Ultimate Guide to Skydiving in Telluride, Colorado – 2025 Edition
So… you’re thinking of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane over the Colorado Rockies? Bold move, my friend. And let me tell you—you’re not just skydiving anywhere. You’re skydiving over Telluride—where the views are outrageous, the adrenaline is free-flowing, and the mountains don’t play around.
Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is basically Colorado’s overachiever. It’s already famous for skiing, mountain biking, film festivals, and now, epic skydiving experiences that will blow your socks off—assuming you remembered to wear socks, which we’ll get to.
Ready to dive into (pun intended) everything you need to know before taking the leap? Grab your helmet, tighten that harness, and let’s goooooo.
Why Skydive in Telluride? (Besides “YOLO”)
First, imagine soaring 12,000 feet above the ground. Below you? A wild mash-up of snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, forests, and tiny humans that look like ants. Then, BAM—you’re freefalling at 120 mph through the crisp mountain air, laughing, screaming, possibly questioning your life choices (but in a good way).
Why Telluride? Because no other place combines this much scenery with this much skydiving swagger. It’s not just about the jump—it’s about jumping with a view that will make you forget your own name (temporarily).
So… Where Can You Skydive in Telluride?
Telluride Skydiving (Seasonal Operators)
Most skydiving in Telluride happens during the warmer months (because, let’s be honest, no one wants to skydive into a snowbank). Operators typically run tandem jumps from May through September, depending on weather and vibes.
What You Get:
- Tandem jumps with certified pros who definitely know what they’re doing
- Jumps from 10,000–13,000 feet (that’s a long way down, pal)
- Around 45 seconds of glorious, gravity-defying freefall
- Views so good, you’ll forget your parachute hasn’t opened yet (don’t worry—it will)
Launch Point: Most operators use the Telluride Regional Airport or nearby drop zones. You’ll board a small plane, cruise into the sky, and then… let go. Literally.
How Much Does This Madness Cost?
Spoiler: It’s not cheap. But hey, can you really put a price on screaming your face off while soaring over the Rockies?
| Package | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Tandem Skydive | $275–$350 |
| Photo Package | $80–$120 |
| Video + Photo Combo | $150–$180 |
Hot Tip: Get the video. You’ll want proof you actually jumped—and for once, your reaction photo might beat your vacation selfies.
When’s the Best Time to Go Skydiving?
Unless you’re a snowman, avoid winter. The best time to skydive in Telluride is:
- Late May to early October
- Early mornings: smoother skies and better visibility
- Fall: golden aspen leaves make your descent look like a scene from The Lion King
And yes, weather does cancel jumps. So if it’s stormy, gusty, or looking “meh,” they’ll reschedule. Mother Nature runs the show here.
What Happens on Jump Day (AKA “What Did I Sign Up For?”)
Step 1: Check-In & Sign the Waiver
You’ll sign your life away (kidding… kind of). This is the “yes, I consent to falling out of a plane” paperwork.
Step 2: Suit Up
You’ll get a flight suit, harness, goggles, and possibly a pep talk from your instructor that doubles as a comedy routine.
Step 3: Safety Briefing
They’ll teach you how not to flail like a spaghetti noodle in the air. Body position is key, people.
Step 4: The Plane Ride Up
This is where reality sets in. The views are unreal. The butterflies kick in. You might regret skipping breakfast.
Step 5: The Leap
The door opens. Your heart stops. You’re at the edge—and then WHOOSH! You and gravity become best friends for the next 45 seconds.
Step 6: Parachute Time
Your chute opens (hooray!) and now you’re gently gliding down, trying to take in ALL THAT BEAUTY while your brain catches up with what just happened.
What Will You See Up There?
Not to get poetic, but the views from up there are ridiculous.
- San Juan Mountains: So dramatic they deserve their own reality show
- Telluride Box Canyon: Looks like it was carved by a giant with a passion for symmetry
- Bridal Veil Falls: Colorado’s tallest waterfall, and yes, you’ll see it from the sky
- Endless layers of green, gold, red rock, and alpine magic
Honestly, your brain might try to take a screenshot.
Capture the Moment (or Your Screaming Face)
Most operators offer:
- Helmet-cam videos (POV + shots of your flapping cheeks)
- Pro photographers jumping with you
- Edited clips with music that makes you sound heroic
Trust me, you’ll want the footage. Or else it’ll just sound like a dramatic dream you had while napping in Colorado.
First-Time Jumper Tips
- Dress comfy (athletic wear is great)
- Closed-toe shoes—flip-flops in freefall? No, thanks.
- Eat something light—don’t skydive hangry
- Smile during freefall—you paid for that video, baby
- Ask questions—your instructor has heard it all
Also, screaming is optional but totally acceptable.
Skydiving With Friends? Yes, Please
Skydiving is better with buddies—mostly because you’ll need someone to laugh at the post-jump photos with.
Group Options:
- Bachelorette parties (skydiving veils, anyone?)
- Birthday jumps (way better than cake)
- Couples who jump together… stay together (after changing their underwear)
What to Do After You Land
Still buzzing from the jump? Here’s how to celebrate your epic-ness:
- Grab lunch at The Butcher & The Baker (carbs = happiness)
- Ride the Telluride Gondola—less air time, same great views
- Chill at Town Park, stare at the sky, pretend you’re a pro
- Book a massage—because let’s be honest, you just hurled your body through space
How to Get There & Where to Stay
- Telluride Regional Airport (TEX): Small but mighty
- Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): Bigger, 90 minutes away
- Lodging? Go for a cozy cabin, cool boutique hotel, or mountain-view Airbnb. Bonus if it has a hot tub.
Final Pre-Jump Checklist
ID and reservation
Comfy clothes + sneakers
Charged phone (for bragging)
Snacks and water
A heart ready for adventure
Nerves of steel (or at least aluminum)
Final Thoughts (and A Friendly Nudge)
Skydiving in Telluride isn’t just an activity—it’s a core memory waiting to happen. It’s the thing you’ll remember when you’re 80 and boring your grandkids with stories about how “back in my day, I jumped out of a plane over the Rockies.”
So don’t overthink it. Take the leap (literally). You won’t regret it… but you will want to do it again.
