bring culture to a rowdy mining town, or the elegant Beaumont Hotel, once host to presidents and royalty.
• Ouray is a hotspot for hiking, ice climbing, and natural hot springs, all set against a backdrop of 14,000-foot peaks. It’s where history and adventure go hand-in-hand.
• With its unique blend of heritage, mountain culture, and small-town warmth, Ouray is fast becoming a favourite with Australian visitors looking for more than just ski resorts—a truly unforgettable stop in any Colorado adventure.

For more information:
Visitouray.com