Seventh Annual Crested Butte Wedding Show

30 wedding professionals have signed up to participate in this year’s show which offers all the services you might need to plan your dream wedding in the Gunnison Valley. During the show you will have a chance to talk with wedding experts as you sample great food, listen to local musicians, and view the latest fashions.

There will also be several raffle drawings throughout the show including a sleigh ride dinner for two and a romantic one-night stay for a lucky couple! Contact Scott at (970) 349-6438 for more information.

Join us, Sunday, March 15, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Lodge at Mountaineer Square!

Suds, Chili & Tunes Kick Off Autumn in Mt. Crested Butte

Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off, September 6

Get into the spirit of autumn with Mt. Crested Butte’s annual Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-off held at the base of the ski area from noon – 6 p.m. On Sept. 6, heat up by sampling great chili prepared by area cook-off contestants from noon – 2 p.m., then cool off with beers poured by Colorado microbreweries from noon – 4 p.m. Two bands will provide the tunes, with Great American Taxi from noon – 3:30 p.m. and Shurman from 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Help select “Crested Butte’s Favorites” in a range of categories: pale ale, amber/brown ale, dark ale/porter/stout, light lager, amber/dark lager; wheat beer; and specialty beer/strong beer/Belgians. There is no charge to enter the chili cook-off, which features four categories: anything goes, professionals only, vegetarian, and International Chili Society red (no beans or fillers). Cash prizes are awarded for the best chili.

Admission is $10 for chili only, $15 for beer only, and $20 for beer and chili. Admission includes unlimited “tasting samples” and 6 full-size beers. No admission will be charged after 4 p.m.

Transportation is provided to and from Crested Butte to the base area by free Mountain Express buses. There also will be a Safe Ride shuttle to provide transportation to and from Gunnison to Mt. Crested Butte and anywhere in between.

The event is presented by the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce and Mt. Crested Butte Town Center Community Association. For more information and to enter the chili cook-off, contact the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at (970) 349-6438.

Explore Colors on Stunning Fall Drives in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado
Nature and the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte are bursting with spectacular color and a wide range of activities throughout the month of September. Whether blazing trails by foot, mountain bike, horse or automobile, there is something to please adventurers and explorers of all ages.



To share the spectacular scenery and weather, Gunnison and Crested Butte have teamed up to present “September Splendor in the Rockies,” a month-long celebration featuring a full calendar of events. For a listing of September Splendor activities, visit www.septembersplendor.com. Also, consider the following five fall drive ideas to experience Gunnison County bathed in the glory of autumn’s amazing palette.


FALL DRIVE ROUTES

Ohio Creek Road to Kebler Pass

Take a left on Ohio Creek Road in north Gunnison off Highway 135 (look for signs). About 12 miles up the Ohio Creek Valley, near a series of ranch buildings that mark the abandoned site of Castleton, travelers will see the spires of “the Castles.” These are erosion remnants carved out of volcanic debris that erupted from the West Elk Volcano, now extinct. Approximately 15 miles from the Ohio Creek junction are abandoned buildings and sheds of Baldwin, the company town for one of the largest coal mines in the region. Look for a fine view of the Anthracite Range from here. In a short distance, the road will become steep and flatten out again before reaching Ohio Pass, which is about 2 miles from the intersection with Kebler Pass heading west toward Paonia Dam and Kebler Pass Road heading east to Crested Butte. Before heading to Crested Butte, take a short detour and head north to the beautiful Lake Irwin.

West Elk Loop Scenic & Historic Byway

From Gunnison, the byway heads north on Highway 135 to Crested Butte, continues on Kebler Pass Road running west along Coal Creek (turns to gravel) and connects to the 30-mile-long Kebler Pass (also gravel and a popular fair-weather route to Aspen). Kebler Pass links with Highway 133 near Paonia Dam. At this point, travelers can go north on the West Elk Loop Byway over McClure Pass to Marble, Redstone and Carbondale. Going south on Highway 133 takes travelers to Somerset, Bowie, Hotchkiss, Crawford, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Sapinero and Curecanti National Recreation Area before returning to Gunnison. There is an excellent brochure, "Experience the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway," available at Chambers of Commerce along the route.

Kebler Pass

This is just one segment of the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway, but is a popular fall drive on its own. The 30-mile Kebler Pass road follows Coal Creek west from Crested Butte and climbs gradually past the old Keystone Mine. The graveled road follows the old Rio Grande Railroad grade toward Kebler Pass and the once booming mining camps of Irwin and Ruby, the lumber camp of Telco, and the coal mining town of Floresta. At the top of the pass, a road forks left toward Ohio Pass and Gunnison and right toward Kebler Pass. Kebler Pass heads into the Anthracite Creek drainage and through incredible Aspen groves, meeting Highway 133 at the Paonia Dam. This is a popular route linking Crested Butte to roadways that travel to Aspen, passing through the charming towns of Redstone and Carbondale along the way.

Crested Butte to Gothic & Schofield Pass

Drive three miles from Crested Butte to Mt. Crested Butte (where ski resort is located) and continue to Gothic, located on the east bank of the East River at the junction with Copper Creek. Gothic was a mid- to late-1800s boom town that now houses the famed Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. The famous Crystal Mill is only 9 miles down the road from Gothic via Schofield Pass. Schofield Pass is not a passenger car road; a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required or hire an outdoor touring company.


Almont to Various Scenic Routes

Between the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte on Highway 135 is Almont, where the Taylor and East Rivers meet to create the Gunnison River. From Gunnison, go east at Almont on Taylor Canyon Road to Taylor Park Dam and Reservoir. >From here travelers have three choices: 1.) Go east on Cottonwood Pass to Buena Vista; 2.) Go north and loop back to Almont on Spring Creek Road; or 3.) Go southeast through one of the richest gold strike areas in Gunnison County traveling through Tincup, over Cumberland Pass, and through Pitkin, Ohio City and Parlin before reaching Gunnison.

Crested Butte’s 23rd Annual Vinotok Honors Eastern European Roots & Autumn Equinox

The autumn equinox, a time of balance between day and night, heralds in the celebration of Vinotok in Crested Butte, Colo. Meaning “fall wine festival” in Slovenian, Vinotok culminates after several days of celebrating on Sept. 20 and commemorates the bounty of the summer harvest and gathering of the community before the long winter ahead.

It is a time of village feasting, of forgetting the woes of yesterday and honoring traditional Eastern European roots. In the midst of the celebration from Sept. 17 – 20 is a colorful array of medieval characters, a street theatre performance, storytelling, and music.

How Vinotok Started
The origins of Vinotok began when creator and now “Godmother” of the event, Marcie Telander, sat around the pot belly stove at Tony’s Conoco, listening to the “old-timers” of Crested Butte tell stories from their native lands of Austria, Hungary, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Italy and Slovenia.

A common thread emerged. Many of these cultures had a wine festival in the fall when, as they were putting down wine for the upcoming year, the old wine from the previous year had to be drunk. They roasted a goat, told tales and danced polka. A fire was always present, a vestige of ancient cultures asking the sun to not stay away too long. It was typically on the fall equinox, a time of planetary balance, and in those cold countries, the start of the new year. They celebrated what they harvested—the hay, children and stories of those who had created roots in a new land.

The Celebration Today
· Today, 23 years later, the festival begins with these roots in storytelling, gathering again around the potbelly stove of Tony’s Conoco, now the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, to hear the tales of an older Crested Butte on Wed., Sept. 17 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. On Sept. 15 and 16, storytelling workshops will be held to help individuals compose their public performances throughout the week. Details about the workshops will be available soon.

· Liar’s Night at The Eldo is a raucous Thursday evening full of tall tales and whoppers, indicative of the adventuresome spirit of the community. It is here the Green Man, the town’s symbol of fertility and virility, and considered the most desirable single man in the community, is announced. Liar’s Night begins at 8 p.m. and costs $4 for storytellers and those in costumes and $7 for all others.

· At the Community Feast on Sept. 19, a pig is roasted as neighbors share a meal of harvest vegetables and wine and are entertained by local poets. The feast begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Park and costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.

· Weeks before the celebration, community school children craft “Grump Boxes,” creatively decorated boxes set about town. Townspeople write down their “Grumps,” the grievances they want to forget at the change of seasons in order to move into the new year with a clean slate. These boxes are then stuffed into the Grump itself, a 20-foot tall grimacing effigy welded into existence by the skilled hands of local metal artist Andy Bamberg. The Grump plays a major role in Saturday evening’s activities.

· The Saturday of Vinotok is the high point of the celebration. A cast of medieval characters featuring maidens in bustiers and flowing gowns and ribbons, representing the 12 months of the year, accompanied by torchbearers and flag bearers “mum” out in the streets and into restaurants with drums and horns, cymbals and flutes, singing harvest songs, dancing and inviting all to participate in the evening’s festivities. Begins at 5 p.m.

