Fashion Guide - How To Pack For Telluride Gay Ski Week
Telluride Gay Ski Week is right around the corner and it’s almost time to start picking out your outfits and packing!
Yes, you’ll need the requisite outerwear like waterproof ski jackets and pants but there’s so much more! With a week of themed parties, it can’t hurt to have a little guidance. Curated by our staff experts, we are proud to present the comprehensive Fashion and Packing Guide. Below is all the info you need for a week of fashion, fun and more!
Requisite Packing For The Event
Each day, the Telluride Gay Ski Week starts mid-morning and spans into the evening. During the daytime, winter in Telluride can range from sunny bluebird skies with highs in the 30’s to blizzard conditions with lows in the single-digits - we recommend bringing waterproof, quick-dry and insulating layers. Long underwear is a must! Waterproof boots and wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks are also encouraged.
At an elevation of 8,750 ft, the UV rays can be intense and the air is dry so we recommend packing sunscreen and a water bottle to refill throughout the day.
Sunsets during this time of year typically happen around 6:00 pm and can be stunning; however, be prepared for the quick drop in temperatures when you’re out at Après-Ski each day from 4:00-7:00 pm. Even on a warm day, temperatures can swing more than twenty degrees in a matter of hours.
Themed Parties
To make sure you fit right in (or stand out) at the special events throughout the week, you’ll need to think and plan ahead! Some of the events require a certain dress code, some are more casual and some are downright crazy! It’s not too late to hit your local thrift or shop online if you don’t already have the right lewks buried away in your closet.
Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Show
Saturday, February 24 at 8:00 pm at Telluride Conference Center
Continuing the cherished partnership between the Telluride AIDS Benefit (TAB) and Telluride Gay Ski Week, this year will kick off with the TAB Fashion Show Gala on Saturday, February 24, 2024. A highlight of the winter for many, the fundraising Fashion Show is considered one of Telluride's best productions and has been regarded as a “Broadway Pop-Up” and "Cirque du Soleil meets NY Fashion Week".
Suggested attire: This is a red carpet event and there will be photographer upon entrance so wear something chic that also allows for mobility. Wear something you can breathe in. You want to enjoy your time at the fashion show but also be dressed to impress. This is Telluride Fashion week after all.
Disco Welcome Party (FREE) with kidpeace
Wednesday, February 28 at 10:00 pm at The Alibi
The Disco Welcome Party is held at the Alibi in Telluride. A cocktail lounge and club with the charm of a cozy mountain retreat and the vibrant pulse of disco music by kidpeace.
Suggested attire: Embrace the vibrant and flamboyant style of the disco era. Think sequined jackets, bell-bottoms, platform shoes, or colorful, retro-inspired attire. Opt for a more contemporary take on disco fashion, with a modern, sleek outfit that still capture the essence of disco. Wear whatever makes you feel confident and ready to hit the dance floor!
White Party ($) with DUGAN and Sean O'Grady
Thursday, February 29 at 9:00 pm at Sheridan Opera House and The Alibi
A signature event highly regarded as one of the best parties of the year with some added flare for 2024. New for this year, the White Party expands to two venues with two DJ’s. Access to both shows will allow attendees to rotate between The Alibi and Sheridan Opera House in the heart of the downtown Telluride - both located within a block of each other. Pack your best outfits and come dressed head to toe in white!
Suggested attire: Anything and everything white!
Get some extra flair for the party at Mixx Projects + Atelier’s pop-up shop located in the Sheridan Opera House SHOW Bar lobby. We recommend, the Wearable tech light up cowboy hat that glow like neon signs. The perfect addition for any dance floor, festival, fun night out or to make any occasion a party. Adjustable light settings and battery power for over 8 hours of fun. They’re even weather resistant, so you can light up the night indoors and out!
Ski Parade and Dancing on the Deck (FREE)
Friday, March 1 at 1:00 pm at top of chair lift #7 (close to the San Sophia mid-station of the Gondola) to Gorrono Ranch
Join the TGSW staff, attendees and ski legends Gus Kenworthy and “Digi” Dave Amirault to ski down to Gorrono Ranch in costume while a DJ sets the party vibe. Be center stage for the whole mountain to see!
