Fashion & Packing 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 themed parties and costume contests, 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 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 25 at 8:00 pm at Telluride Conference Center
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!
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 25, 2023. 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".
Sweet Madness (FREE)
Wednesday, March 1 from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Heritage Plaza in Mountain Village
Suggested attire: Vintage ski outfits, bedazzled accessories, faux fur and all things that channel retro ski party energy! Wear layers underneath your vintage - once the sun goes down, so will the temperature!
Immerse yourself in a FREE slope-side Après-Ski party unlike anything else in the heart of the Mountain Village Core featuring a live ice carving of a life-size unicorn and the fun-loving DJ/production duo, SkiiTour, known for their upbeat feel-good house music that keeps the vibe groovy with a retro ski aesthetic.
Located just steps from the gondola and dotted with firepits, quaint shops, pop-up food carts, Heritage Plaza will transform into the ultimate winter dance party. Thanks to a “Common Consumption Area” rule, attendees are able to purchase drinks from any of the surrounding bars while enjoying the music.
Watch a 5-ft tall unicorn come to life carved by hand using chainsaws, die grinders and Japanese hand tools from the team from Colorado Ice Works.
White & Off-White Parties ($)
Thursday, March 2 at 9:00 pm at Sheridan Opera House and Liberty Bar & Lounge
Suggested attire: Anything and everything white!
Highly regarded by locals as one of the best parties of the year, the White Party is exactly that. Be sure to pack your best outfits and come dressed head to toe in white ready to party with tunes from Colorado’s very own, Matt Suave.
“Off-white” – defined as the gray area between black and white in the fashion world. A compliment to the sold out White Party and just as fun featuring Telluride’s very own, CASTLE.
Costume/Drag Race Contest & DJ Party (FREE)
Friday, March 3 from 12:00 - 3:00 pm at Gorrono Ranch
Suggested attire: Creative costumes of any kind! Go crazy!
Dress up and ski down to Gorrono Ranch in your costume to the music of your choice for a chance to earn epic prizes! Showcase your inner self and dress up, dress crazy, dress to impress, but remember that you also have to ski or board down the race course in your costume to the music of your choice. This costume competition will be judged by a roster of star personalities from our artist lineup, including Gus Kenworthy, Suzy Wong, Bitter Betty and more special guests to be announced.
We need you! Sign up for the free costume contest here. Racers have a chance to win amazing prizes including a VIP Table to the Burlesque & Drag Show, Pit Viper Glasses and shirts, Telluride Brewing Company swag, Tim's Natural's products, gear, googles, socks, and ski tunes at Bootdoctors and so much more!
Pool Party ($)
Friday, March 3 from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Madeline Hotel & Residences
Suggested attire: Well, it’s a pool party so obviously bring swimwear of any kind but remember, while the pool may be heated, the air is not! 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.
Get styled with luxury swimwear from our official swimwear partner HENRE. HENRE uses the highest quality American and European fabrics for their pieces, using a four way stretch and runner style mesh lining for their swim shorts and soft, tactile fabric for their swim briefs. Shop now!
Take a break from the slopes and relax your muscles in a soothing, heated pool and hot tub. Of course, we’ll have Matt Suave keeping the vibes going strong.
Glitter Ball Closing Party
Saturday, March 4 at the Sheridan Opera House
Suggested attire: Get your sparkles on and rock something that shines bright! Let’s get glittery.
Close out the week rocking your best sparkly fashion at the historic Sheridan Opera House with the exciting and lovingly curated remix project Fleetmac Wood and go-go dancers from Sage Grey's Mile High Go-Go Company.
Sequins, glitter and everything shiny will make this an epic close to a fantastic week.
Need Fashion Advice? Get Styled By Cameron Silver
February 25 - March 4 open at 12pm - Located at The Peak Wellness Lounge at Hotel Madeline - 568 Mountain Village Blvd in Mountain Village
Welcome to the Lux Collective Pop-Up - curated by global fashion expert, celebrity stylist, and fashion influencer Cameron Silver. Visit the limited time pop-up, featuring coveted brands from near and far, and a portion of all proceeds will go to support local nonprofit, Telluride AIDS Benefit.
Shop ski and aprés chic finds from Aztech Mountain, Canty Boots iconic logo reworked cowboy boots, Cyrus James Goodhart custom handcrafted jewelry, Leather and Vodka enhanced Louis Vuitton bags, Lindsey Thornburg Pendleton blanket cloaks, Ron Dorff men’s sportswear, Teressa Foglia bespoke hats; and vintage Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Hermès, Valentino, and other rarified collectibles from DECADES in Los Angeles.