· As night falls, a street theatre production is held in front of The Eldo on Elk Avenue at 7:30 p.m. In a drama honoring the cycles of nature and the imbalances of our modern world, characters are the Harvest Mother, a tremendously pregnant woman from town; the Earth Dragon, representing nature; and Sir Hapless, the symbol of technology. The Grump is put on trial, the sacrificial scapegoat for the discordance between nature and technology. Citizens decide to find him guilty, and then proceed to the town crossroads to burn him and all of the grievances of the year. The Grump goes up in flames in an enormous bonfire that happens at the four-way stop near the visitor center at 8:30 p.m. Now with a clean slate, the townspeople look forward to a new harvest of winter snow.

“Fire celebrations are part of the most ancient of traditions, especially in places that have cold winters and short days. It also gives participants the chance to see the faces of their neighbors around the bonfire,” Telander says. “These celebrations shed light on moving into winter and tell the sun not to forget us.”

For more information about Vinotok, contact Molly Murfee at (970) 349-0947.

DjangoFest Colorado Debuts in Mt. Crested Butte

DjangoFest Colorado will celebrate the tradition and spirit of the great French/Belgian gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt, in Mt. Crested Butte on Sept. 19 - 21. The weekend festival provides an outstanding opportunity for music lovers, especially gypsy jazz musicians and enthusiasts from around the globe, to congregate in the Colorado Rockies and attend concerts and workshops by internationally renowned players. Don’t be surprised when impromptu “djam” sessions pop up wherever one turns, as the Mt. Crested Butte Town Center gets into the swing of things.

Concerts, The Lodge at Mountaineer Square Conference Center

Friday, Sept. 19, 8 p.m.

- Le Chat Lunatique
- Gonzalo Bergara with Simon Planting & Mathieu Chatelain
- Robin Nolan & Friends

Saturday, Sept. 20, 3 p.m.

- Carute Roma
- Hot Club of Boulder
- Gonzalo Bergara with Simon Planting & Mathieu Chatelain

Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m.

- Mango fan Django
- Robin Nolan Trio
- John Jorgenson Quintet

Workshops, Grand Lodge Crested Butte

Workshops will be offered on Sept. 20 and 21 for both novice and experienced guitar players, giving them the opportunity to learn from Robin Nolan, John Jorgenson, Gonzalo Bergara and Mathieu Chatelain. Workshops are 10 a.m. – noon and noon – 2 p.m. on both days.

Tickets, Lodging & Information

DjangoFest Colorado is sponsored by the Mt. Crested Butte Town Center Community Association. Concert tickets cost $32 to $40, and workshop admission is $40. Visit www.djangofestcolorado.com for artist bios, workshop descriptions and schedule, lodging, tickets and more. Tickets and lodging packages also may be reserved by calling Crested Butte Vacations at (800) 600-2803.

Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival

The inaugural Crested Butte Land Trust Wine & Food Festival promises to showcase hundreds of different wines and amazing cuisine through a variety of events from wine seminars and chefs’ events to a grand tasting in Crested Butte, Colo., on July 25 – 27, 2008. A full schedule and event information is available at www.crestedbuttewine.com.

The festival is produced by Colorado Mountain Events, LLC. Its exclusive beneficiary is the Crested Butte Land Trust, whose mission is to protect open space and wildlife habitat, preserve the valley’s ranching heritage, and provide access via trails.

“Crested Butte is Colorado’s best mountain town with unrivaled views and some of the most spectacular scenery in the West,” explains Jeff Hermanson, president of the Crested Butte Land Trust and part-time Crested Butte resident. “I cannot imagine a better location to host a series of food and wine events; it is the perfect way to reintroduce visitors to this magical place.”

The events include a series of wine seminars where wine novices and aficionados alike can learn the nuances of wine during a classroom-style session. These seminars will be held all three days of the festival and are sold a la carte. The full schedule of seminars will be posted online June 13, 2008. Programming is expected to include sessions on champagnes, Riedel glassware, and how to interpret a restaurant’s wine list, as well as appearances from a variety of master sommeliers.

The chefs’ events consist of three dinners and one brunch where two chefs—one from Denver and one from Crested Butte—team up to create multi-course meals with wine pairings in private homes in the Crested Butte area.

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Crested Butte Land Trust Wine & Food Festival, page 2

• Friday, July 25: Chef Andrea Frizzi of Il Posto (Denver) and Chef Tim Egelhoff of Timberline (Crested Butte)
• Friday, July 25: Chef Elise Wiggins of Panzano (Denver) and Leo Novak of Rustica and Fete Catering (Crested Butte)
• Saturday, July 26: Chef Richard Sandoval of Tamayo, Zengo and La Sandia (Denver) and Chef Mike Marchitelli of Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle (Crested Butte)
• Sunday, July 27: Chef Tyler Wiard of Elway’s (Denver) and Chef Jason Vernon of Soupcon (Crested Butte)

For the signature event, the grand tasting will feature hundreds of wine from around the world for guests to enjoy. On Saturday, July 26, from 4 to 7 p.m., the grand tasting will be held at the base of the Crested Butte ski area, adjacent to the Silver Queen lift. Tickets are $65 in advance and $80 day of event (21 years of age and older only), and $15 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.crestedbuttewine.com/grand_tasting.htm or in person at the Crested Butte Land Trust office (308 Third Avenue, Crested Butte) or Sip Fine Wine & Spirits (1920 Market Street, Denver) beginning June 3, 2008. Questions should be directed to 303.809.0404.

The festival has partnered with Crested Butte Mountain Resort to provide room and ticket packages. Room rates start at $159 per night. Guests may go online to http://crestedbuttewine.com/lodging.htm or call 888.280.5724 to reserve their package.

For working members of the media, there is a discounted lodging rate and media credentials. These can be obtained by contacting Festival Director Margaret Ebeling at margaret@larimersquare.com.

About Crested Butte Land Trust
Crested Butte Land Trust (CBLT) strives to keep the Gunnison Valley unique, as too many of Colorado’s ski area valleys have lost their ranches, vistas and wildlife habitat. CBLT believes open space has the unique ability to benefit everyone and provides an economic value for the community that is far reaching and long lasting. The more than 4,000 acres CBLT has preserved protect crucial wetlands, wildlife habitats, unrivaled views, recreational opportunities and the valley’s ranching heritage. To see the organization’s accomplishments, go to http://www.crestedbuttewine.com/cblt.htm or www.cblandtrust.org.

About Colorado Mountain Events, LLC
Colorado Mountain Events, LLC is a Denver-based event production company whose goal is to create a premier summer event focused around wine and food in Crested Butte. The festival has a series of objectives:
 Creating a signature food and wine event to entice the local community to attend the series of events, create a local sense of pride and provide positive economic impact.
 Raising awareness of Crested Butte as a distinctive Colorado tourism destination.
 Raising funds for and marketing the works of the Crested Butte Land Trust.
 Enhancing business for current food and beverage operators in Crested Butte and establishing the town as a formidable location for new businesses.

Art Festivals & Gallery Walks Celebrate Originality in Gunnison-Crested Butte

The arts are a permanent part of Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado’s culture. The communities have been nurturing and growing four longtime art festivals set against the beauty of the Colorado Rockies: 36th annual Crested Butte Festival of the Arts, 35th annual Gunnison Art in the Park, 20th annual The People’s Fair, and 17th annual Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival.

Also throughout the summer and fall, Crested Butte’s ArtWalk Evenings and First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music bring art enthusiasts on a tour of the galleries and other businesses displaying artwork. First Fridays is held the first Friday of the month, May – September, and ArtWalk is the last Thursday evening of the month, June – September.

There is no admission charge for the festivals or gallery evenings.


Schedule of Art Events

July 4 First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music

July 24 ArtWalk Evening, Crested Butte Galleries & Studios

July 27 35th Annual Gunnison Art in the Park, Legion Park

August 1 First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music

August 2 -3 36th Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival, Elk Avenue

August 23 High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival, Gunnison’s Legion Park

August 28 ArtWalk Evening, Crested Butte Galleries & Studios

August 29 – Sept. 1 17th Annual Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival, Gunnison Arts Center

August 30 20th Annual The People’s Fair, Elk Avenue, Crested Butte

September 5 First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music

September 25 ArtWalk Evening, Crested Butte Galleries & Studios



GUNNISON

First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music, May 2, June 6, July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5

Gunnison’s art and music scene are coming together for First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music. Held from May through September, view great art and meet artists at several galleries and businesses. The 5 - 7 p.m. event also features live music outside the venues and at downtown’s IOOF Park. On July 4, First Friday will run from 2 – 8 p.m. For more information call (970) 641-1501. First Fridays is coordinated in partnership with the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce.


35th Annual Gunnison Art in the Park, July 27

Gunnison’s Legion Park serves as the backdrop for the 35th annual Gunnison Art in the Park, organized by the local chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW). On July 27, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., approximately 60 artists will exhibit and sell their creations during this juried event.

Gunnison Art in the Park enjoys a large number of return exhibitors, with at least one artist not missing any of the event’s 35 years. Exhibitors will feature jewelry, stained glass, wood items, sculpture, baskets, fabric art, furniture, photography, pottery and more.


Live entertainment, a face painting station for kids, and food and beverage booths by the Gunnison Literacy Action Program also are part of the fun. Proceeds from the event benefit AAUW’s local scholarship program for nontraditional students attending Western State College in Gunnison; AAUW’s national education foundation; and a local project that is selected annually.


