Mountains & Ski · Best Jan–Mar
Telluride ski packing list for families
Telluride is a small, historic town tucked into a box canyon, with skiing right from Main Street and a free gondola overhead. The altitude, big sun, and remote location all shape what belongs in the bag.
Photo by Jesse Paul on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Telluride Ski
- Getting here takes planning. Many families fly into Montrose, about an hour and a half away, since flights into Telluride's own small airport are limited and weather-sensitive. Pack carry-ons with a day of essentials in case bags or flights are delayed.
- The town sits at about 8,750 feet, and the high, dry air hits kids fast. I push water from the moment we land, pack a good moisturizer and saline spray, and keep the first day easy.
- The free gondola between town and Mountain Village makes skipping the car easy. Pack a small backpack for each kid with mittens, a snack, and a spare layer, since you will be hopping between the two all day.
Best timeJan–Mar
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Telluride Ski
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing3
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Shoes2
Snow boots
Snow boots with grip for townMain Street sidewalks are often icy.
Mountain7
Base layers2 sets per person
Ski jackets and snow pants
Gloves or mittens, plus a spare pair
Neck gaiters and helmet liners
Hand warmers
Lip balm with SPF
UV-blocking ski gogglesKristina's pickHigh-altitude sun and snow glare are intense.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things13
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Mineral sunscreen stick for the slopesUV is much stronger at this altitude.
Rich moisturizer and saline nasal sprayThe dry mountain air leads to cracked skin and nosebleeds.
Documents & tech1
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
The outfit edit
Alpine
Snow, cabin red, navy, oatmeal
For photos
- Red and navy against white snow
- Matching knit hats
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Telluride Ski weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35°F 2°C | Cold, snowy midwinter with bright blue skies between storms. | Deep winter powder and the quietest slopes outside of holiday weeks. |
| February | 38°F 3°C | Cold, snowy midwinter with bright blue skies between storms. | Deep winter powder and the quietest slopes outside of holiday weeks. |
| March | 45°F 7°C | Sunny spring skiing with softer snow, and the ski season usually ending in early April. | |
| April | 52°F 11°C | Sunny spring skiing with softer snow, and the ski season usually ending in early April. | |
| May | 62°F 17°C | Snowmelt and quiet shoulder season warming into early summer. | |
| June | 73°F 23°C | Snowmelt and quiet shoulder season warming into early summer. | The bluegrass festival in town each June, with music in the box canyon. |
| July | 78°F 26°C | Warm days, cool nights, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. | |
| August | 75°F 24°C | Warm days, cool nights, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. | |
| September | 69°F 21°C | Warm days, cool nights, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. | The film festival over Labor Day weekend, when lodging fills up fast. Golden aspens across the canyon walls in late September and early October. |
| October | 58°F 14°C | Crisp fall turning cold, with the ski season opening around Thanksgiving. | Golden aspens across the canyon walls in late September and early October. |
| November | 44°F 7°C | Crisp fall turning cold, with the ski season opening around Thanksgiving. | |
| December | 35°F 2°C | Cold, snowy midwinter with bright blue skies between storms. | Holiday season in the village, with festive lights and the busiest ski weeks of the year. |
Questions families ask
Telluride Ski with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Telluride Ski with kids?
The best time is Jan–Mar. Warm days, cool nights, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What's the weather like in Telluride Ski?
Typical daytime highs range from about 35°F (2°C) in January to about 78°F (26°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Telluride Ski?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Telluride Ski?
None. Telluride Ski uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Telluride Ski with kids?
Getting here takes planning. Many families fly into Montrose, about an hour and a half away, since flights into Telluride's own small airport are limited and weather-sensitive. Pack carry-ons with a day of essentials in case bags or flights are delayed.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.