RIDGWAY – Telluride and Ouray have long been tourist destinations, but Ridgway is breaking into that market more and more, according to Steve Swenson, owner of the new Ridgway Rentals and Realty. Hoping to offer something besides the standard hotel lodging option, Swenson has begun to offer homes, condos and cabins for short-term rent in the Ridgway area.

Swenson, who also owns Ouray Realty and Rentals and Mountain Management in Telluride, sees the market opening up as Ridgway adds more and more festivals to its summer events list, festivals such as last weekend’s Balloons-n-Varooms and the upcoming Ridgway River Festival, scheduled for June 28.

“We look at this as an opportunity, as there are a lot of things going on in Ridgway geared at getting folks to come here,” he said.

Swenson also cited Ridgway as an ideal location, centered between Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, and the Ridgway State Park. “You can reach out and touch a lot of places within a very short distance,” he said.

Most of his rentals can be booked nightly, weekly and monthly. The rentals come fully equipped and furnished. “Show up with a suitcase and you’re OK,” Swensen said. He is also seeking people who want to rent out their homes.

You can view the available rentals at ridgwaymountainmanagement.com or visit their office at 160 Liddell Street in Ridgway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.