For more information or booth registration, contact Ronda Connaway at (970) 641-2638.


High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival, August 23

The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce invites arts and crafts lovers to experience the High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival being held in conjunction with the Gunnison Car Show on Aug. 23. The festival will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Legion Park, located across the street from Jorgensen Park, where the car show will be held on the same day.

High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival (previously known as the Big Blue Marketplace and The Festival of Crafts & Arts) will showcase arts and crafts from around the region. Also enjoy a barbecue lunch and refreshments prepared by F Bar Catering. Fun for the whole family will be available.

For individuals interested in registering for a booth to sell arts and crafts or food, contact the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce at (970) 641-1501 or visit www.gunnisonchamber.com. The deadline for booth applications is August 1, 2008.

17th Annual Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival, Gunnison Arts Center, August 29 – Sept. 1

Quilting has long been part of the heritage of Gunnison County. Gunnison Arts Center (GAC), in partnership with Gunnison Quilters and the local quilt guild, celebrate the art of quilting annually with the Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival. Now in its 17th year, there is a full lineup of activities over Labor Day and quilt documentation the following weekend.

· August 13 – September 13 – A Quilt Exhibit featuring the festival’s quilt contest entries will be on display at GAC. Entries must be submitted from Aug. 4 – 7. Free admission.

· August 29 – Welcome Reception with quilt viewing, contest awards, refreshments, and speaker Vi Colombe, award-winning quilter from Mission, S.D., telling how she puts the pieces of her life as a Native American woman into Star quilts. 5 p.m., GAC, Free

· August 29 & 30 – A Lone Star Wall-Hanging Workshop will be taught by opening speaker Vi Colombe. This two-day workshop is limited to 20 participants. 9 – 4 p.m., Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, $80

· August 29 – 30 – Readers’ Theatre featuring “Pieces of Women’s Lives,” written by local playwright Linda Lucido. 8 p.m., GAC, free

· August 30 – At the Orphan Block Calendar Class, participants will learn how to turn an orphan block into a quilted holder for a wall calendar from Yvonne Hollenbeck, an award-wininng quilter, author, musician and cowboy poet. 9 a.m. – noon, Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, $20

· August 31 – Museum Tours & High Tea is an excursion to Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Pioneer Museum in Gunnison followed by high tea at the home of Enid Holden. Transportation provided. 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., $20

· September 1 – The Closing BBQ & Poetry Show & Tell features great food and Yvonne Hollenbeck will present “Pieces of Women’s Lives” through heartwarming and humorous poetry and special quilts. Noon, Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, $25


The various events can be purchased a la carte or through festival packages. Also, the Colorado Quilting Council will document a limited number of Colorado quilts on Sept. 6, preceded by a reception and talk on the evening of Sept. 5. For more information, call Gunnison Arts Center at (970) 641-4029 or visit www.gunnisonartscenter.org.


CRESTED BUTTE

ArtWalk Evenings, July 24, August 28 & September 25

ArtWalk Evening takes place the last Thursday of June, July, August and September from 5 – 8 p.m. in Crested Butte. ArtWalk is organized by Artists of the West Elks and features stops at several studios and galleries. Light refreshments, music and on-site artists are featured at many of the locations. For more information, contact Rebecca Weil at (970) 349-9247or visit www.awearts.org.


36th Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival, August 2 - 3

The Crested Butte Arts Festival (CBAF) is the biggest weekend of the summer, drawing world-class artists from all 50 states and several international exhibitors. Second homeowners, annual vacationers and visitors from New Mexico, Utah, Texas and Colorado’s front-range choose Arts Festival weekend as the prime time to visit Crested Butte. The CBAF is one of the top five art festivals in Colorado and ranked among the 60 best shows in the nation by The Harris List.

The festival features 175 artists, selected through a very competitive jury process, will exhibit their one-of-a-kind works in ceramics, drawing and graphics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, wearable art and wood.

Open-air fine arts and crafts booths, with their distinctive white tops, line the three-block center of Crested Butte’s National Historic District, surrounded by the town’s one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, boutiques and eateries. New additions to the festival include “Art Alley” a hands-on arts & crafts tent for children ages 2 - 12 and their parents, Artists of the West Elks co-op booths featuring the work of more than 20 local Gunnison Country artists and an Artists Demonstration Tent with selected exhibiting artists demonstrating their craft during festival hours.

In addition, there will be musical entertainment on the Ragged Mountain Stage from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and a variety of gourmet food selections available at the festival's Culinary Court.

For more information, call (970) 349-1184 or visit www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com.

20th Annual The People’s Fair, August 30

The Saturday of Labor Day weekend always marks the return of The People’s Fair in historic downtown Crested Butte. Hundreds of locals and visitors will stroll Elk Avenue on Aug. 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to take in this homespun cultural experience and to soak in the last of the high country summer.

The People’s Fair features an eclectic mix of booths showcasing regional arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, and preserved foods from local gardens as well as fun for kids, tasty fair food and more. Reasonably priced items make this art fair affordable for everyone and a must for treasure hunters. Along with 80 vendor booths, The People’s Fair coincides with the annual Labor Day Sidewalk Sale on Elk Avenue, making the day a shoppers delight!

Food booths will be located next to the Company Store, across from the music venue at the corner of Elk Avenue and Third Street. Entertainment will perform from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Nonprofit organizations from the Gunnison Valley will be on hand to provide information about a variety of topics and raise money for their organizations. Always a big attraction is a vast selection of music CDs on sale to raise money for Crested Butte’s public radio station, KBUT. Crested Butte Friends of the Library typically features more than 400 square feet of reading material at its annual book sale. High Country Citizens’ Alliance raises funds by tempting taste buds with its bake sale.

Since 1988, The People’s Fair has been made possible by the volunteer efforts of the artist members of The Paragon Gallery, a cooperatively owned arts and crafts gallery in downtown Crested Butte, located at 132 Elk Ave. The Paragon Gallery has been featuring the work of Gunnison and Crested Butte residents since 1971. For more information about the fair or to receive an application for booth space, please contact The Paragon Gallery at (970) 349-6484.

Reader & Writer Workshops Offer Peak Experiences in Gunnison-Crested Butte

Colorado towns hosting two literary gatherings in June 2008

Writing the Rockies: The Gunnison Creative Writers Workshop, June 5 - 8

Writing the Rockies: The Gunnison Creative Writers Workshop returns to Western State College of Colorado (WSC) for the fifth summer, June 5 - 8. Max McCoy, an award-winning novelist, journalist and screenwriter will be the keynote speaker. McCoy is the author of 14 novels, including four original “Indiana Jones” adventures for Lucasfilm, and has won first place investigative reporting awards from the Associated Press. More >>


Readers in the Rockies & Crested Butte Writers Conference, Crested Butte, June 20 - 22

Readers in the Rockies returns for a seventh exciting year when well-known authors gather with aspiring writers on the Saturday of the Crested Butte Writers Conference, June 20 – 22 at the Club at Crested Butte. Crested Butte Friends of the Library presents the two events annually to generate an exchange of ideas in a friendly, relaxed, high-mountain setting. More >>

Bayou in the Butte

Mike Marchitelli, a well-known Crested Butte chef and proprietor of Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle, is bringing back “Bayou in the Butte – A Louisiana Swamp Party” for the second year, promising a summer weekend filled with great food, music and fun at the town park next to Crested Butte Center for the Arts.

Louisiana cuisine will be served by nine local restaurants and caterers—expect dishes such as boiled crawfish, alligator, blackened scallops and more. The Mountain Sommeliers Wine Garden and Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle Beer Garden will quench thirsty appetites and provide prime spots to listen to four bands daily.

Fishing Mecca in a Wealth of Waterways – Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

With hundreds of miles of scenic waterways and 3 million new fish released each year from the state’s Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, Gunnison County is an excellent choice for a fishing vacation. There is a plethora of fishing events and great lodging and package deals on line for this summer and fall.

Just to give you an idea how good the fishing is, Don Walker reeled in a lake trout (mackinaw) from Blue Mesa Reservoir last May that weighed 50.35 pounds. The previous record, set in 2002 by his brother-in-law, was shattered by about 3.5 pounds. Blue Mesa, located west of Gunnison is the state’s largest body of water and home to the biggest kokanee salmon fishery in the United States. Gunnison County also holds state records for the largest brown trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon.

FISHING EVENTS

Blue Mesa Fishing Tournament, May 10 - 11

Kiwanis hosts this annual tournament at Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison to raise funds for causes assisting children and their families in the Gunnison area. Approximately 120 teams of two start at Elk Creek Marina and angle for trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat and other). The entry fee is approximately $120 per team, with an extra $10 to enter the Mackinaw trout competition. The top prize is approximately $1,000 to $1,200. In addition, the names of 10 lucky participants will be drawn on May 10 to be eligible for the grand prize drawing on May 11. For information, call Bruce Saunders at (970) 901-0110.


