BootDoctors: No Snow? Still Go.

18 Dec BootDoctors: No Snow? Still Go.

This week, the (Boot)Doctors in the House focuses on what’s on everyone’s mind: snow – or the lack thereof  – and why this place is still Shangri-La offering plenty to do. Katie Klingsporn unrolls some of the many options the BootDoctors has to offer. (All images other than Ski Tree by Melissa Plantz.)

Christmas lights are strung, holiday music is playing, but one major thing is amiss in Telluride. There’s yet to be any major snowfall. That means the hills are brown and the skiing is limited. But it doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in this ski town. Far from it. In fact, locals are taking advantage of this freakish winter and getting after it in all sorts of creative ways. Looking for your own no-snow solutions? BootDoctors staff has you covered.

Skywalk over Telluride on the Via Ferrata. Grab a helmet and harness and check out this high traverse at the end of the box canyon, where the summer crowds have vanished and Bridal Veil Falls is frozen in its exquisite winter architecture. Because the Via’s highlight, The Main Event, is always a tremendous experience, no matter the season. Swing by BootDoctors for beta.

Getting high for the holidays on the Via Ferrata.

Mountain bike season is still going full bore in the San Juan Mountains. That’s because many of the town’s sunny-side trails, like Mill Creek, are totally dry. But it’s also because outlying desert riding, such as Phil’s World near Cortez or the slick-rock trails of Moab, Utah, are still in excellent shape. “Oh yea, can’t get enough of it,” says BootDoctors’ bike mechanic Justin Albert. Albert notes that along with hopping on BootDoctors’ rentals of mid-fat and full-fat mountain bikes, it’s a great time of year to get some late-season maintenance done to your steed. His no-sno bike recommendation: The Specialized Fuse 6Fattie. “It’s a little more cushy, very confidence inspiring,” he says.

Telluride trails, just made for riding.

For bikers who want to mix business with pleasure, another great option is taking a fat-tire bike ride out across the Valley Floor before heading over to Lawson Hill for tours of Telluride Distilling and Telluride Brewing tasting rooms. You bring the thirst; BootDoctors will provide the shuttle.

Toasting at Telluride Brewery. Beats eggnog. Less sugar.

Or give the Slackline in Elks Park a try. It’s great for balance, coordination and whiling away the time. Set up the line right next to the Ski Tree. That way, you can pray to Ullr while you’re walking the line.

Telluride’s Ski Tree- after a sacrifice to Ullr. Go for it.

Hit the dirt one two feet. Several of Telluride’s best hiking and mountain running trails are still in great shape. Hike the Weibe for a quick heart-pumping jaunt, or take a run on the Valley Floor. For the more ambitious trekkers out there, Deep Creek, Eider and Whipple trails are great options, and rumor has it that even Sneffels Highline is still hikeable. If you need to equip your feet with the right gear, BootDoctors has Altra, Brooks and Solomon trail shoes.

When there’s not much powder to be skied, people tend to get creative, even a little wacky with their recreation. Why not? Some of the wilder outings the BootDoctors staff has tried of late? Pub crawling in onesies. Xtracycle night racing. Mechanical bull-riding in Mountain Village.

And, of course, all manner of snow dances.

Editor’s note: “The (Boot)Doctor is in the House” is a series from beloved family-owned and operated outdoor retailer BootDoctors all about sharing the power of mountain life: adventure, style, gear, and community in the Telluride region. Here the good guys always get to ski powder and bag summits – and sunsets are always spectacular. For more about BootDoctors Ski, Snowboard & Bike Shop, go here.