It’s Time for Spring Skiing in Telluride

Beautiful Telluride, Colorado

OK, in truth we already had a ton of spring-like skiing in Telluride throughout the holidays and into the new year. (Read A Crazy Happy Holiday Season in Aspen, Telluride and Redstone.) What we lacked in snow, we more than made up for in sunshine and warm weather. (And boy does that make most of the visitors happy.)

Gorgeous

Looking Out on Top of Lookout

Adults Having Fun

And then came winter! The storms rolled in with the consistency of a heartsick lover pining over his one true love in February until all became dreamy and white. And then suddenly all was well with the world and the mountain. By mid-February, Telluride Ski Resort snowmaking finally put away their equipment and let Mother Nature take over full-time. They did a stupendous job this year, something that became even more apparent to me when I skied some scratchy and sketchy trails at other resorts. “We wouldn’t open a run until it was really good,” says Brandon Green, head of snowmaking in Telluride. And indeed, the skiing and riding on the manmade and the natural snow have been very good. Yes, despite many people’s fears, the season shaped up nicely.

Kids Having Fun

And now the great spring break week is upon us. Known as “the Texas week,” it’s one of the busiest weeks on the mountain. (But don’t worry, Telluride never becomes that busy.) Then we have three weeks after that until closing on Sunday, April 8th, three weeks that are among the most fun on the mountain due to all the end-of-season partying.

One of Many Snowy Drives

And let me let you in on a little secret: In the past fourteen years that I have been a ski instructor in Telluride, I have remarked that the third and fourth weeks of March are among the snowiest. Yes, winter typically circles back around after a super warm mid March and provides one more great blast of powdery snow before the wheels stop turning on the lifts and the last of our die-hard ski bums takes off to Costa Rica for off season.

So go ahead and plan that getaway to the mountains and enjoy the longer days of spring skiing on fresh pow beneath bluebird skies. Spring skiing is like beaching it in the mountains. Here in southwestern Colorado, it’s not unusual to change into your flip-flops after a day of skiing on the hill. And boy, does it feel good to wiggle your toes around after being snugged down in your boots skiing your butt off all day.

Telluride Panorama

Best of all, many great lodging deals can still be found. Here are two of my favorite properties, one in Telluride Mountain Village, the other in town. Check them out and don’t forget to pack your puffy, your most colorful ski and party clothes and a couple of T-shirts, too.

Mountain Lodge Telluride

Tasty Salmon Flatbread at The View

Mountain Lodge Telluride 

Love the elegant mountain feel of this slopeside, ski in/ski out Telluride Mountain Village property. Check out their special packages and know that each condo-type unit comes replete with a beautiful kitchen. Whether you’re staying at the lodge or not, go to The View Bar & Grill for tasty food and drinks in a casual setting that not surprisingly offers one of the best views in Telluride. It’s the best-kept-secret for a terrific lunch to break up your ski day, too. Unlike most of the on-mountain restaurants, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at The View without having to deal with the crowds.

The Landmark New Sheridan

New Sheridan: Room with a View

New Sheridan Hotel 

Situated within the National Historic District of Telluride, this glittering gem is a must whether you book a big stay or just pop in for a drink. Let their packages and deals lure you in even more . You must also visit their iconic Chop House Restaurant, Parlor & Bar!
For the listing of many fun events taking place in March through the end of the season, check out Telluride Ski Resort and Visit Telluride. 

Thank you to Telluride Ski Resort and Brett Schreckengost for the above powder shot.