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Telluride Ski Rentals
6 of 6 shops · in store $55–$58/day, avg $57
Which Telluride Ski Rental Shop Is Right for You?
Last updated: November 2026 · 2026–27 season
Telluride has two bases joined by a free 12-minute gondola that runs 6:30 a.m. to midnight and carries skis: Mountain Village at the base of the lifts, and the historic town in the box canyon below. In winter, skiers need a lift ticket to get off at the San Sophia mid-station. Here's what sets each shop apart.
- Walk out to the lifts: Telluride Sports The Peaks and Christy Sports Inn at Lost Creek are ski-in, ski-out shops inside slopeside hotels, and Christy Sports and Bootdoctors also have shops at the base of the lifts in Mountain Village.
- Staying downtown: Telluride Sports Camel's Garden sits at the base of the gondola, steps from the Oak Street lift, and Christy Sports has two shops downtown on Oak Street and Main Street.
- Staying on the west end: Telluride Sports Cimarron Lodge sits at the base of Lift 7.
- Kids rent free: at Christy Sports and Bootdoctors, kids 12 and under get one free kids' package with each adult ski or snowboard package booked for four or more consecutive days. It covers the Kids Sport Ski and Kids Snowboard packages, and doesn't apply to delivery, boots-only rentals, group pricing or the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
- Advanced kids: Ski Butlers rents Tweener twin tips and junior race skis for strong skiers 8 to 16.
- Big feet: Christy Sports and Bootdoctors stock ski boots up to adult size 16, and Telluride Sports recommends reserving large sizes early.
- Ski clothing and goggles: Black Tie Ski rents Red Ledge jackets and pants, together or separately, Ski Butlers rents Smith goggles, and Mountain Threads ships ski clothing rentals to you.
- An extra morning: Christy Sports and Bootdoctors take returns until 10 a.m. the day after your rental ends. Telluride Sports wants gear back by closing (6 p.m.) on your last day.
- Extra 10% off: Get an extra 10% off when you book through TripOutside with Black Tie Ski or Ski Butlers!
What Every Telluride Shop Offers
- Day-before pickup: after 3 p.m. at every in-store shop.
- Free cancellation: up to 24 hours ahead at Christy Sports, Bootdoctors, Telluride Sports, Ski Butlers and Christy Sports Delivery, and up to 48 hours ahead at Black Tie Ski, which also reschedules weather and airline delays free.
- Online discounts: up to 20% off at every shop when you book online at least 24 hours ahead. Get an extra 10% off when you book through TripOutside with Black Tie Ski or Ski Butlers!
- Helmets and kids' gear: every shop rents both. Reserve helmets ahead at Christy Sports and Bootdoctors, which stock a limited number.
- Skis without boots: every shop rents them at a lower rate. Bring your boots to the fitting so the shop can set your bindings.
Telluride Ski Rental Delivery
Black Tie Ski, Ski Butlers and Christy Sports Delivery bring skis and boots to you, fit everyone and pick the gear up when you're done. All three have a two-day minimum, and most guests choose a fitting the evening before their first ski day, so they can head straight to the lifts.
How They Differ
- Skip the fitting: Ski Butlers Express delivers pre-sized gear, so there's no fitting to wait for.
- Where you're fitted: Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers fit you at your lodging. Christy Sports Delivery meets your group at a meeting place near your lodging, and everyone renting must be there.
- Delivery cost: Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers deliver free. Christy Sports charges a bit more for delivery than for in-store pickup.
- Swaps: Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers technicians come to you, slopeside or at your lodging. Christy Sports Delivery swaps gear, adjusts boots and waxes skis overnight at any Christy Sports shop in Telluride.
- Packages: Christy Sports delivers its Demo, Premium and Kids Premium packages.
- Unused days: Ski Butlers can often refund days you don't ski; Black Tie Ski doesn't.
Which Skis for Which Skier
- Beginner: a Sport or Performance package. Sport skis are forgiving and stable, so turns and control come easier, and Performance skis are reliable, versatile all-mountain skis for skiers moving up to intermediate runs.
- Intermediate: a Premium or High Performance package. Premium skis give more responsive, stable performance across varied terrain, from groomed greens and blues to the occasional black run. High Performance skis are demo-quality all-mountain and powder skis.
- Advanced and expert: a Premium or Demo package. These are the season's newest high-end skis, built for precision and stability at speed, and a demo package lets you pick a ski for your style or the day's conditions. Ski Butlers' Premium package includes skis from Wagner Custom Skis, built in Telluride, and Parlor Skis. Bootdoctors Mountain Village carries Stöckli demos, and Christy Sports and Bootdoctors demo packages use the same models sold on their retail floors.
Telluride Ski Rentals: What to Know
Telluride's rental shops serve a mountain that rewards the right gear. Mountain Village was founded in 1987 at about 9,500 feet, and downtown sits in a box canyon beneath 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks as a National Historic Landmark District, designated in 1961. Most skiers fly into Telluride Regional Airport, about 10 minutes from town with commercial service to Denver and Phoenix, or into Montrose, about 65 miles away.
