Travel

Flight

Telluride Regional Airport

Located just outside of downtown Telluride, Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is the most convenient, but more expensive, option for flying directly into the town. While there are no direct flights from Chicago to Telluride, you can connect through cities like Denver or Dallas/Fort Worth. Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is just a short distance from downtown Telluride and the Gondola. While there are no Uber or Lyft services in the area, transfer options include: Shuttle Services - Several shuttle services provide transportation from the airport to the Gondola or directly into downtown Telluride. Taxis - Local taxis are available at the airport to take you to the Gondola or anywhere in town. Just head to the taxi stand outside the terminal. Hotel Shuttles - Many hotels in Telluride offer free or paid shuttle services to pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your accommodation. Check with your hotel to see if this service is available.

Flight

Montrose Regional Airport

This is the most popular and our recommended airport. Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is about a 1-hour drive from Telluride. You can fly from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Montrose with a layover in Denver. Montrose offers year-round service with flights from Chicago, and once you land, you can take advantage of shuttle services that run directly to Telluride. If you prefer the freedom to drive yourself, Montrose also offers rental car options. We recommend the shuttle services as once you arrive in Telluride a car is unnecessary. The drive from Montrose to Telluride is along U.S. Route 550, known as the "San Juan Skyway." This well-maintained road takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, with plenty of curves, but it's a smooth, easy drive for most. Shuttle Services: Several shuttle companies provide convenient and direct transportation to Telluride from Montrose, including: Telluride Express Kirstie Trujillo 970.728.6000 kirstie@letsride.co http://letsride.co Telluride Outside John Duncan 970.728.3895 reservations@tellurideoutside.com http://tellurideoutside.com Please find more transfer information on the airport's website.

Flight

Grand Junction Airport

Grand Junction Airport (GJT) is about a 2-2.5-hour drive from Telluride. Flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) typically involve a layover, often in Denver. If you're up for a scenic drive, this option lets you enjoy some stunning views along the way. Rental car options are available at Grand Junction. The drive from Grand Junction to Telluride is via U.S. Route 50 and Colorado Highway 145. The route is scenic and easy to follow, with wide roads and sweeping views of valleys, canyons, and the rugged mountains. It’s a comfortable and pleasant drive for most travelers.

Flight

Denver International Airport

For travelers looking for more flight options, Denver International Airport (DEN) is approximately a 6-hour drive from Telluride. You can find direct flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Denver year-round. While it’s farther away, Denver offers a variety of airlines and departure times. From Denver, you can rent a car, or if you prefer not to drive, there are shuttle services available that can take you to Telluride. The drive from Denver to Telluride is via Interstate 70 West and U.S. Route 24, then Colorado Highway 145. It offers plenty of scenic views as you pass through mountainous areas, valleys, and small towns. The roads are well-maintained and straightforward.

Hotel

The Peaks Resort & Spa

Located in Mountain Village, the Peaks Resort is about a 5 minute walk to the Gondola to take you to our ceremony site. This is where are cocktail hour and reception is being held following the ceremony. We have arranged a courtesy discount at the Peaks with a 15% discount for 1-2 nights, 20% discount for 3-4 nights and 25% discount for 5-6 nights. Link available to book below!

Discount Code - FlynnBialka

Hotel

Victorian Inn - Telluride

Rates starting at $180. For a cozy and convenient stay, we recommend the Victoria Inn in Telluride. Just a short walk from the wedding venue, it offers comfortable rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for your stay.

Hotel

Telluride Mountainside Inn

Mountainside Inn is in Telluride along the San Miguel River. It is a 5-6 minute walk to the free gondola which takes you to our venue. Rates starting at $180. To book, visit the link below, click to see available Mountainside Inn rooms, and use our discount code at checkout.

