Telluride in the Winter – 10 easy steps

Are you thinking about a family ski vacation to Telluride?  Go for it!

We are in love with this special town.  Here are our tips to make it a great one!

1. First be prepared for it to be a trip, not a vacation.  You are going to get to do some heavy lifting…  but the memories and fun will far outweigh any work.

2.  Packing and prep:  Check out our packing list

3. Travel:  To get to remote Telluride – fly into Durango or Montrose airports then drive, take a shuttle to Telluride OR you can fly into Telluride directly.   Stopping in Durango or Montrose is my preferred method – it gives you a little time to adjust to the altitude.  We rent a car then have lunch, stop to get any grocery or other items.  Then drive on in.  Once you get to your mountain retreat, there is a free and scenic gondola connecting Telluride to Mountain Village.  As long as you are walking distance to the free and fabulous gondola you likely will not use a car.

4. Accommodations: The Peaks is a great family resort, The Madeline is in the heart of Mountain Village, Hotel Columbia is a great spot at the base of the gondola in the town of Telluride, New Sheridan is a fun historic hotel in town, or try AirBnb.

5.  Altitude smarts:  Telluride is at an altitude of 8,750 so you will likely feel some effects.  One option is to take prescription diamox per your doctors advise.  A more natural option is to ease into the altitude (see notes regarding travel in) and to stay super hydrated, no booze for a few days.

6.  Ski School, Nursery, babysitting and more:  Ski school and the Nursery are fantastic – book ahead of time to ensure availability for 6 weeks daycare to adult lessons.  If you have a non skier kiddo they also have a great adventure camp.  They also have a list of babysitters that you can get ahead of time to make plans.  If you have a loved one with special needs they have the most amazing adaptive ski program.

7.  Fun Stuff:  Movie Theater, Sheridan Opera House and Club Red have great concerts, fabulous indoor play and events at the public Library, sleigh rides, the Telluride History Museum has great exhibits and walking or skiing tours, making smores, snow painting, Ah Ha Art school private and group classes just to name a few.

8.  Dining:  Make dining reservations ahead of time.  Try OpenTable and yelp reservations for the most options.  Allred’s is a must for a special meal out with a magnificent view(view below).  Photo opp!  Altezza at the Peaks also has an incredible sunset view.  Brown Dog Pizza is arguably the best pizza on the planet so make sure you sneak in a visit.  As far as groceries go, you will have lots of options.  At the top of the gondola in Mountain Village there is a full service grocery, and Clark’s Market in town (photo below) that you can shop, or they can shop for you and even put the items away in your fridge or pantry – heck yes!

9.  Good to know:  Telluride Medical center in town offers 24 hour care.

10.  Book a trip back for the summer!  (Summer guide coming soon)  There is a festival for anything you fancy – jazz, film, mushrooms(yes you can learn to forage for your own culinary mushrooms), yoga, wine, you name it.  And then there is the every day hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, hot spring exploring, fly fishing, waterfall chasing…  it is just such a special place.