Because of its remote location, Telluride Ski Resort is known for its lack of lift lines. This makes it a fantastic skiing getaway where you can enjoy a variety of runs all to yourself. The historic town of Telluride also boasts renowned après ski at its world-class restaurants.
The gondola (official details):
- Free to ride, about 12 minutes between Telluride (Oak Street) and Mountain Village.
- Runs 6:30 a.m. to midnight daily, with stops at Telluride, San Sophia, Mountain Village and Market Plaza.
- Ski racks on the cabins, loaded by an attendant.
- A lift ticket is required to get off at San Sophia in winter.
The mountain (resort Mountain Facts, snow report):
- 2,000+ skiable acres and 4,425 feet of vertical.
- 17 lifts and 149 trails.
- Trails split 23% beginner, 36% intermediate and 41% advanced and expert.
- Longest run: 4.6 miles on Galloping Goose.
- Base at 8,725 feet, highest point at 13,150 feet.
- Average annual snowfall: 280 inches.
- Over 100 terrain park features, per the resort's mountain page.
That mix suits beginners, families and experts alike, so the shops here carry everything from sport skis to demos. Driving, Denver is about 6 hours away and Durango about 2 hours.
Tips for Renting Skis in Telluride
- Book early for holidays: reserve as soon as lodging is set for the Christmas and New Year holiday period and Presidents' Day week.
- Have sizes ready: each skier's height, weight, boot size and ability.
- Know each skier's type: shops set binding release by skier type. Type I skis cautiously at slower speeds, Type II skis at moderate speeds on varied terrain, and Type III skis fast and aggressively. Being honest about it gets each skier the right package and a safe binding setting.
- Skip the morning rush: mornings are the busiest time at the shops, so pick up your gear the night before. Every in-store shop opens pickup at 3 p.m. the day before your rental.
- Wear ski socks to the fitting: thin ski socks give a more accurate boot fit than thick ones.
- Overnight storage: Telluride Ski Resort runs a ski valet and slopeside lockers in the Mountain Village Core. The valet, at the bottom of the Gondola Stairs near Lift 4, stores skis or snowboards with or without boots, but not helmets or boot bags. The lockers are below Tomboy Tavern, and space is limited.
- What to pack: TripOutside's What to Wear Skiing packing list covers layers and accessories.
Trusted Local Expertise, Verified by TripOutside
The TripOutside content team has vetted the local rental shops and delivery partners on this page, who rent gear every day and supply firsthand details on their locations, services and policies. Before partnering with a shop, TripOutside reviews customer feedback and ratings and confirms the shop's local expertise and current details, so each recommendation reflects on-the-ground experience. To suggest an update or correction, email stoke@tripoutside.com.
How Booking on TripOutside Works
TripOutside connects outdoor enthusiasts directly with vetted local shops to book their rentals. TripOutside has sent skiers to Telluride's rental shops since 2019.
Other Telluride Adventures
Telluride doesn't stop when the lifts close, and TripOutside partners with local guides and shops for the rest of the year.
- Prefer a board? Compare Telluride snowboard rentals from the same Mountain Village and downtown shops.
- When the snow melts, ride the trails above town on Telluride mountain bike rentals.
- Trade ski boots for hiking boots on a Telluride hiking tour.
- Run the river with Telluride whitewater rafting trips.
- See everything else in town on Telluride adventures.
How does ski rental delivery work in Telluride?
Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers bring skis and boots to your lodging and fit everyone there, and Christy Sports Delivery fits your group at a meeting place near your lodging. All three pick the gear up when you're done and have a two-day minimum, and most guests are fitted the evening before their first ski day. Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers deliver free, and Ski Butlers Express skips the fitting with pre-sized gear, while Christy Sports charges a bit more for delivery than for in-store pickup.
Where can I rent skis in Telluride Mountain Village?
Christy Sports, Bootdoctors and Telluride Sports all have shops in Mountain Village, at the base of the lifts and inside The Peaks Resort and the Inn at Lost Creek.
Which ski rental shops are near the Telluride gondola?
In town, Telluride Sports Camel's Garden sits at the base of the gondola, Christy Sports Oak Street is nearby, and Christy Sports Main Street is three blocks away. In Mountain Village, the gondola arrives in the core, where Christy Sports Mountain Village sits steps from the lifts.
Can I rent skis at a ski-in, ski-out hotel in Telluride?
Yes. Telluride Sports The Peaks and Christy Sports Inn at Lost Creek are inside slopeside hotels in Mountain Village, so you can pick up your gear and walk out to the lifts.
Which Telluride ski rental shop is best?
The best shop depends on where you're staying and who you're renting for. Mountain Village and slopeside-hotel shops suit skiers who want to walk to the lifts, the downtown shops suit skiers staying in town, and delivery suits anyone who'd rather be fitted at their lodging. For demo skis, try Christy Sports, Bootdoctors or Telluride Sports; for custom-built Wagner skis, Ski Butlers.
