Flying into Telluride airport?

Question

I am going skiing in Telluride end of February, i've never been there before. We are flying directly into Telluride on a small private jet and i hear it can be a bit hairy. Is it unsafe? Is it really that scary? Any insight would be great.

Answer 1

I, personally, have flown into Telluride flying a Cessna 182. Planes fly there all the time. If the weather is bad you can divert to Montrose, enjoy a meal and a room, and go up the next day. I would fly anywhere if I could go in my own private jet :-)

Answer 2

Flying Into Telluride

Answer 3

Telluride is located near serious mountains. Mountain weather is changeable and winds are common. The air is thinner. It's obviously more risky flying a small private plane into Telluride than flying in a large commercial airliner in flat country.

"Unsafe" is a personal decision. Obviously lots of people fly private planes into Telluride. Scary? It would depend on the weather. You might have a smooth flight on a sunny day and just enjoy the spectacular view. Or you might be bouncing around in clouds. Just like in a commercial airliner flying into Chicago. Sometimes that can be scary to me.

You could fly commercial into Durango and drive to Telluride. Would that be safer or more dangerous because of possible snow on mountain roads? Beats me.

EDIT As the person below says flying into Montrose is another option. Better roads, I think fewer planes, but I'm not sure.

Answer 4

our "winter" in colorado starts around february march, this year its been a bit off. As the gentleman above me stated, its near some big mountains and the climate can change from time to time. If your pilot feels uneasy about conditions he can land at durango and you all can drive to telluride, usually, unless there is a blizzard, the mountain roads are ok.

Answer 5

The landing strip is a flat cut into the side/top of a hill. I would rather fly into Montrose and drive or get a shuttle.

Answer 6

Tighten your pucker strap.