Spring skiing in Telluride is usually safe — most years you get bluebird days and corn snow through closing weekend in April. This year, though, the mountain is struggling with thin snow and alternatively bullet-proof hardpack and super-soft corn that is un-skiable by 11 am.
If the skiing is bad, or you've had enough, here's how locals spend the warm days of March and April.
Hike the sunny side of town
When the south-facing slopes are baking in March sun, the trails on the sunny side of town dry out fast. Mill Creek and Jud Wiebe are both accessible right from downtown and give you views and elevation without the need for snowshoes. Jud Wiebe in particular is a great early-season lung-opener — steep, short, and with views of the box canyon that remind you why you came here. Careful on the shaded part of the descent (if traveling clockwise). Finish with lunch at La Cocina de Luz or Butcher & Baker, both of which have outdoor seating worth using when the temps cooperate.
Fish the San Miguel or the Dolores
Spring runoff makes for tricky fishing, but this year runoff seems to have came and went early. Telluride Outside runs guided fishing trips on both the San Miguel and the Dolores River — both beautiful, both worth your time. The Dolores delivers bigger fish and more consistent fishing. The San Miguel is fast and challenging but fun when you actually catch fish (which I rarely do) :–)
The Dolores in particular is an underrated gem, and a guided half-day is the right way to do it if you don't know the water.
Mountain bike at RAT Trails or Phil's World
The Ridgway Area Trails (RAT Trails) and Phil's World in Cortez are both lower elevation, which means they dry out weeks before the trails around Telluride. Both are worth the drive (45 minutes to Ridgway, 1.5 hours to Cortez). Phil's World is flowy, fast, and fun, and makes for a full day with the drive. If you go to RAT, stop at Tacos del Gnar in Ridgway on the way back. If you go to Phil's World, stop at Dolores River Brewery for pizza and growlers.
Spa day
Telluride has genuinely excellent spa options, and a slow spring day is the perfect excuse to use them. The Madeline Hotel, The Peaks Resort, and Camel's Garden all have full-service spas worth booking ahead for. Most upscale hotels in town offer some version of spa services — if you're already staying somewhere nice, ask what they have.
Don't cancel your spring trip just because the snow report looks grim! I love March in town, and closing weekend might be the best party of the year — even if the skiing isn't so good.