Monarch Search & Rescue Fishing Tournament, May 17 - 18

Approximately 80 to 100 teams of two will fish for salmon and rainbow and brown trout at Blue Mesa Reservoir. The entry fee is $120. For information, call Joanne Stone at (970) 641-2795.

Eighth Annual Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby, June 21

Cash prizes will be presented for longest northern pike, largest pike by weight, most pike caught, and largest trout caught in the Taylor Park Reservoir. Registration begins at 6 a.m., with eligible fishing times between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. The entry fee is $25 per person. Registration for the kids’ division is free (non-cash prizes). For information, contact Taylor Park Marina at (970) 641-2922 or (719) 395-6484 or visit www.taylorparkmarina.com.

Seventh Annual Caddis Cup Fly-Fishing Tournament, July 24 - 25

Crested Butte Land Trust’s annual Caddis Cup starts off on July 24 with a casting clinic in the morning and an evening barbecue at a local ranch, where participants are matched with experienced local guides. The afternoon is open for practicing on local waters.

On July 25, teams head off with a picnic lunch and fan out for the day. Prizes are awarded for biggest brown, rainbow, total aggregate inches and best fish tale for the one that got away. The event entry fee is $600, with all proceeds benefiting the Crested Butte Land Trust. For more information or to register, call (970) 349-1206.

FLY-fishing & LODGING Deals

Fly-Fishing School

Surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest and situated at the confluence of three of Colorado’s best fishing rivers, Three Rivers Resort in Almont is the perfect getaway for fishing. Willowfly Anglers, the resort’s Orvis-endorsed outfitting service, offers its fly fishing school for anglers of all ability levels. Participants work one-on-one with instructor guides to learn casting techniques, essential knots, stream entomology, equipment selection, reading water and more. Choose one day or multiple days. A basic package starts at $395 per person (based on two people) and includes two nights’ lodging in modern riverfront cabins, one full day of professional fly-fishing instruction, all fishing equipment (if needed) and guaranteed good times in the mountains. Custom packages including additional instruction and lodging may be requested. Call (888) 761-FISH or go to www.3riversresort.com.

Run with the Salmon

Come and experience the country’s largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. At Three Rivers Resort in Almont, just 3 miles from the final salmon destination at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, utilize the resort’s Orvis-endorsed outfitting service, Willowfly Anglers, to help land the fish. When purchasing any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations of two nights or more. This offer applies to Sunday – Thursday night stays only, and Labor Day weekend is excluded. Call (888) 761-FISH or go to www.3riversresort.com.

June Lodging Special at Almont Resort

Stay at the Almont Resort in June and save 15 percent. The resort is located between Gunnison and Crested Butte and perfectly situated on the banks of the Gunnison and East Rivers. Fly-fishing, horseback riding and more are right out the back door with a guided trip or on-your-own excursions. Cabins and vacation homes are available for rent, with the deal subject to availability. Call (970) 641-4009 for reservations.

Free Flies

Stop by the Gunnison Visitor Center at 500 E. Tomichi Ave. and pick up a coupon for two free flies from Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods, located just down the street at 201 W. Tomichi Ave.


FISHING MECCA

The wealth of water in Gunnison County makes for exceptional fishing: less pressure on the fish means more success for anglers. Gunnison County's lakes and streams are home to kokanee salmon, northern pike, and brown, rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Mackinaw trout. Area waters entice dry fly-fisherman from June through early November with their strong fly hatches.

The area’s largest and most popular fishing river, the Gunnison River, begins near the small town of Almont at the confluence of the East and Taylor rivers. Stretches of this legendary trout stream, including a section of Gold Medal trout water downstream from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, are among Colorado’s finest trout water. The Gunnison River is the second largest river in the state and has more fish per mile than any other river in the state, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

The free-flowing East River is smaller, with a section of wild trout water above and below the Roaring Judy Hatchery, located approximately 11 miles north of Gunnison. The Roaring Judy ponds, located beside the river at the hatchery, provide a home for record-breaking brown trout and many small rainbows.

The Taylor River flows through its craggy canyon in the shadow of the jagged Sawatch Range to Taylor Park Reservoir, a beautiful high mountain lake that teems with cutthroats, rainbows and browns. Below the dam, a prime catch-and-release area yields 6- to 12-pound rainbows and is reported to contain rainbow trout that are larger than the current state record.

Good fishing—by boat or from the shoreline—also is found at Blue Mesa Reservoir within the Curecanti National Recreation Area. With 92 miles of shoreline, Blue Mesa Reservoir offers a large number of great fishing spots.

Many of Gunnison County's unspoiled alpine lakes—where solitude and breathtaking scenic beauty is the norm, rather than the exception—also are accessible by vehicle. For those who prefer a guide, Gunnison County has a number of private outfitters for scenic backcountry fishing and float trips. Visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com for a list of outfitters and to sign up for an email newsletter about fly-fishing conditions on the Gunnison River, East River, Taylor River and the Taylor River catch-and-release area by clicking on “e-mail newsletter sign-up” in the right corner.

Earth, Water, Air & Fire … Celebrating June in the Colorado Rockies

Late spring and early summer are glorious days of blue skies, pleasant temperatures, trail openings and welcoming back tourists for fair-weather activities in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado. To showcase the action-packed happenings of June, the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley has teamed up to present the second annual “Earth, Water, Air & Fire … Celebrating June in the Rockies” celebration.

Beat the crowds and get back to nature with events that celebrate earth (National Trails Day, Fat Tire Bike Week, Cart-to-Cart Fun Run), water (Bayou in the Butte, Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby), air (hot air ballooning, free concerts) and fire (Tour de Forks, cooking classes).

Bring the whole family to experience earth, water, air and fire through the arts:

· First Friday: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music;

· ArtWalk Evening in Crested Butte;

· AWEfest: Local Artists Market;

· FREE Sundays @ 7 and Alpenglow outdoor concerts in Gunnison and Crested Butte; and

· Exhibitions and workshops at Gunnison Arts Center and Crested Butte Center for the Arts.

“In early June, we start to see bluebells, mountain harebells, Nelson larkspur, wild iris, pasqueflowers and many more of the nearly 400 varieties of wildflowers in the Gunnison Valley,” says Jane Chaney, director of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association. “The landscape transitions into a spectacular green, announcing the end of spring and arrival of summer. June is an ideal time to enjoy our mountain paradise.”


WEEK 1: June 1 – 8

1 FREE Sundays @ 7 Concerts in Gunnison, Jorgensen Park

5 – 8 Writing the Rockies: Gunnison Creative Writers Workshop, Western St. College, Gunnison

6 First Fridays: Gunnison Gallery Crawl & Music

6 Lippizanner Stallions – Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, Gunnison

7 National Trails Day – Trail Work Day with Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association

8 FREE Sundays @ 7 Concerts in Gunnison, Jorgensen Park

8 Battle at Big Mine II (18-hole disc golf tournament), Big Mine Park, Crested Butte


WEEK 2: June 9 – 15

14 – 15 Bayou in the Butte, Crested Butte Center for the Arts Outdoor Stage

15 Cart to Cart Fun Run – Crested Butte Mountain Runners, Crested Butte to CB South

15 FREE Sundays @ 7 Concerts in Gunnison, Jorgensen Park


WEEK 3: June 16 – 22

18 – 22 Crested Butte Fat Tire Bike Week

18 – 20 Ride the Rockies, Overnight Stays & Day Off in Crested Butte

20 – 22 Wildflower Rush Cross Country & Downhill Bike Races, CB Mountain Resort

20 – 22 Readers in the Rockies & Crested Butte Writers Conference, Crested Butte

20 – 22 Gunsmoke-n-Gunnison, Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center

21 Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby, Taylor Reservoir

21 FREE Concert - Western Chamber Music Institute for High School

Instrumentalists, Western State College

21 – 22 Bridges of the Butte (24-hour townie tour), Crested Butte

22 Crested Butte Farmers’ Market, Downtown Crested Butte

22 FREE Sundays @ 7 Concerts in Gunnison, Jorgensen Park


WEEK 4: June 23 – 30

26 ArtWalk Evening, Crested Butte Galleries & Studios

26 – 28 “Into the Woods” Presented by Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, Mallardi Cabaret

27 FREE Concert - Western State College-Colorado Brass Band, Gunnison, WSC’s

Quigley Bandshell

28 Gunnison Farmers’ Market, Virginia & Main Street, Downtown Gunnison

28 – 29 3rd Annual AWEfest: Local Artists Market, Crested Butte Town Park

29 Crested Butte Farmers’ Market, Downtown Crested Butte

29 FREE Sundays @ 7 Concerts in Gunnison, Jorgensen Park

30 FREE Alpenglow Concert, Crested Butte Center for the Arts Outdoor Stage


Tour de Forks, a gourmet dining series that takes place in fabulous mountain homes in the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley, kicks off in June and runs through August. Find out about specific June dates by visiting the Crested Butte Center for the Arts’ web site at www.crestedbuttearts.org.

Two of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley’s most popular chefs offer cooking classes. Mike Busse, proprietor of Garlic Mike’s Italian restaurant, hosts approximately two classes per month at Interiors with Oohs & Aahs’ demonstration kitchen in downtown Gunnison. Email Char at Interiors CClarke@interiors-oohsandaahs.com for the June class schedule and more information.

