Things to Know When Traveling to Telluride: A Family Guide
The Madeline Hotel and Residences provided some altitude sickness remedies like this bag of goodies to help us stay hydrated which is key to feeling better. They also have a fancy water station with different waters to help its guests with hydration and recovery. Our girls took longer to adjust to the change in altitude and felt sick the first two days in Telluride with nausea and pains.
Altitude Awareness: Be Prepared for the High Elevation
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness:
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water before and during your trip.
- Take it easy on day one. Give your body time to adjust before hitting the slopes or doing strenuous activities. I would highly recommend not planning any skiing or boarding for the kids the first day
- Limit alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you faster
- Pack altitude sickness remedies like electrolyte tablets, ibuprofen, and oxygen cans (which can be found in local shops)
- Consider arriving a day early in a lower elevation town like Montrose to acclimate before heading up.
Mountain Village is small and less busy in the evenings when the ski and snowboard crowds clear out after the lifts close for the day. It has most of what you would need like lodging, restaurants and snow gear shops, but has less options in comparison to Telluride Village.
Where to Stay: Telluride Village vs. Mountain Village
Choosing where to stay depends on your travel style and priorities.
– Mountain Village: Perfect for ski-in, ski-out convenience, with direct access to the slopes and Telluride Ski School. Best for families with kids who are learning to ski and want to maximize their time on the mountain. Keep in mind, accommodations here are mostly high-end.
– Telluride Village: Offers more variety in accommodations, restaurants, and shops. A great option if you want a lively atmosphere with easy access to dining and non-ski activities. While further from the beginner slopes, the free gondola makes getting to Mountain Village easy.
Telluride Ski Mountain has plenty of terrain for those of all levels. I loved how there were double green runs for us to gradually increase our difficulty level when skiing. Our private instructor made it easy to navigate the runs she knew fit our ability best. She made navigating new slopes less stressful and more enjoyable
Ski School & Rental Reservations: Book Early!
If you’re visiting Telluride during ski season, planning ahead is key.
-Ski School: If you or your kids need lessons, book as soon as possible. Telluride Ski School offers group and private lessons, but availability fills up quickly, especially during peak holiday weeks. Booking early can also provide access to multi-day discounts or special rates for children.
– Ski Rentals: Reserve your ski and snowboard gear in advance. Booking early allows for a quicker process when you arrive, ensuring you get properly fitted and can hit the slopes sooner. Many rental shops also offer early booking discounts, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers.
– Where to Rent: Some of the best places for ski rentals in Telluride include Christy Sports and Telluride Sports, both of which offer high-quality gear and convenient locations in both villages.
The Butcher & the Baker in Downtown Telluride is a great option for lunch if you are looking for pastries, sweets and sandwiches.
Dining in Telluride: Plan Your Meals
Telluride has incredible dining, but with limited restaurant capacity, reservations are a must—especially during ski season.
- Book reservations for dinner spots well in advance. Popular restaurants like Allred’s, Alpino Vino, The National, and The Grand fill up quickly.
- For casual, family-friendly meals, check out Brown Dog Pizza, The Butcher & The Baker, and Smuggler Union.
- Many restaurants in Telluride have small dining areas, so plan ahead if you’re traveling with a group.
- If you prefer flexibility, consider having groceries delivered to your rental so you can cook meals when needed.
View of Downtown Telluride, beautiful any time of the day. Easily accessible by gondola to and from the Mountain Village.
Getting Around: Free Gondola & Transportation Tips
One of the best parts about Telluride is its free gondola system connecting Telluride Village and Mountain Village. It runs daily from early morning until midnight, offering stunning views along the way.
– If you’re staying in Mountain Village but want to explore Telluride, the gondola is the easiest way to get there.
– If you’re flying in, the closest major airport is Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), about a 90-minute drive away. There is also a Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), but it has very limited flights and is only serviced by select airlines. Most travelers will find more flight options going in and out of Montrose.
