Answer: Visiting Telluride and Mountain Village between Christmas and New Year’s is a fantastic experience, though it’s one of the busiest weeks of the season. Since you have a mix of adults and a teenager, and you’re adventurous but not thrill-seekers, there are plenty of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding to enjoy.

Answer: Telluride in early January is prime ski season, so accommodations can be pricey and limited, especially last-minute. Whether to go with a hotel or a private house rental depends on what your group values most.

Answer: If you are concerned about heights and steep drop-offs, it’s important to plan your route to Telluride carefully. Telluride is located in a box canyon at ~8,750 ft, so any approach involves some mountainous driving, but some routes are less intimidating than others.

Answer: Flying into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the most common way to reach Telluride, and while the Telluride Express shuttle is convenient, it can be on the pricier side, especially during peak summer season. There are several other options for getting from MTJ to Telluride that might save you money or give you more flexibility.

Answer: Traveling between Telluride and Montrose in October without renting a second car is doable, but options are somewhat limited compared to peak ski season. There are a few shuttle and transportation services that cater to travelers moving between Telluride and Montrose, though schedules may be reduced in the fall.

Answer: Visiting Telluride in the last week of May offers a quieter, off-season experience. While most summer lift-accessed activities like alpine coasters and mountain biking trails may not yet be fully open, there are still plenty of enjoyable options for families and visitors looking to explore the area.

Answer: Your itinerary looks ambitious but very scenic! I’ll break it down by days and give recommendations for accommodations, activities, and practical tips for February travel in Colorado, especially with a 7-year-old.

Answer: Traveling to Telluride and then on to Durango in mid-May requires careful planning, especially if the driver prefers to avoid high-altitude roads with steep drop-offs. Early-to-mid May can still have snow at higher elevations, so road conditions may also influence your route choice.

Answer: Yes, it is absolutely possible to rent ski and snowboard helmets in Telluride, particularly in Mountain Village where most of the main rental shops are located. You do not need to purchase helmets ahead of time unless you prefer using your own for comfort or fit reasons. Renting a helmet is convenient as it ensures you have the latest safety-certified equipment and allows you to travel lighter.

Answer: Visiting Telluride and staying in Mountain Village makes transportation surprisingly easy, and most travelers choose not to rent a car—especially in winter. The area is designed to be car-free once you arrive, and the free gondola system makes getting around seamless. Roads between Montrose and Telluride can be snowy and icy right after New Year’s, so skipping the rental is often safer and much less stressful.

Answer: Parking in Telluride with a truck and an 18' travel trailer can be a bit tricky due to the narrow streets and limited downtown parking, but there are several options to consider for safely leaving your vehicle while you explore the town and ride the gondola.

Answer: Telluride and Mountain Village during Christmas are usually quite lively, as the area draws many visitors for skiing, winter activities, and holiday celebrations. Unlike some smaller towns in the U.S. where most businesses close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Telluride tends to have a good number of restaurants and bars that remain open, especially those located within resorts or catering to tourists.