Suggested attire: It’s time to ski with that pride flag high! Dress in a way that allows you to show your pride while still being comfortable on the slopes. Incorporate rainbow-colored accessories into your ski outfit. Think of this as a pride parade on the mountain. Weather conditions can vary, so consider dressing in layers. Wear a rainbow-striped beanie, scarf, or goggles to add a pop of color to your ensemble. When the colorful Ski Parade arrives, the party will kick into high gear on the beautiful outdoor deck at Gorrono Ranch. Our local favorite music legend, CASTLE, will be spinning tunes for the dance party.
Don’t forget to pack your flags! A limited amount of progress pride flags will be available for purchase during the week at basecamp.
Need ski gear? Rent your ski and snowboard gear with BootDoctors, Christy Sports or The Alpineer and save 25%.
Looking for a new outerwear kit? Check out the high quality and technical options from our outerwear partner AETHER Apparel. Stop by their “Aaetherstream” during Telluride Gay Ski Week at Element 52. Join us there Tuesday, February 25 for a special Après-Ski Party.
Hoedown After-Party ($) with Tone Ranger
Friday, March 1 at 10:00 pm at The Alibi
Saddle up cowboys and cowgirls for a good ole barn burner. Lasso your compadres and giddy up to the western themed after-party following the Burlesque & Drag Show on Friday night at The Alibi.
Suggested attire: Western, rodeo and country attire is strongly encouraged - think collared shirts with pearl snap fasteners, vaquero design accents, tassels, blue jeans, leather belts with buckles, cowboy hats and boots.
Get outfitted for the Hoedown with Crossbow Leather! Located at 101 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435, Crossbow Leather is a women-run business offering an experiential shopping experience with custom hats, handmade leather goods and beautifully well-imagined works from other inspiring artisans. Show your Telluride Gay Ski Week Hoedown After-Party wristband or tickets and save 20% custom leather hats, cowboy hats, cowboy boots, leather chaps, pearl snap, bolo ties and more.
Pool Party ($)
Saturday, March 2 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at The Mountain Lodge
Take a break from the slopes and relax your muscles in a soothing, heated pool with a hot tub. Of course, we'll have a DUGAN spinning tunes to keep the party vibes going strong. The pool party is bigger and better this year with a new venue, The Mountain Lodge, featuring a larger indoor/outdoor space with a heated tent so you can stay warm even in a speedo!
Suggested attire: Well, it’s a pool party so obviously bring swimwear of any kind. Bring a bathrobe if desired (not provided at venue) and all the requisite waterproof, quick-dry and insulating layers mentioned above to stay warm when the temperatures drop after sunset.
Glitter Ball Closing Party ($)
Saturday, March 2 at 10:00 pm at the Sheridan Opera House
Close out the week rocking your best sparkly fashion at the historic Sheridan Opera House with DJ Duo Bears in Space and Sage Grey’s Mile High Go-Go Company. Sequins, glitter and everything shiny will make this an epic close to a fantastic week.
Suggested attire: Let’s get glittery! Get your sparkles on and rock something that shines bright. Whether it's a full-on glitter extravaganza or just a hint of sparkle, there are no wrong ways to shimmer at the Glitter Ball.
Après-ski - pronounced [AH]·[PRAY]·[SKI] - is the French phrase for social hour “after-skiing” and Telluride takes its Après-ski seriously. Join us at these dynamic social gatherings throughout the week to connect with others and cap-off a day on the slopes. When it comes to Après-Ski, we have it all - fancy cocktails, historic watering holes, incredible views, and several local breweries to explore. Kick back at the end of a long day in the mountains and enjoy!
Suggested attire: How well can you party in your ski boots? Glam it up or arrive right off the mountain. When heading to après-ski, it's important to strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. After a day on the slopes, most people opt for casual yet fashionable attire. Remember, the après ski scene is all about unwinding and socializing, so feel free to express your personal style while staying warm and comfortable.
Get everything you need at the Après Shopping Chalet by CashmereRED & Westerlind a pop-up shopping experience hosted the Peaks Resort & Spa Apres-si events Wednesday, February 28 through Friday, March 1 - From tip to tail we have all your needs on and off the Mountain featuring CashmereRED, Begg x Co, Pyrenex, Devold, Vuarnet, Messy Weekend Goggles, Cordova and Halfdays.