Telluride, Kids

Traveling to Telluride with Kids

Telluride Family Trips

We've created this article as your ultimate guide to experiencing Telluride with children. In it, we'll cover family-friendly activities like the Telluride Academy, Ski School, and the Telluride Adventure Camp for Kids. You'll also find valuable tips for making your family vacation in Telluride unforgettable. These family vacation tips will help you plan your vacation in Telluride with kids while ensuring fun for the whole family.

Telluride, CO is a family-friendly destination that's perfect for children of all ages. If you want to create memories with your family that are adventure-filled this is the destination for you. From skiing to hiking and Telluride's amazing adventure park, you'll be amazed by how little time your kids spend on their devices. Today we'll discuss a number of the fantastic options that are here in one of the US's top vacation destinations. 

 

Telluride Academy

If you want your kids to have an enriching experience during their visit, you'll want to sign them up for camp at Telluride Academy. These programs range from after-school activities to week-long overnight camps. Be advised that spots fill up quickly, and there's almost always a waitlist for participation.

TA is an excellent option for all children, but especially those who have limited access to wilderness back home. From horseback riding to kayaking and exploring the forests that surround town, your kids are sure to have an amazing experience. Participating in any of the TA events is a sure way for them to get the most out of their vacation, learn some skills, and make some friends along the way.

Programs begin at age six and go through to age 13. There are day activities as well as travel and overnight excursions. The team is available to answer questions, and their website has a robust amount of helpful information. The website also contains all of the registration information you need to choose the activities that are the best fit for your kids. Remember, these programs fill up fast, so act quickly! An experience with the Telluride Academy will be a treasured memory for your kids that will last a lifetime.

 

Telluride Ski School

Learning to ski and snowboard is a huge part of many people's visit to Telluride. In fact, many kids who start their skiing careers in the ski school program develop a lifetime love of winter sports and return to the mountains year after year. There are a number of different options available for participation in the Telluride ski school. Many families enjoy taking a private group lesson together to help everyone get acclimated.  Private lessons can be scheduled at your convenience, but be sure to book early!

Group lessons, divided by age and/or ability, are another great way to make the most of on-mountain time. These lessons are really great for kids as they learn with their peers and have the chance to make some friends too. These beginner lessons include rental gear, and lift passes, and are all day from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Beginner group lessons are suitable for kids who have skied before and have some familiarity with pizza and fries. 

If your kiddos are on the younger side and don't have any experience skiing, then you'll want to sign them up for a children's lesson. These are divided by age with the Otters (3-4yrs), Bears (5-6yrs), and Eagles (7-14yrs) providing age-appropriate instruction. The Eagles classes are the only division that provides snowboard lessons. All groups receive lunch included with the lesson fee. Classes are from 9 to 3 and provide parents with a great opportunity to have some grown-up time. If you want to spend some time off the greens and blues this is the way to do it.

 

Telluride Adventure Camp

If you're visiting in the summertime, your kids will have an absolute abundance of activities available! One perennial favorite is the Kids Adventure Camp. Their offerings are scheduled on Mondays through Wednesdays from 9 to 3 each of those days. The camp is open to kids from age five to 11 and there's a full range of activities that are sure to delight even the most hard-to-please kiddo. All transportation, gear, and lunch are included in the camp fee.

Your child will experience fun events like hiking, art exploration, and rock climbing. These outdoor activities give your kids a firsthand experience of being immersed in some of the most scenic landscapes in the country. They'll hike through forests and canyons and might even spot some of the area's abundant wildlife. Campers are organized by age so that everyone's able to keep up.

This camp experience is a lot of fun while also teaching usable skills and exposing your kids to an environment that not many get to spend time in. If you want your child to spend some time outside their comfort zone, this is the way to do it. No devices, video games, or social media will be a part of their camp experience. It's a gift you can give your child that will likely change their perspective and hopefully spur a lifelong love of nature and time outdoors.

 

Tips For Parents 

The first and most important tip for parents is to start early preparing their children for the altitude adjustment. There are a few things you can do before you leave home, like encouraging your kids to drink more water every day. There are also a number of electrolyte powder drinks that will help them get ready for their time in the mountains. 

  1. Once your family gets to Telluride, you'll want to keep making sure they're drinking enough water. Many families find that their kids need a lot more sleep when they're at elevation, so planning early dinners, especially the first two or three nights, is always a great idea.

  2. Your hotel or condo should have at least one humidifier tucked away in a closet somewhere. Be sure to get these running as soon as you get settled in. Telluride is an arid environment, and the lack of moisture can easily cause headaches and discomfort. If your child should feel queasy, flat ginger ale and soft ginger chews are helpful. There are oxygen canisters available all over town, and oxygen bars too. Most visitors experience mild symptoms when it comes to altitude sickness, and they dissipate after a day or two. 

 

Enjoy Telluride With Your Family

Having the right gear is also important. Any of the organizations you opt to visit will have packing lists on their sites. The right gear depends on the season of your visit, but sturdy boots, hats, and high-SPF sunscreen are necessary all year long. It's worth the extra time and effort needed to review these packing lists, but everything you need is also available in town should you forget anything. 

Your family visit to Telluride will be one filled with adventure and very little screen time! Enjoy the memories you create in this beautiful and exciting mountain town.

There you have it, everything you need to know to plan a fantastic and memorable trip to Telluride with kids! Be sure to check out our website to learn more about some great things to see and do during your visit to this mountain paradise.