Mountainfilm

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Arts & CultureTelluride
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
Duration5 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsMountainfilm predates most of the modern
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Mountainfilm in Telluride

Mountainfilm is a documentary film festival held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado, since 1979. Founded by Lito Tejada-Flores and climber Bill Kees at the historic Sheridan Opera House, it screens nonfiction films about mountain culture, adventure sport, environmental issues, and social justice, paired with panel talks and outdoor daytime activities.

In 1979, as Telluride, Colorado, was still shedding its identity as a played-out mining camp and becoming a ski and adventure destination, filmmaker Lito Tejada-Flores and local climber Bill Kees screened a dozen mountain-themed films over three nights at the town's historic Sheridan Opera House.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Mountainfilm predates most of the modern adventure-documentary festival circuit and helped define it: what began in 1979 as three nights of mountaineering films at the Sheridan Opera House has grown into a multi-venue weekend built around the idea that documentary storytelling can drive action on environmental and social issues, not just entertain

02

The mystery stays covered

Audiences split their days between screenings and Telluride's own mountains, since the festival has always paired films with real outdoor activity rather than keeping attendees seated indoors

03

The city starts moving

Since 1999, Mountainfilm on Tour has carried selected films to theaters across the country and internationally, extending the festival's reach well beyond its one Colorado weekend

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Founded in 1979 by filmmaker Lito Tejada-Flores and local climber Bill Kees during Telluride's shift from mining town to resort community

Water and renewal

Living ritual

Mountainfilm carries forward a tradition of pairing adventure film with direct engagement in the outdoors

The sacred route

Living ritual

since the 1990s

The local code

Living ritual

of using documentary storytelling as a tool for environmental and social advocacy

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Telluride you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Layered outdoor clothing suitable for unpredictable late-May mountain weather, ranging from warm sun to cold rain or leftover snow; comfortable shoes for walking between venues and for...

Safety

Mountainfilm is best approached as a guest: follow local crowd guidance and avoid blocking participants.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Mountainfilm runs late.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map37.94 N, 107.81 WOpen in Google Maps

Telluride, CO

Nearest airportTEX — Telluride Regional
TransportStay close enough to the part of Telluride you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Mountainfilm runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Telluride via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Telluride, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearLayered outdoor clothing suitable for unpredictable late-May mountain weather, ranging from warm sun to cold rain or leftover snow; comfortable shoes for walking between venues and for optional hikes.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Mountainfilm?

Mountainfilm is listed for Past edition: 21–25 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Mountainfilm take place?

The festival is listed in Telluride, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

5 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Telluride, CO

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmountainfilm.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
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