Arrangements Catering & Events offers outstanding cooking classes throughout the year in its downtown Crested Butte kitchen; visit www.ArrangementsAndEvents.com to find out what is scheduled for June.

Hot air balloon rides provide a birds-eye view of stunning mountain peaks, miles of crystal-clear rivers and streams and the towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. To schedule a trip, call Big Horn Balloon Company at (970) 596-1008.

To find out more about “Earth, Water, Air & Fire … June in the Rockies” events visit www.juneintherockies.com or call (877) 277-3429.

Crested Butte’s 40th Annual Flauschink Flushes Out Winter & Welcomes Spring – April 9 – 13, 2008

The last weekend of ski and snowboard season isn’t a quiet occasion in Colorado’s last great ski town, Crested Butte, where the expected rarely happens. Locals and visitors will be flushing out winter and welcoming spring with the 40th annual Flauschink, April 9 - 13, 2008.



“Flauschink is an important celebration for our community. It allows people to get together after a long winter and to remember why we are here. There is even more to celebrate this year with the ski area staying open an additional week,” says festival organizer and 1996 Flauschink Queen Michelle English.



Flauschink is the flip side of the town’s Vinotok, a harvest festival that celebrates Crested Butte’s Eastern European heritage in September. Vinotok invites people to come outside and play, be merry and enjoy fall before the snow begins.



· Pre-Flauschink festivities begin at Talk of the Town on Wednesday, April 9 with a 7 p.m. slide show by Dr. Duane Vandenbusche, a Western State College (WSC) history professor and authority on Gunnison County and Colorado history. A Flauschink tale also will be told by George Sibley, founder of Flauschink and a retired WSC professor.



· Flauschink officially kicks off with a coronation ball held on Friday, April 11 at 9 p.m. to crown the new king and queen of Flauschink and enjoy an evening of polka dancing at The Eldo, a longtime local tradition. “To be a true Crested Buttian, you have to polka. Many people who have been to every Flauschink are there. It is a fun time for the community to get together and dance—something people in Crested Butte do best,” English says.



· The king and queen of Flauschink typically have three things in common: they are involved in the community, enjoy longtime resident status, and are held in high esteem by other locals. A parade on Saturday, April 12, honors the king and queen as they proudly raise scepters made from toilet plungers, gives “Has-Been” royalty the chance to wear their crowns and ride on a float again, and provides a reason to rain down fun on Elk Avenue, Crested Butte’s historic business district. The parade will begin at 3 p.m.



· On Sunday, the festival and ski season will draw to a fitting close with the Flauschink king and queen holding court on the slopes at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Skiers and snowboarders pass by Flauschink Hill, above Twister warming house deck, to toast royalty.



Flauschink buttons are sold at various locations in Crested Butte to raise money for the festival and to provide discounts on slide show and coronation ball tickets. Also, don’t miss the Flauschink exhibition at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. For more information, call Michelle English at (970) 349-7348.

Packages Offer Great Summer/Fall Deals in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

Tourism Association Recognized for Providing Best Travel Deals
Authentic, unspoiled and unpretentious are terms not often associated with today’s glitzy mountain destinations. But there is a place where those terms still apply, where you can still find real Western heritage; friendly, unpretentious people; unspoiled natural beauty; and locally-owned shops and restaurants that are one of a kind.

Five of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s (GCBTA) lodging and outfitting partners make it fun and easy to visit with vacation packages for this summer and fall. These packages are booked directly with these lodging partners so that guests receive the best deals available.

GCBTA was recently selected as a finalist for the 2008 Travelzoo Awards, which celebrate the companies and organizations behind the best deals in 20 categories. Travelzoo, a global Internet media company, examined 67,000 deals to determine the 73 finalists. GCBTA is one of five finalists in the “Most Outstanding Achievement in Marketing of Travel Deals for a Destination.” Travelzoo’s 40 deal experts evaluated deals using a five-point system: reliability, appeal, competitiveness, consistency and quality. Twenty winners will be announced in April.

THREE RIVERS RESORT, ALMONT
Fly-Fishing School
Surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest and situated at the confluence of three of Colorado’s best fishing rivers, Three Rivers Resort in Almont is the perfect getaway for fishing. Willowfly Anglers, the resort’s Orvis-endorsed outfitting service, offers its fly-fishing school for anglers of all ability levels. Participants work one-on-one with instructor guides to learn casting techniques, essential knots, stream entomology, equipment selection, reading water and more. Choose one day or multiple days. A basic package starts at $395 per person (based on two people) and includes two nights’ lodging in modern riverfront cabins, one full day of professional fly-fishing instruction and all fishing equipment (if needed). Custom packages including additional instruction and lodging may be requested. Call (888) 761-FISH or go to www.3riversresort.com.

Run with the Salmon
Come and experience the country’s largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. At Three Rivers Resort in Almont, just 3 miles from the final salmon destination at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, utilize the resort’s Orvis-endorsed outfitting service, Willowfly Anglers, to help land the fish. When purchasing any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations of two nights or more. This offer applies to Sunday – Thursday night stays only, and Labor Day weekend is excluded. Call (888) 761-FISH or go to www.3riversresort.com.

COLORADO BACKCOUNTRY, CRESTED BUTTE
Women’s Escape to the Colorado Mountains
Join Colorado Backcountry for a women only weekend vacation. Road trip with the girls or fly into Gunnison and leave the rest of this hiking and spa vacation to one of Crested Butte’s premiere outfitter, which is operated by a husband and wife team.
• Take the first evening to get settled in, relax and enjoy dinner on your own schedule.
• Day 1 – Join in a sunrise jog through the enchanting Woods Walk or sleep in and meet for breakfast at McGill’s. Head out for a half-day hike among the flowers and enjoy a catered picnic lunch. Arriving back in town early afternoon, there is plenty of time to enjoy a discounted treatment of your choice at a Crested Butte spa before dining at Timberline Restaurant and enjoying a nightcap at the Princess Wine Bar.
• Day 2 - Enjoy a late start and breakfast at the lodge. Take the morning to do as you please before heading out for an afternoon hike to get a view of the famous Maroon Bells. Finish off the weekend with a fantastic evening picnic catered by Le Bosquet, replete with wildflowers and the chance for a sunset you’ll never forget.

This two-day, three-night girlfriend getaway starts at $400 per person. Mountain biking options also are available. Call (970) 349-0800 for reservations and more information or visit www.coloradobc.com.

THE RUBY OF CRESTED BUTTE, CRESTED BUTTE
Pedal & Pamper Package
This two-night package for two people is designed for guests who love to bike at any level. Bring your own bike or request a rental. Start your adventure winding through Crested Butte’s historic downtown and stopping by the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame (ticket included) before heading out for a ride on the Lower Loop or #401 trails. Trail maps, bottled water, trail mix and a bag of freshly made chocolate chip cookies will be packed for the ride. At the end of the day, enjoy a one-hour massage, a bottle of wine from a western Colorado winery, and a tray of gourmet cheeses and fruit delivered to your room. Watch the sun set while soaking in the hot tub. This $750 value costs $515 to $699 depending on season. The package is available June 15 – Sept. 15, 2008.

Dog Days of Summer
Stay at The Ruby of Crested Butte, an in-town bed and breakfast and dog-friendly accommodation, anytime during summer with your pooch for five nights and receive a free doggie spa treatment, which includes a dog wash, blow dry, brushing and doggie massage courtesy of The Ruby. The doggie guest owners also receive 10 percent off any Ruby massage package. A perfect complement to relax and rejuvenate you both after playing together in the outdoor wonderland of Crested Butte all day!

Cowgirls Getaway
Grab your favorite girlfriends and stay at The Ruby for two fun-filled nights. Gift baskets filled with Boss Lady smokin’ hot bath and body products will greet you, then head out the next day for an adventurous day of horseback riding with Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures and come back for one-hour massages and soaks in the hut tub. Then, get all dolled up in your “going out duds” for a night out on the town because this package includes dinner for two. Wake up the next day feeling refreshed and ready to wrangle the world! The package price starts at $450 per person, per night, and is valid Sept. 1 – Oct. 5, 2008. Book by May 1, 2008, and receive an additional 15 percent discount.

All packages are exclusive of each other, based on availability, subject to change at any time and include a gourmet hot breakfast at The Ruby. Additional nights can sometimes be added at a discounted rate. You must mention the package at the time of booking. Taxes and gratuities are not included, and packages may not be available on holidays. Call (800) 390-1338 or visit www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com.

CRESTED BUTTE VACATIONS, MT. CRESTED BUTTE
Mountains & Memories on Horseback
Wildflowers fill the meadows and line the high alpine trails surrounding Crested Butte, the “Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” What better way to enjoy the wildflowers and fall foliage and saddle unforgettable memories than on horseback? Choose from two summer vacation package options with lodging in Mt. Crested Butte.
• Two nights lodging at the Grand Lodge Crested Butte, a full-service hotel, and a 1.5-hour horseback ride per person with Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures. The rate per person is $88 per night, prior to tax and travel protection. The rate is based on double occupancy.
• Two nights lodging in a two-bedroom Woodcreek condominium and a 1.5-hour horseback ride per person with Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures. The rate per person is $72 per night, prior to tax and travel protection. The rate is based on quad occupancy, with adults and children being the same price.

