Skiing with Kids in Telluride

There’s something magical about Telluride: the towering canyon walls, the charming restored historical main street, the ability to ski directly into town. Located 330 miles from Denver, anybody who is in Telluride has put in a good amount of work to be here. It’s that special. The locals will tell you they came out for a ski trip, fell in love, and decided to make this magical town their home. And trust us- you might try to do the same thing after your first visit. Your family will love the charm of the mountain, the luxury of the resort, and the family friendly amenities. Telluride is perfect for families.

Where to Stay

While there are plenty of beautiful properties in town, we recommend staying in the Mountain Village. This ski-in/ski-out Village is where the Telluride Ski School and Childcare center are located- making it an ideal location for families. Instead of having to take the gondola up from town each morning, you can simply walk to wherever you need to drop off the kids. While you certainly will be spending plenty of time in town, the Village has its own restaurants, bars, and an outdoor skating rink, making it easy to grab a bite with tired kiddos at the end of the ski day.

If you do want to stay in town, a free 13 minute gondola ride will shuttle you up to the mountain each morning. In town you can find plenty of hotels, condos, and vacation rentals.

Where to ski

Telluride certainly has plenty of steep skiing, but 60% of the mountain is actually dedicated to beginner and intermediate terrain. The Meadows is Telluride’s beginner skier area. It’s wide open space lends itself well to terrain based learning. Is your little skier ready to ride a lift? Head to the Sunshine lift for some beginner only terrain. When you feel ready to venture out a bit with your little one, head to Prospect Bowl. Lift 12 and 10 have plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain. Once your little skier is ready for blues, the rest of the mountain opens up to them. Every single lift at Telluride offers one easy blue run down. This is the perfect way to build confidence, explore the mountain, and make them feel on top of the world.

Ski School and Childcare

I mean, you could teach your little ones to ski, but we like to leave it to the pros. Telluride Ski School offers world class ski instruction, offering classes for children as young as 2.5 years old (the Cubs Ski instruction has a one hour lesson and lunch). In the morning, you’ll meet in the Mountain Village, and instructors will head out with your little ones for their instruction. What about your infants? Are you stuck in the lodge most of the ski trip? Nope. In fact, Telluride Ski Resort offers several childcare options, ranging from nursery while you ski, and a Kids’ Snow Camp, Kids’ Happy Hour, and Kids’ Night Out. Looking to rent baby gear, or hire a sitter for an evening out on the town with your partner? Look no further than Telluride Sitters. This town is made for families. 

Family Friendly Apres

Don’t be fooled by Telluride’s bougie feel- every lodge on the mountain offers something for little ones to enjoy. Whether you want to order your little one a shirley temple and the bucatini at Allred’s, or bring them with you to the finer dining lunch experience at Alpino Vino (while you savor a glass of wine from their extensive list, and your little one enjoys the grilled cheese), everybody dines well on the mountain. Looking to unbuckle your boots and let our little ones run while you relax? Head to the Gorrono Ranch ​“beach”. On weekends you can often expect live music, and an energetic scene. 

If you want to head off the mountain, there are several family friendly restaurants in the Mountain Village and in town. Local favorites include Brown Dog Pizza, Butcher and Baker Café, and La Cocina de Luz. 

Family Discounts

Depending on how many days you are planning on skiing during your trip, your best rate for day passes might actually be by purchasing an EPIC pass. If purchased early in the year, you can find particularly good deals on the passes. Another option is to call the resort lodging and see if they are currently running any packages that offer discounts on day passes. Are you a Colorado resident? Make sure to sign your kids up for the EPIC School Kids Colorado Pass, and score 20 free days of skiing.

A Few Tips For Skiing With Kids 

Skiing with your kids and raising lifelong ski buddies can be super rewarding. Instead of focusing on accomplishing technical goals, keeping it lighthearted and playful, and not being shy about heading inside for a cookie when a break is a recipe for a great time. If you’re having fun, they usually have fun, and after a day of high fives and cold toes, you’ll both have earned a treat. Head into the Gorrono Ranch at the top of Mid Mountain and order Chuck’s famous chili for your kiddo, and a pint of something cold and local for yourself. 

We are looking forward to seeing you in Telluride and helping you get set for the mountain. Make your reservations here to have your gear delivered right to your door. 

Is Telluride already checked off your list? Let Ski Butlers take care of you at one of our other locations around the world. See you on the slopes!