You’ve booked your Telluride trip in one of SilverStar Properties’ beautiful vacation rentals, and now all that’s left is to pack your bags! Whether it’s your first trip to Telluride or your family vacations here every year, packing for the San Juan Mountains is no small feat! From hitting the slopes to an evening’s apres-ski or from scaling a 14er to enjoying an afternoon by the river, we can help you determine everything you need in your bag - just make sure you can zip it up!
Year-Round Essentials
The season in which you visit Telluride will determine many of the items on your packing list, but there are several essentials you can count on needing no matter the time of year. In a mountain town like Telluride, the weather can change in an instant, and the effects of the altitude may surprise first time visitors. In order to keep yourself safe and comfortable as you explore what Telluride and the Town of Mountain Village have to offer, there are a few items you’ll need on hand.
- • Sunscreen
- • SPF lip balm
- • Moisturizer
- • Sunglasses
- • Reusable water bottle
- • Warm outerwear
- • First aid kit
Winter Vacation
Telluride is renowned for its skiing and other winter activities - not to mention the beauty of our little mountain town in the snow. If you choose to visit in the wintertime, it’s likely you have your sights set on the slopes. Layers are essential, whether you’re covered in gear at the top of a slope, taking a snowmobile tour, or exploring the local shops and restaurants. Here are some items you’ll want to put on your Telluride winter vacation packing list:
- •Thermal long underwear
- • Ski socks
- • Ski boots
- • Ski pants
- • Ski jacket
- • Waterproof gloves
- • Neck gaiter or warmer
- • Warm knit hat
- • Hand and feet warmers
- • Ski goggles
- • Short-sleeve t-shirts
- • Long-sleeve t-shirts
- • Sweater or sweatshirt
- • Long pants or jeans
- • Waterproof jacket or coat
- • Warm socks and boots
- • Hat, gloves, and scarf
- • Swimsuit and flip flops
Summer Vacation
Telluride is not only a winter destination spot! In milder temperatures, the historic mining town welcomes explorers of all types - hikers, campers, fishing enthusiasts, mountain bikers, and more. When packing for a summer vacation in the San Juan Mountains, the best thing to focus on is comfortable and versatile layers. Temperatures can go from the 70s during the day down to the 40s at night, and you need to be prepared for the shift. A good backpack is essential for bringing warmer layers along with you as you adventure, since temperatures drop as you reach higher altitudes. Our suggestions for a Telluride summer vacation packing list include:
- • Hiking boots
- • Hiking pants
- • Quick-dry socks
- • Lightweight waterproof jacket
- • Comfortable tennis shoes
- • Short-sleeve t-shirts or tank tops
- • Long-sleeve t-shirts
- • Collared shirts
- • Shorts or long pants
- • Sundress
- • Swimsuit
- • Flip flops
- • Sunglasses
- • Backpack
- • Hiking supplies
- • Fishing supplies
What to Leave at Home
Like any vacation, there is a danger of overpacking. Don’t skimp on outdoor gear, whether that’s for skiing, snowboarding, hiking or your other favorite activity. After all your gear is packed, you may be concerned about having room left for your casual clothes! The secret to packing light is to select items you can wear multiple times in different combinations, often called a capsule wardrobe.
How else can you save space in your bag? Leave your larger gear at home. Telluride is a top destination in the country for skiing and other outdoor fun, so there is no shortage of opportunities to rent high quality gear if you don’t wish to bring your own. This is especially true if you aren’t bringing a vehicle - which brings us to our next suggestion!
Leave your car at home! There are several shuttle companies that can bring you into town from the airport, and once you’re here you’ll see that everything of interest is easily accessible. The Town of Telluride is only eight blocks long and very pedestrian friendly, so you can walk anywhere you need to go. Getting to Mountain Village is also easy, since a free, 13 minute gondola ride connects the two towns. You are welcome to bring your vehicle if you wish (and we’ve got you covered if you need to know
where to park), but these are several reasons to consider leaving your wheels at home.
Plan Your Telluride Vacation Now
If you haven’t already, now is the time to schedule a relaxing vacation in Telluride or Mountain Village. Now that you know what to pack, don’t hesitate to book your spot! Whether you’re looking for a secluded mountain retreat or a luxurious penthouse stay, SilverStar Properties can help you have the Telluride vacation of your dreams! Explore our available rental properties and reach out to our team to get started booking your next Colorado vacation.