This winter, Mother Nature has been generous to the Telluride Ski Resort, dropping over 15 feet of snow so far. 

While we continue to dream of still more powder days – we know, we’re greedy – we’re also stoked for the arrival of the long, warm, sunny days of March in the San Juan Mountains. Telluride is on the same latitude as sun-drenched spots like Spain’s Costa de Sol and Athens in Greece, making the springtime vibe here less like a Warren Miller movie and more like March Radness.

THE WEATHER

In Telluride in March, average daytime temps sit firmly in the 40s and most days the sun shines high in the bluebird skies that Colorado is famous for. This all means fewer layers and the opportunity to dine outdoors in comfort and style. Try an al fresco lunch at one of a trio of on-mountain restaurants, Alpino Vino, Bon Vivant or Giuseppe’s, for a memorable meal in the sunshine. The views aren’t too shabby either. Put the vitamin D supplements away and slather on the sunscreen instead.

THE FUN

Springtime is party time on the Telluride Ski Resort. As the days lengthen and brighten, skiers and boarders don everything from costumes to pajamas to retro ski gear, high-fiving the lifties and bringing a, um, lively atmosphere to the mountain. Want to see what we’re talking about? Head to Gorrono Ranch for live music and a brew, cocktail or mocktail on the deck and legendary beach alongside the Misty Maiden ski run. Or lounge on the sunny patio at Tomboy Tavern, at the bottom of Lift 4, with a local brew and nibbles.

THE SKIING

The real reason we’re all here is the mountain, right? Thankfully, the spring skiing here at 9,000 feet plus is, well, glorious. The snow still falls in March and while the moisture content is a tad higher than it was in, say, January, it makes for the best of both worlds: plenty of fresh pow, but with a healthy dose of sunshine. And the best part? It’s Telluride so there’s not a lift line or traffic jam of skiers and boarders in sight.

THE BETA

The supposed intel on Telluride is that it is difficult to get to. Not so. There are 15 direct ski season flights serving the Telluride (TEX) and Montrose (MTJ) regional airports from 12 different American cities. Once here, you won’t need a car. Pretty much everywhere in Mountain Village is ski in/ski out, two lifts go right down into the town of Telluride, which is also served by a free bus, and the free Gondola, the only public transportation system of its kind in North America, links it all together. The dining and nightlife are whatever you want it to be from locals’ dive bar casual to elegant and award-winning fine dining. And then there is the beauty: stupendous and unspoiled. No wonder Conde Nast Traveler readers frequently name Telluride the  Number 1 Ski Resort in North America.