Discount Code - Bialka2026

Travel Note

About Telluride

Telluride is a former Victorian mining town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Nestled at the end of a lush canyon and surrounded by 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks. Elevation: 8,750′ Population: 2,426 TOWN OF TELLURIDE Eight blocks wide and twelve blocks along the valley floor. Because of its significant role in the history of the American West, the area of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. The town has colorful Victorian-era homes, clapboard storefronts, boutiques, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and historic buildings. MOUNTAIN VILLAGE Perched above the valley floor at 9,500 feet, providing access to the Telluride Ski Resort and Uncompahgre National Forest. The Town of Mountain Village was founded in 1987 and includes approximately 2,100 acres of rolling aspen and spruce-covered mountainsides. The two towns are connected by a free, scenic gondola.

Travel Note

Getting to Telluride

Depending on your preferences, there are a few ways to get here! Note: Costs for air travel fluctuate frequently for each of the following airports, so we recommend keeping an eye on ticket prices over the next several months and grabbing the option that works best for you when you see the prices drop. OUT OF TOWN GUESTS For our out of town guests...If you are flying to Telluride from out of state, double check you have a REAL ID or bring your passport! Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, or another acceptable form of ID (such as a passport) to fly within the U.S. OUR RECOMMENDATION Montrose-Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) is the recommended airport for getting to Telluride. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all provide service to MTJ. It is a 1 hour drive from Montrose to Telluride. Shuttle service to Telluride is available by reservation and costs around $150 per-person for a round-trip ticket. Other regional airport options include: Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) - Just six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado. Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) - 2.5 hours from Telluride. Durango-La Plata Regional Airport (DRO) - 2.5 hours from Telluride

Travel Note

Getting around Telluride

THE GONDOLA The towns of Telluride and Mountain Village are linked by a 13-minute ride on a free gondola. Passengers can load the gondola in either Mountain Village or Telluride and ride to the midway point (Station St. Sophia from which hiking is accessed) and then continue on to the other side. It offers a front-row seat to view all of Telluride from 10,500 feet. The ride from Telluride to Station San Sophia has an elevation change of 1,750 feet; the ride from Station San Sophia to Mountain Village has a 960-foot conversion. The gondola runs daily from 6:30 a.m. to midnight. The gondola has three primary stations where you can board and unload: - Station Telluride (Oak Street) – access in Telluride - Station St. Sophia (mid-mountain stop) – access to Allred’s Restaurant & Bar - Station Mountain Village – access in Mountain Village - Just across from Station Mountain Village, a shorter gondola stretch connects to Station Village Parking, where the free parking garage, Town Hall and the Mountain Market are located. GALLOPING GOOSE BUS (DOWNTOWN TELLURIDE) If you're staying on the Downtown Telluride side of the mountain, you can get around via the Galloping Goose shuttle. This free shuttle runs every 20 minutes between 7 am and midnight daily, and stops are located every few blocks. DIAL-A-RIDE SHUTTLE (MOUNTAIN VILLAGE) If you're staying in Mountain Village, you can get around via the free Dial-A-Ride Shuttle, which operates daily between 6:30am and midnight. In order to book a ride, you can call (970) 728-8888 or schedule rides via the app, which we also recommend downloading ahead of time. There is also a free bus that travels between the Meadows and Mountain Village Center.

Travel Note

Staying in Telluride

WHERE TO STAY The beauty of Telluride is that there are a TON of options based on your preferences. If you want a more "luxury resort" type experience, we recommend staying in Mountain Village on one side of the mountain. If you're looking more for the downtown vibe with an easy walk to restaurants and bars, we recommend staying in Downtown Telluride on the other side of the mountain. AIRBNB & VRBO Grouping up and renting together is a great and cost-effective way to *lodge in luxury* in Telluride. There are a ton of beautiful homes on Airbnb and VRBO in both Downtown Telluride and Mountain Village for groups of all different sizes and price points. Please note not all vacation rentals are walkable from the gondola and you may need to rely on Dial-A-Ride. You can also check out some other home rental companies to consider looking into for lodging in Mountain Village and Telluride: Latitude 38 by Vacasa (https://www.latitude38vacationrentals.com/) Exceptional Stays (https://www.exceptionalstays.com/) HOTELS As we've mentioned, there are a ton of options to choose from. Listed below are additional lodging options. New Sheridan Hotel Website: https://www.newsheridan.com/ Located in Downtown Telluride Camel's Garden Hotel & Condominiums Website: https://camelsgarden.com/ Located in Downtown Telluride The Hotel Telluride Website: https://thehoteltelluride.com/ Located in Downtown Telluride Hotel Columbia Website: https://www.columbiatelluride.com/ Located in Downtown Telluride ADDITIONAL OPTIONS We have partnered with Alpine Lodging which features 250 properties. - https://www.telluridelodging.com You can utilize the code "Bialka2026" for a 5% discount.

