Mountain Town Activities to Enjoy During Slush Season

Go chasing waterfalls

Mountain towns are the perfect place to catch stunning waterfalls when the snow starts to melt. Heading on a last minute vacation to Steamboat Springs? Visit Fish Creek Falls, two falls under four miles from Main Street! The lower falls are handicap accessible and just a quarter of a mile from the trailhead. Hike under 2.5 miles to see the upper falls! Then hit the hay at this stunning mountainside condo with amazing views.

Try early-season fishing

Snow melts, and temperature changes bring insect population explosions that fish love. Try your hand at fishing at Lake Tahoe, where you may catch brown or rainbow trout or even salmon! Hire a guide to provide gear and transport you to the best spots, or buy a fishing license, throw out a line, and see what bites! Apps like Fishbrain can help you find a great place and share the best weather conditions and bait for the species you hope to catch.

A sunny slush season hike

Go hiking

Early Season hikes are exciting because you can spot blooming flowers, budding trees, and migrating birds and animals! Use the Merlin app to record and identify that bird sound you don’t recognize. Try iNaturalist to compare wildlife footprints in the snow or mud and learn about plants. By creating an account and uploading your findings, you’re taking part in a citizen science project!

Staying in Big Bear? Hike Castle Rock Trail in the San Bernardino National Forest. This 2.7-mile walk features a peak about a mile in with amazing views of Big Bear Lake. Wear waterproof boots with traction devices like Yaktrax to help maintain your footing on icy spots. Consider using clip-on gaiters to extend the height of your shoes a few inches (or a foot!), so you can easily adapt if the trail gets snowy. And while you’re there, snag a last minute stay at this affordable lakeside cabin rental or this dreamy resort right on the shore!

Visit a national or state park

Check with the authorities in charge of the area you’re hiking, like a State or National Park, to ensure the trail you want to walk isn’t closed due to weather or trail conditions. Obey closures, plan ahead, and prepare by watching the weather, so you know what to bring (extra layers, rain gear, sunscreen) to stay safe and comfy.

Go to a beverage tasting

Local wineries, distilleries, and craft brewers offer tastings where attendees can try wine, liquor, and beer. Take a last minute trip to Vail and hole up in this professionally decorated condo right in the heart of town. Then Head to Vail Brewing Company and order a flight of tasters like Riva Red Ale and Fruit Bootin Sour.

In Park City, head to High West Whiskey, where you can take a distillery tour and enjoy a guided tasting of their most popular whiskeys! Note: People under age 21 are not always welcome at adult beverage tastings, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with kids or teens. Then enjoy a last minute stay at this fabulous penthouse condo right in the middle of town.

Create your own tasting

Curate your own food tasting by ordering a cuisine you’re unfamiliar with and trying a bunch of dishes. Order something for everyone you’re traveling with, then switch plates or dish out helpings for everyone as if you were at a buffet. Think of the fantastic leftovers to share! Use websites like Yelp to find well-rated local restaurants to consider for this DIY tasting.

Head to a concert

Visit Steamboat Springs in April for the Strings Music Festival, where musicians like the Steamboat Springs Orchestra will perform for the 33rd year! The rest of the event lineup goes live on April 6th, but past performances have been around 60% strings, with contemporary music (and even Grammy winners!) making up the rest.

A moment of mindfulness outdoors

Attend a retreat

Do you need some peace and rest? Spring is a time of rebirth and growth, and attending a retreat is a great way to take a break from your daily life for a few days and leave feeling refreshed. For a last minute trip to Big Bear, visit the Big Bear Retreat Center for meditation, silent meditation, and mindfulness retreats where you can connect with yourself away from the businesses of the world.

Take a class

Slush season is an excellent opportunity to learn something new! Try a class to learn how to make pottery on a wheel, get a workout in a Pilates session, or learn how to write a poem at a bookstore. Look for classes ahead of time on sites like Eventbrite or head straight to the local library and check out their notice board. Local newspapers and magazines are also excellent sources for upcoming class info!

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