To book these packages, which are available June 1 – Sept. 30, 2008, contact Crested Butte Vacations at (877) 326-1467.

TRAIL HOUSE, MT. CRESTED BUTTE
Trail House Stout Package
From May 28 to September 22, 2008, book three or more nights and receive a 20 percent discount on your stay and receive a case of custom made, private label Trail House stout beer to enjoy after your day of hiking, biking and exploring the endless wilderness of Crested Butte.

Kona Coffee Lovers Indulgence
Book three or more nights and receive one pound of 100 percent pure Kona coffee shipped to your home every month for a year.

Both offers are based on full occupancy of the house, which includes six guest rooms. In-house massages, private chef services and guided adventure tours are available on request with an additional fee. Contact the Trail House at (970) 640-2626 or visit www.cbtrailhouse.com.

Crested Butte Lands Spot on National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2008 “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” List

Colorado town recognized as “one of the most charming vacation destinations in the Rockies”
Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Crested Butte, Colorado one of its 2008 “Dozen Distinctive Destinations.” Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitments to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

“Crested Butte is a delightful hidden gem that offers a rare mix of beauty, history and adventure,” says Richard Moe, president of the NTHP. “Filled with endless recreational opportunities no matter the time of year, this authentic mountain town is arguably one of the most charming vacation destinations in the Rockies.”

Crested Butte Celebrated Honor on Feb. 17

To commemorate being part of the NTHP’s prestigious Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum will host a celebration on Sunday, Feb. 17 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. The museum also will debut its new textiles exhibit. The exhibit features historic clothing from Crested Butte that will rotate frequently using the museum’s sizable textile collection. The museum, located at 331 Elk Ave., nominated Crested Butte for the designation.

Visitors and residents are invited to enjoy an evening of Crested Butte fun, refreshments and free admission to the museum.

“Our town is very honored and excited to receive this designation from the NTHP. Our historic buildings create a town with distinct character, and the human-scale has been preserved,” says Melissa Belz, curator of the museum. “We hope that people come and experience the beauty that Crested Butte has to offer. There is something for everyone from the mountain adventurer to the bench enthusiast.”

Crested Butte at a Glance

Nestled in a stunning valley of wildflowers and majestic mountain peaks, this year-round destination is a recreational paradise offering a dizzying array of activities for any traveler—from the avid sports enthusiast to the history buff. The former coal mining town has faithfully held onto its 19th century heritage, retaining the heart and spirit of the landscape while creating a main street that oozes charm.

A National Historic District since 1974, Crested Butte illustrates the vibrant design of a Victorian-era village, with its wooden false-front buildings, street-corner flower boxes and antique lamplight. The main street, Elk Avenue, is lined with original 19th century buildings that have been reinvented as inviting coffee shops, quaint restaurants and specialty shops. The town enacted a preservation ordinance 35 years ago setting forth the conservation of its historic fabric. Today, with a “no demolition” law in place, more than 465 residential and commercial buildings make Crested Butte the eighth largest historic district in Colorado.

Historic attractions include the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. Built in 1883 and one of the oldest standing structures in town, the building first housed the Crested Butte Hardware store and later a blacksmith shop and gas station. The museum is now a repository for relics from the town’s past mining era and more recent ranching and skiing history. It also houses the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame as Crested Butte has the unique distinction of being one of the birthplaces of mountain biking.

The village of Mt. Crested Butte is easily accessed from town by a free shuttle bus. Named after the 12,162-foot peak that has become the area’s signature, Mt. Crested Butte offers skiing and snowboarding thrills like few others at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Once the snow melts and summer blossoms, visitors to the area can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, climbing, fishing, kayaking and river rafting. Festivals and other cultural events run year-round, providing dynamic entertainment alternatives.

2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations

Crested Butte is in good company on the 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, which also includes Aiken, S.C.; Apalachicola, Fla., Columbus, Miss.; Fort Davis, Texas; Friday Harbor, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Portsmouth, N.H; Red Wing, Minn.; Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; San Juan Bautista, Calif.; and Wilmington, N.C.

This is the ninth time the NTHP has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations, which was established to recognize unique and lovingly preserved communities and regions and to promote heritage tourism across the United States. To date, there are 108 Dozen Distinctive Destinations located in 42 states throughout the country. Colorado towns that have received the designation are Durango (2007), Georgetown (2003), Silverton (2001) and Boulder (2000).

Progressive Bonfire Dinner Offers Culinary Adventure on Skis or Snowshoes – March 22, 2008

Four-star, four-course, four-fire meal warms up winter in Crested Butte, Colorado
The Crested Butte Nordic Council’s annual Progressive Bonfire Dinner is a unique culinary journey that takes participants along a luminary-lit path for a four-star, four-course, four-fire meal. Snowshoes and Nordic skis are the mode of transportation, and the camaraderie of sitting around crackling fires and dining on good food and warm drinks along the way makes this event on March 22 one truly for the memory books.



Beginning at 5 p.m., diners will be greeted at the first fire at the Town Ranch trailhead with a cup of hot wine or cocoa to sip while sitting on straw bales. Skiers can leisurely follow a path of luminaries along 4 kilometers of local Nordic trails within the historic mining town of Crested Butte and enjoy appetizer, soup, entrée and dessert courses of fabulous Italian fare at the bonfires along the way.



Progressive Bonfire Dinner participants not only will feel warm in spirit and full in the belly, they will be supporting the Gunnison/Crested Butte Junior Nordic Ski Team.



Reservations are required, with seatings beginning at 5 p.m. and concluding at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 for adults and $15 for children under age 12. For reservations, call the Crested Butte Nordic Center at (970) 349-1707.



Crested Butte Nordic Center Facts

The Crested Butte Nordic Center is a full-service cross-country ski center providing lessons and complete rental packages for skate and classical skiing, as well as ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding. The Nordic Center maintains more than 45 kilometers of groomed trails that meander around the outskirts Crested Butte and offers backcountry, moonlight and lunch tours and Nordic events and ski programs (e.g., Master Skiers, Gray Hares and Junior Nordic Team).



Located in the heart of town at Second Street and Whiterock, the Nordic Center is open for the 2007/2008 winter season from Nov. 17, 2007 – April 13, 2008, and is connected to Crested Butte Mountain Resort and various stops in Crested Butte by a free shuttle bus. For more information about the Crested Butte Nordic Center and its winter 2007/2008 calendar of events, visit www.cbnordic.org.



Gunnison County is home to a plethora of Nordic talent such as 2006 Olympian Rebecca Dussault; Ingrid Butts, former Olympian and 1991 American Birkebeiner champion; Kendall Butts, former Olympic coach; Ross Matlock, PSIA examiner and demo team member; and Western State College Nordic coaches and team members.

GOT SNOW??

January storms blanket Crested Butte with more than 8 feet of NEW snow. Just when residents thought they could put their shovels away and get back to life as they traditionally know it- it started snowing again. So far this week Crested Butte Mountain Resort is reporting 114 inches in the month of January, and 246 inches so far this season (that's over 20 feet!).

Cabin Fever Festival & Woman of the Wilderness Competition Poke Fun at Winter

People who live in mountain towns will be the first to admit you have to be a little hearty and sometimes a tiny bit crazy to embrace all that winter offers in the Colorado Rockies. The third annual Cabin Fever Festival & Woman of the Wilderness Competition in Gunnison on Feb. 9 is all about celebrating the mountain lifestyle while poking a little fun at what is required to be a woman and kid of the wilderness.

The activities begin Gunnison’s Jorgensen Park at 10:30 a.m., with the Woman of the Wilderness (WOW) competition running from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. In this series of events, women go head-to-head in fun competitions such as snowshoeing, water hauling, elk bugling, husband hollering, hay bale tossing, log sawing, marksmanship, roping and stump balancing. The winner receives a trip to Costa Rica for a stay at The Luna Lodge.


The 2007 Woman of the Wilderness Competition was won by Gunnison resident Rebecca Dussault, who competed in the 2006 Olympics in Nordic skiing. The cost to register is $35 by Feb. 6 or $45 the day of the event. The registration form can be downloaded at www.sagemountainschool.org.

A Kid of the Wilderness competition will be held at Pac Man Pond from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Youngsters can demonstrate their snow kid skills with a skating and ice obstacle course, snowhill climb, snow angel making and snowshoeing. Registration for Kid of the Wilderness is free.

A chili cook-off also will heat up Cabin Fever Festival, with master chili chefs recognized after community judges select the best chili in two categories: meat and veggie. The cost to enter the chili cook-off is $20, with a deadline of Feb. 6. Chili tasting and judging are available for a fee. Other foods also will be available to purchase.

Winners of the competitions will be announced at the Carhartt Ball, featuring an auction, raffle, acoustic music by Chris Coady, other live music and dancing at the Ol’ Miner Steakhouse in downtown Gunnison. Tickets cost $5 and include a free raffle ticket.