Travel Note

Elevation in Telluride

Mountain Village is a breathtaking mountain town at an elevation of 10,000 feet, which may be higher than what many are used to. To help make your experience as enjoyable and comfortable as possible, here are a few tips for adjusting to the elevation: Stay Hydrated The dry air at higher elevations can cause dehydration more quickly than at lower elevations. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and during your stay to avoid headaches or fatigue. Take It Easy If you're not used to being at higher elevations, take it easy for the first day or two. Give your body time to acclimate before doing any strenuous activities. Rest When Needed The thinner air can sometimes leave you feeling tired or out of breath, even if you're not exerting yourself. Don’t hesitate to rest and take breaks if you feel any discomfort. Eat Well Eating balanced meals can help your body adjust to the altitude. Make sure you're eating foods rich in carbohydrates, as they help your body produce energy more efficiently. Avoid Alcohol in Excess Alcohol can affect you more quickly at higher elevations. Due to lower oxygen levels, your body processes alcohol differently at high altitudes. One drink at sea level can feel like two drinks at Telluride’s elevation—so pace yourself and always stay hydrated. Wear Comfortable Footwear With the altitude comes stunning scenery, and you'll likely want to explore! Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around and navigating any hilly or uneven terrain. Know the Signs of Altitude Sickness Although rare, altitude sickness can occur if your body doesn’t acclimate well. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If you feel unwell, rest, hydrate, and seek medical help if needed.

Travel Note

Weather in Telluride

Telluride offers stunning weather in the summer, but it can also be unpredictable due to the town's high mountain elevation. Here's everything you need to know to plan accordingly for our summer wedding in the Colorado Rockies: Weather Overview Daytime Temperatures: Summer days in Telluride are generally pleasant, with daytime highs ranging from 70°F to 80°F. The sun is strong at this altitude, so you'll feel warmer than expected when out in the open. Evening Temperatures: Nights in Telluride can cool down significantly. Expect temperatures to dip into the 50s°F, and it can feel chilly, especially in the mountains. Rain and Thunderstorms: Summer afternoons can bring afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the mountains. Be prepared for sudden rain showers, so it’s always a good idea to carry a light jacket or umbrella. Sun Exposure: Due to Telluride's high elevation, the sun is much stronger than at sea level, so it's important to wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn, even on cloudy days.

Travel Note

Packing for Telluride

Packing List Telluride Dressy Attire for the Wedding Be sure to bring the appropriate attire for the wedding ceremony and reception, black tie. Light Jacket or Sweater Even in summer, evenings can be cool. A light jacket or sweater may be needed. Sunscreen Protect your skin from the high-altitude sun! A good sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is essential, even on cloudy days. You’ll want to apply it frequently. For Outdoor Exploration: Lightweight Hiking Clothes If you plan to explore the beautiful mountain trails, pack comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing for any hikes or walks. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection! Day Pack A small day pack can come in handy for hikes, storing water, snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials while exploring the stunning scenery. Water Bottle Staying hydrated is key at higher altitudes. Carry a refillable water bottle with you throughout the day to keep up with hydration. For Changing Weather: Compact Umbrella Summer storms are common in the afternoon, so pack a small, portable umbrella just in case the weather turns. Layered Clothing Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack light layers that you can add or remove as needed. A versatile jacket is always a great option for cool evenings. Sunglasses and Hat To protect against the intense mountain sun, bring a pair of sunglasses with UV protection. A wide-brimmed hat can also provide shade and keep you cool while walking around.