How much does it cost to rent skis in Telluride?
Telluride ski rentals start at $48 per day. The price depends on the package (sport, performance, premium or demo), adult or kids' gear, and in-store pickup or delivery. Prices are per day, so a week's cost depends on how many days you rent. Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers take an extra 10% off when you book through TripOutside. Current prices for every shop and package are in the listings above.
Where can I rent demo or performance skis in Telluride?
Christy Sports, Bootdoctors, Christy Sports Delivery and Telluride Sports rent demo packages, and Telluride Sports, Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers rent performance packages. Bootdoctors Mountain Village carries Stöckli models in its demo package. You can't request a specific model when reserving online, but after you've made your reservation, you can call the shop directly and ask them to hold your preferred model if available.
Can I rent custom or Wagner skis in Telluride?
Yes. Ski Butlers' Premium package includes skis from Wagner Custom Skis, which builds its skis in Telluride, and Parlor Skis, delivered and fitted where you're staying. Bootdoctors Mountain Village also carries Stöckli models in its demo package.
Can kids rent skis free in Telluride?
Yes, at Christy Sports and Bootdoctors. Kids 12 and under get one free Kids Sport Ski or Kids Snowboard package with each adult ski or snowboard package booked for four or more consecutive days. The offer doesn't apply to delivery, boots-only rentals, group pricing or the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Do I need to reserve ski rentals in advance?
It isn't required, but it's highly recommended, especially over the Christmas and New Year holiday period and Presidents' Day week. Book through TripOutside before your trip and the shop will have your gear ready when you arrive, or deliver it to your lodging. Reserving ahead also gets you the best selection and the online discount of up to 20%, which walk-ins don't get, and Telluride Sports recommends reserving large boot sizes early.
Can I pick up my skis the night before?
Yes. Every in-store shop opens pickup after 3 p.m. the day before your rental, and none of them charge for that day. Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers can also deliver and fit your gear after 2 p.m. the evening before without charging for that day.
What's included in a Telluride ski rental package?
Ski packages include skis, boots, bindings and poles. Every shop rents helmets, so add one when you book; Christy Sports and Bootdoctors stock a limited number, so reserve ahead there. If you have your own boots, every shop rents skis only at a lower rate. Bring your boots to the fitting so the shop can set your bindings.
Can I swap or store my rental skis in Telluride?
Yes. Black Tie Ski and Ski Butlers technicians come to you, slopeside or at your lodging, to swap or adjust gear, and Christy Sports Delivery swaps gear, adjusts boots and waxes skis overnight at any Christy Sports shop in Telluride. To store gear overnight in Mountain Village, Telluride Ski Resort runs a ski valet at the bottom of the Gondola Stairs near Lift 4 and slopeside lockers below Tomboy Tavern, where space is limited.
Can I rent ski clothing and goggles in Telluride?
Yes. Black Tie Ski rents Red Ledge jackets and pants, together or separately, and Ski Butlers rents Smith goggles, both delivered with your skis. Mountain Threads rents ski clothing and winter boots and ships them to you, and the What to Wear Skiing packing list shows what to pack and what to rent.
Can you snowboard in Telluride?
Yes, at Telluride Ski Resort, and most Telluride shops rent snowboards too; compare them on Telluride snowboard rentals.
When does Telluride Ski Resort open for the season?
Telluride Ski Resort plans to open on November 26, 2026, conditions permitting, and usually closes in early April. Opening day depends on snow, so check the resort's official dates before booking rentals for an early-season trip.
Does Telluride have night skiing?
No. Telluride Ski Resort doesn't offer night skiing, so a day-before pickup or an evening delivery is the way to be ready for first chair.
Does a Telluride ski rental include lift tickets?
No. Rental packages cover your gear, and lift tickets are sold separately by Telluride Ski Resort.
Is Telluride good for beginners, and how hard is the skiing?
Telluride works for every level, but it's known for steep terrain. About 23% of its trails are beginner, 36% intermediate and 41% advanced and expert, according to the resort's mountain facts. New skiers can start with a lesson through the resort's ski school.
What is the closest airport to Telluride, and how far is it from Denver?
Telluride Regional Airport is about 10 minutes from town, with commercial service to Denver and Phoenix. Montrose Regional Airport is about 65 miles away, and Durango is about 2 hours by road. Denver is about 330 miles away, roughly a 6-hour drive, so most skiers coming through Denver connect to a flight into Telluride or Montrose.
Can I get around Telluride without a car?
Yes. The free gondola links downtown Telluride with Mountain Village from 6:30 a.m. to midnight and carries skis. In town, the free Galloping Goose bus loops every 15 to 20 minutes, and in Mountain Village, free Dial-A-Ride service takes guests door to door. Ski rental delivery means you don't need a car to pick up gear either.