Family trips change as children grow, and when everyone can travel as adults together again, they can be truly special. EXP loves creating these types of itineraries for busy families with older children, and this winter adventure really delivered — a combination of shared experiences set in one of the most awe-inspiring snowy settings one could ask for: Telluride.

Touching down at Montrose Regional Airport, the family was greeted by EXP Guides and whisked away by a scenic mountain pass drive into the box canyon, and awaiting them were five days of pure winter magic.

Spread across four floors, their five-bedroom luxury mountain base offered panoramic views over Telluride, a steaming outdoor hot tub, and contemporary mountain design with light-filled spaces perfect for a family to settle into. The first evening set the tone with their private chef preparing a relaxed welcome dinner, where they experienced the first taste of mountain life and were excited for the winter adventures ahead.

Led by their EXP Guide and a team of powerful Alaskan huskies, the family traveled along pristine snow-covered trails. The expert mushers shared stories of racing, training, and life on the trail.

After warming up and enjoying a relaxing lunch back at the house, the family took off to explore town. A private scavenger hunt took the family into Telluride’s intriguing and unique past — from its outlaw roots and mining boom to its transformation into a celebrity hideout.

They uncovered stories of legendary bank robberies, long-lost love stories, and the surprising role the town played in the early days of electricity. Dinner that evening was another delicious chef-prepared meal, during which they reflected on the day’s adventures.

For today’s excursion, a hearty breakfast was necessary before wrapping up and heading out into the fresh powder for a half-day snowshoeing tour. The family was excited to get out again in the snow, and while some had tried their hand at snowshoeing before, others hadn’t, but it was an easy activity for everyone to enjoy exploring.

This half-day guided tour offered them the option of a leisurely outing or an uphill trek, and naturally, the adventurous family headed up for not only incredible mountain scenery but also a great cardio workout.

As they walked, they learned more about the area, how the resident animals adapt to the winter, were shown various geological features, such as the mining scars on the mountains, and found out more about the National Forest conservation efforts.

On a winter adventure full of activities, leaving some free time penciled in meant the family could enjoy time to unwind further — a few of the family members chose a spa visit to soothe snowshoeing muscles, while the others headed back to the house and relaxed by the fire.

The evening called for a games night at the house. On the lower floor, the game room, full of air hockey, a shuffleboard, and a four-player arcade set the scene perfectly for some friendly family rivalry before and after dinner.

Enjoying fresh tracks all morning, some with skis, some with a board; they paused for lunch at mountain-side restaurants before continuing the fun into the afternoon. For the two eldest children, the most experienced skiers, they diverted off on their own ski adventure: a heli-skiing experience at Silverton Mountain, where they dropped into remote backcountry terrain with no one else around.

Regrouping for the evening to rest skied-out legs, the family gathered around the fire pit for some well-deserved s’mores and a relaxed dinner where they swapped stories about their respective slopeside adventures.

For a final burst of adrenaline, the last morning meant a guided snowmobile excursion to Alta Lakes. After a safety briefing, they rode along historic mining routes dating back to 1885, following trails once frequented by early prospectors and railroad workers. The scenery was the cherry on the top of an incredible trip, with frozen lakes, towering pines, and sweeping views across Sunshine Mountain.

On route back to base, they made a stop at the historic Alta, a town just outside of Telluride, and one that feels like stepping back into Colorado’s mining past. With the scattered historic buildings and stillness, it was ghost-town-like, especially in comparison to Telluride’s bustle.

Once packed and a few final photos were snapped of the snow and mountain view from the balconies, they began the journey back home, with a final scenic mountain drive, then on to the airport for departure.

While it was a short trip, each day offered the family a different way to enjoy, explore, and connect with one another. Leaving behind their tracks and the mountain air, they promised to take another family adventure again soon.