Cabin Fever Festival and WOW benefits Sage Mountain School, a not-for-profit educational organization in Gunnison. For more information, call the school at (970) 641-4110.

Celebrate Mardi Gras Crested Butte Style – In the Snow!

Mardi Gras in Colorado? It’s not as outlandish as it may seem. While traditional Mardi Gras celebratory bashes will be plentiful, Crested Butte, Colo., is celebrating this traditional holiday in its own special way again this year: on the slopes and in the streets. Skiers and snowboarders and carnival lovers alike are invited to join the Mardi Gras fun in Crested Butte, Feb. 2 – 5, as the town prepares to send off Fat Tuesday with a bang.



Highlights of the festivities are a masquerade ball, parade, parties and, of course, bead and mask sales. Mardi Gras is a fund-raiser for Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, the longest continuously running community theatre in Colorado with more than 200 productions since 1972.



Masquerade Ball - Saturday, February 2

Kick off Mardi Gras in style at the annual masquerade ball to be held on Feb. 2 at Mallardi Cabaret, located in Crested Butte’s historic Town Hall at Elk Avenue and Second Street. Along with great live music for dancing and hors d’oeuvres catered by Crested Butte Brewery & Grill, there will be prizes for best Mardi Gras costumes. The party will begin at 7 p.m., with the band (to be announced soon) taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Tickets cost $25, with a cash bar available.



Mardi Gras Parade - Tuesday, February 5

On Fat Tuesday, Feb. 5, catch flying beads and trinkets and revel at the krewes during the colorful Mardi Gras parade travels down Elk Avenue in downtown Crested Butte, starting at 5 p.m. Numerous local entries and even some from New Orleans are part of the celebration. Past parades have included a 100-foot-long dragon and Crested Butte Mayor Alan Bernholtz jumping over fire on his parade float, with gently falling snows often providing a magical backdrop.



Before the parade begins, buy some beads and masks and drink a hurricane at a Mardi Gras pre-party held at the Depot (near where the krewes line up for the parade), starting at 3:30 p.m. Immediately following the parade, another party will be held at Mallardi Cabaret, with musical guests Jim Sandy and Steve Snyder, drink specials and great food. The cover charge is “pay what you can,” with a suggested donation of $15. The money will go toward upgrading the theatre’s lighting system.



“Mardi Gras is a great time to celebrate Crested Butte style. Enjoy a wide array of snow sports and off-mountain activities in the area during the day before joining locals for let-your-hair-down fun in the evening,” says Jane Chaney, director of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association. “Visit the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley to unplug and recharge!”

To register a krewe for the parade and for additional information, call Crested Butte Mountain Theatre at (970) 349-0366.

IT’S DUMPING IN CRESTED BUTTE

January storm blankets Crested Butte with more than 40 inches of snow

Crested Butte, CO—Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is getting "dumped on" by this early January storm that has blanketed the resort with 40 inches of snow 48 hours. The mountain has seen five feet of snow since the beginning of the New Year! The skiing and riding in Crested Butte continues to be the best in the Rocky Mountains!

"We continue to be in the top tier of snow for the Rocky Mountains. We had 120 inches of snow in December and now with the New Year bringing another five feet, the skiing and riding is incredible," said Ken Stone, CBMR's Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "Thanks to the hard work and diligence of our Mountain Operations and Ski Patrol, guests are able to carve up the powder on 100 percent of our terrain."

With more than187 inches this winter, the entire mountain is open and in magnificent shape. Epic skiing and riding can be enjoyed by all abilities on 121 runs. For our expert skiers and riders, the Extreme Limits, including the famous Spellbound /Phoenix, Third and Teocalli Bowls are now open. Crested Butte boasts “Colorado’s Best Corduroy™”, but today we are claiming “Colorado’s Best Powder”!

"Powderlicious" is the word of the Year at Crested Butte!

For current weather conditions, live cam shots or photos visit www.skicb.com.

Silent Sports of Nordic Skiing &Snowshoeing Enjoy Loud Presence in Colorado’s

The Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley in southwest Colorado is emerging as a Nordic skiing and snowshoeing hotspot. Groomed Nordic trails now number more than 85K, backcountry routes are plentiful, and a full calendar of tours and races offer opportunities to have fun and stay in shape.
CB Nordic Trail Report
Gunnison Nordic Trail Report
Crested Butte Mountain Resort Trail Report


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dec. 15 Citizens’ Race, Crested Butte Nordic Center

Dec. 23 Moonlight Atlas Snowshoe Tours, Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Dec. 24 Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Tour, Crested Butte Nordic Center

Jan. 3 Learn to Skate Ski for Free! Clinic, Crested Butte Nordic Center

Jan. 5 Citizens’ Race, Crested Butte Nordic Center

Jan. 12 Citizens’ Race, Crested Butte Nordic Center

Jan. 19 Citizens’ Race, Crested Butte Nordic Center

Jan. 22 Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Tour, Crested Butte Nordic Center

Jan. 22 Moonlight Atlas Snowshoe Tours, Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Jan. 27 Kenny Mac Ski Fest, Hartman Rocks Multi-Use Recreation Area, Gunnison

Feb. 2 22nd Annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon, Crested Butte

Feb. 7 Learn to Skate Ski for Free! Clinic, Crested Butte Nordic Center

Feb. 21 Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Tour, Crested Butte Nordic Center

Feb. 21 Moonlight Atlas Snowshoe Tours, Crested Butte Mountain Resort

March 6 Learn to Skate Ski for Free! Clinic, Crested Butte Nordic Center

March 8 Super Tour (22.5K backcountry ski event), Crested Butte

March 21 Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Tour, Crested Butte Nordic Center

March 22 Progressive Bonfire Dinner on skis or snowshoes, Crested Butte Town Ranch





Crested Butte Nordic Center

The Crested Butte Nordic Center is a full-service cross-country ski center providing lessons and complete rental packages for skate and classical skiing, as well as ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding. The Nordic Center maintains more than 45 kilometers of groomed trails that meander around the outskirts Crested Butte and offers tours, races, and Nordic events and ski programs (e.g., Master Skiers, Gray Hares and Junior Nordic Team).



Located in the heart of town at Second Street and Whiterock, the Nordic Center will open for the season from Nov. 17, 2007 – April 13, 2008, and is connected to Crested Butte Mountain Resort ski area and various stops in Crested Butte by a free shuttle bus. For more information, call (970) 349-1707 or visit www.cbnordic.org.



· Citizens’ Races are held for locals and visitors on Saturday mornings, Dec. 15 and Jan. 5, 12, 19. The race length and style (classic or skate ski) changes each week. Participants must register at the Nordic Center by 9:30 am on race day. The cost is $12 for adults, $5 for ages 8 – 17, and free for ages 7 and under.

· Full Moon Ski & Snowshoe Tours feature a moonlit guided tour to magic meadows and warm drinks and snacks in a yurt along the way on Dec. 24, Jan. 22, Feb. 21 and March 21. The tours begin at 7 p.m. and cost $15 per person. Reduced-priced ski and snowshoe rentals are available.

· Learn to Skate Ski for Free! clinics are offered by the Nordic Center at 1 p.m. on Jan. 3, Feb. 7 and March 6. Reduced-priced ski rentals are available.

· 22nd Annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon on Feb. 2 is not only is the highest-altitude Nordic marathon in the United States; it reflects the athletic and free-spirited nature of Crested Butte. This American Birkebeiner qualifying race starts and finishes on Elk Avenue and winds its way through alleyways, streets and the trail system located on the outskirts of town. Also a Colorado Cup Series Race, the Alley Loop features course lengths of 1.5K, 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K allowing all skill levels and ages to participate. The races begin at 10 a.m., with many people wearing costumes. Registration costs vary based on race length.

· Super Tour is a 22.5K backcountry ski event slated for March 8. It’s a race for those who like to go fast, or it can be skied as a loosely-guided tour for those looking for a more relaxing pace. The tour starts at 8 a.m. at the Gothic Road trailhead in Mt. Crested Butte, with registration and equipment check from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. This is a beautiful route that circumnavigates Gothic Mountain, but is a challenging ski with a steep 2,000-foot climb and a sometimes fast downhill. Shovels, probes, beacons and full skins are required since this is a backcountry race. COSAR cards also are required and are sold at the Nordic Center. Registration cost for the tour is $35.

· Progressive Bonfire Dinner is a 4K journey on Nordic skis or snowshoes that takes participants along a luminary-lit path for a four-star, four-course, four-fire meal that benefits the Gunnison/Crested Butte Junior Nordic Ski Team. The camaraderie of sitting around crackling fires and dining on good food and warm drinks along the way makes this event on March 22 one for the memory books. Seatings begin at 5 p.m. and run until 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 for adults and $15 for children under age 12.

· Gourmet Lunch Tours are guided excursions on skis or snowshoes to the Magic Meadows yurt for a scrumptious lunch and a beautiful day out on the trails. The tours are offered on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. The cost is $60 for adults, $50 for children.

