Let’s admit it. These are topsy-turvy times. Social-distancing and other guidelines aimed at keeping us safe and well can leave us bored and binging on box sets or, alternatively, anxious and over-doing it on news and social media.

One thing hasn’t changed, though, and that’s Telluride. The mountains are still here. The high-alpine meadows above town are still snowbound, but quietly readying for that summertime burst of wildflowers. The waterfalls and lakes are thawing slowly. Winter is reluctantly relinquishing her crown to spring, high in this corner of the San Juans.

It’s a nice reminder that with all that is going on, these mountains remain, same as they ever were, providing inspiration for weathering the current situation Telluride style.

STAY WELL

There isn’t a lot that we can say that you probably don’t already know, but the good folks at the Telluride Medical Center have been diligent in reminding us all to eat well, sleep well and take time out for self-care, mindfulness and exercise in a way that doesn’t conflict with sheltering restrictions. If that means dancing in your kitchen, go for it, we say. And of course, wash your hands, wash your hands wash your hands.

We’ve also found video conference apps particularly useful for checking in on or catching up with family and friends. It’s possible to be social and social-distancing at the same time!  During your next zoom conference or cocktail party, transport yourself to Telluride by uploading a Telluride backdrop. Click here to enjoy some beautiful Telluride backdrops.

HIT UP YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Several restaurants (221 South Oak, Baked in Telluride, High Pie, La Cocina, Shake N Dog, Smugglers, Steamies, just to name a few) are open for carry-out. Check out the complete list of take-out options.  Local markets Clarks and the Market at Telluride, as well as Vicki’s Fresh Food Movement, Ghost Pocket Supply and Tomboy Butcher, are all open too. Yum … and phew!

Retail therapy is just what the doctor ordered.  Boost your mood and help local businesses, many of which just reopened with safety protocols in place. Or feel free to take a virtual stroll down Main Street by purchasing online at local merchants. Cashmere Red is making face masks and donating a mask for every mask purchased to a community member in need. Buy a mask to support their efforts, Two Skirts is donating a part of their proceeds on certain items to support the Telluride Medical Center’s COVID-19 Fund. Follow them on Instagram@twoskirtstelluride to shop locally and support their generous effort.  Purchase T-Karn’s Telluride CARE bundle which support local artisans AND raises money for the COVID-19 Telluride Medical Center Fund. It’s a win-win!

Other retailers and service providers still in operation include Telluride EcoCleaners, M & M Mercantile, Ship It Copy It, Society Conoco, Sunshine Pharmacy, Telluride Bottleworks, Telluride Liquors and Wine Mine, Telluride Express’s Montrose pick-up and Timberline Ace Hardware, along with dispensaries Alpine Wellness, Delilah, Green Dragon, Telluride Bud Company and the Telluride Green Room.

BODY, MIND & SOUL

Take time to promote your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

• Get physical. Box Canyon Booties, FUE, Telluride Cross Fit, and Mangala Yoga are using video conferencing or offering online classes to work out together but apart.
• Stay sane. Tri-County Health Network has options for accessing a therapist online. For more, visit tchnetwork.org/teletherapy.
• Go all artsy-craftsy. Go online to find art classes and ideas. Pull out that cookbook you haven’t had time to crack open and get cooking. Spend time sketching or painting from your window or front yard. Explore the Telluride Historical Museum and the Wilkinson Public Library web sites for ideas and inspiration. The museum, for instance, recently posted a link on their Facebook page to the Denver Public Library’s online trove of historical photos of San Miguel County. The library, which is closed for now, still has awesome online options for accessing e- and audio-books, theatrical performances and movies. We’re currently working through those filmed locally, including The Hateful Eight, The Prestige, Scrapple, Butch and Sundance: The Early Days and the 1969 version of True Grit. Or checkout Mountainfilm’s shorts. 
• Be spiritual. All of Telluride’s churches are streaming services online, although their schedules and frequency differ.

GET READY

True, it’s not easy to predict when restrictions might lift, but we can dream, can’t we? And, in the meantime, we can prepare.

If you are done with them for the season, prep and then store your skis, boards and boots for summer. Spring clean and perform necessary maintenance on your summertime gear, things like tents, bikes, rafts, SUPs, fishing rods, golf clubs, topo maps, backpacks — whatever floats your boat, so to speak. Tidy and organize wherever you store your stuff, so you don’t waste time once we get the green light on recreational fun.

DON'T FORGET TO GO OUTSIDE

If possible, find a way to get outside while still observing the restrictions on distancing. Remember, too, to be a responsible user of the outdoors, avoiding situations where you might need rescue or contribute to overcrowding.

Telluride’s backyard is still here, beautiful as always and comforting now more than ever. Use it!