· Backcountry Tours are for those who want to adventure off the groomed trails for a half or full day on snowshoes or Nordic skis. There is a two-person minimum, with all tours including transportation, rentals and a guide. Full-day tours start at 9 a.m. and include lunch, and half-day tours start at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The cost is $50 per person for a half day and $80 per person for a full day.



CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT

In addition to premiere alpine skiing and snowboarding, Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers daily snowshoe tours with a guide at 9:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Snowshoes, water and a light snack is included in the cost for the two-mile outing. During Moonlight Atlas Snowshoe Tours on Dec. 23, Jan. 22 or Feb. 21, enjoy the thrill of riding in a snowcat to the top of the Red Lady Express Lift and snowshoe the moonlit mountain trails back to the base area. For costs and more information, contact (800) 544-8448 or visit www.skicb.com. Reservations are required.



GUNNISON NORDIC TRAILS & EVENTS

There also are outstanding Nordic skiing and snowshoeing along backcountry routes and groomed trails at Hartman Rocks Multi-Use Recreation Area west of Gunnison, which offers a desert-like setting that is very unique for Nordic skiing. This combined with Tomichi Creek Preserve Trail, the Western State College (WSC) practice field on campus, Dos Rios golf course and Jorgensen Park encompasses approximately 40K of trails groomed in large part by the growing Gunnison Nordic Club and the WSC Nordic team.



The Kenny Mac Ski Fest will be held Jan. 27 and will include a fun-filled day of ski racing, touring/skiing for all ages and a bonfire at Hartman Rocks. The event is being held in honor of local skier Ken MacLennan for all he has done for skiing in the Gunnison Valley.



For more information, visit www.gunnisonnordic.net.



GUIDES & BACKCOUNTRY HUTS

Oftentimes, it is helpful to hit the backcountry with guides who know the area like the back of their hands. In addition to the backcountry tours offered by the Crested Butte Nordic Center, Crested Butte Mountain Guides, www.crestedbutteguides.com take visitors on Nordic skiing and snowshoeing adventures.



Exploring the backcountry and staying in huts along the way is the ideal way to go on longer tours. The Nordic Center books reservations for Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory’s Forest Queen Hut, located in the historic mining town of Gothic. Other backcountry hut options are the Elkton Cabins, call (970) 349-1815, and the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association’s Friends Hut, visit www.huts.org.



OUTFITTERS

Retailers who sell and rent Nordic skis and snowshoes include The Alpineer, (970) 349-5210, and Troutfitters Sports Co., (970) 349-1323 in Crested Butte. In Mt. Crested Butte, rent Nordic skis and snowshoes at Crested Butte Sports Ski & Bike, (970) 349-7516. In Gunnison, rentals are available at Gene Taylors Sporting Goods, (970) 641-1845, and TuneUp Bike & Ski, (970) 641-0285.

Buy 2 Tickets/Get 1 Free on American Airlines to Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

Happy holidays & ski season! There is snow to be skied and boarded at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which is offering amazing deals to see all the great changes that have taken place in the base area and on-mountain. Read on to find out about the Buy 2 Tickets/Get 1 Free on American Airlines package.

Hitting the slopes in the Colorado Rockies won’t take a big bite out of your wallet this season thanks to a free American Airlines ticket promotion offered by Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR). The “Friends & Family Fly Free” package features one free airline ticket on American Airlines for every two airline tickets purchased with a three-day (or more) vacation booked for at least three people through CMBR’s Crested Butte Vacations.

American Airlines flies daily nonstop 757 jet service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport during ski season. Crested Butte Vacations is packaging free airline tickets from Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport with lodging, lift tickets and ground transfers for as low as $145* per person per night including the free airline ticket. Packages from Chicago O’Hare start at $147*, LaGuardia at $148* and Atlanta at $159*. These rates are per person, per night and based on three people and a three-night minimum.

The deal is available for arrivals from Jan. 11 – March 12, 2008, and for departures from Jan. 14 – March 19, 2008. Blackout dates include Feb. 15 – 18, 2008. There is a limit of nine airline tickets total per reservation, and the offer is valid while supplies last for these airfare classes: OQNSGVW.

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Elk Mountains Grand Traverse

One of the most interesting and challenging backcountry ski races on the planet celebrates 11 years of memorable moments and amazing athletic feats on March 28 – 29, 2008. Registration for the 11th annual Elk Mountains Grand Traverse, a backcountry ski race that follows mail routes that connected the Colorado mining towns of Crested Butte and Aspen in the 1880s, began Dec. 1. Act quickly as the quota of 125 teams fills very quickly.
Race Overview

At midnight, approximately 250 racers (125 teams of two racers each) will depart from the traditional starting line at the Crested Butte Community School in town, catch the old Upper Loop Trail, skirt along Hunter Hill Road and drop into Crested Butte Mountain Resort ski area in Mt. Crested Butte. Cheering crowds, torches and a firework display will greet the racers as they pass through the base area just below the Silver Queen lift.

After the parade review, the teams climb up and over Crested Butte Mountain Resort terrain, exiting just below the East River lift, crossing the East River valley, turning down stream and rejoining the course on Brush Creek Road before climbing over two mountain passes. Several hours later, on March 29, racers arrive in Aspen bleary-eyed and exultant at the finish line.

Kids & Winter Rock in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

Kids and winter fun just seem to go hand-in-hand. If there is a snow angel to be made, a snowball to be thrown or a sledding hill to zip down at the speed of light, there is sure to be a youngster making the most of it. Take winter merriment up a notch this season and add alpine skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, dog sledding and more to the mix in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colo.

A plethora of outdoor fun and winter events are on tap, offering endless opportunities to get the kids away from those electronic gadgets and into the clean mountain air and fun, laid-back spirit of Gunnison-Crested Butte. Don’t forget to bring the whole family, as pets are welcome, too!

Ski FREE & Early Season Lodging Deals in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) has announced the return of its famous “Ski FREE” promotion, and several of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s lodging partners in Mt. Crested Butte, Crested Butte and Gunnison are offering outstanding early season bargains in conjunction with Thanksgiving and Ski FREE, Nov. 25 – Dec. 15.

In addition, American Airlines and United Airlines will return to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport this winter, providing easy access to some of the world’s best alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice fishing and winter festivals. CBMR and Crested Butte Nordic Center will be open for snowy fun from Nov. 17, 2007 through April 13, 2008.


Ski FREE at Crested Butte Mountain Resort – Nov. 25 – Dec. 15, 2007

Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is bringing back its popular Ski FREE program from Nov. 25 – Dec. 15, 2007. Skiing and riding is absolutely, positively, 100 percent FREE, with no strings attached. Just go to the ticket office during these days and one of CBMR’s ticketing specialists will smile, give you a lift ticket and send you to the slopes to ski or ride.

Early Season Ski Deals – Nov. 17 - Dec. 15, 2007

It’s not too early to plan a Colorado ski vacation to Gunnison-Crested Butte. CBMR is investing more than $200 million in a new base village and ski area improvements. Experience the transformation, including the brand new Mountaineer Square, and the many great winter activities in Gunnison-Crested Butte by taking advantage of early season packages for Thanksgiving and during Ski FREE.

For Thanksgiving, CBMR Properties is offering three nights lodging and two days of lift tickets starting at $65 per person, per night at the Woodcreek Condominiums in Mt. Crested Butte. The deal is good for Nov. 17 – 25. Price is prior to tax and travel protection, based on minimum occupancy and subject to availability. Additional nights are available and other lodging options are available (prices may vary). Call (877) 326-1467.

During Ski FREE, several properties in Mt. Crested Butte, Crested Butte and Gunnison are getting into the spirit to offer great lodging values. These deals are available Nov. 25 – Dec. 15, 2007, and are subject to availability.

· Crested Butte Lodging - Receive great deals on properties in Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte, from hotel suites to four-bedroom condominiums and homes. For example, stay in a two-bedroom condo for as little as $37 per person, per night. Prices are subject to availability and do not include taxes and fees. Call (866) 380-5745.

· Grand Lodge Crested Butte - Lodging packages for two people start at just $73 per person, per night at this full-service hotel in Mt. Crested Butte. Price is prior to tax and travel protection and based on minimum occupancy. Call (877) 326-1467.

· Wood Creek Condominiums - Lodging packages for four people start at only $50 per person, per night in a two-bedroom condo in Mt. Crested Butte. Price is prior to tax and travel protection and based on minimum occupancy. Call (877) 326-1467.

· Crested Butte Boutique Inn & Spa - Stay for $50 per person/ per night in a queen suite or $75 per person/per night in a king suite at this luxurious Crested Butte inn. There is a two-night minimum based on double occupancy. Receive a 15 percent discount on all on-site spa services. Rate does not include tax. Call (800) 815-2582.

· Crested Butte Trail House - Offers high-end lodging with rates starting at $185 for one room up to $1,250 for the entire house, tax not included. Stay more than three nights and receive a 20 percent discount. Call (970) 640-2626.

· The Ruby of Crested Butte - One of Crested Butte’s best-known bed and breakfasts is offering a free fifth night with four nights of paid lodging. This offer is available for Sunday through Thursday stays only and is based on availability.

· Gunnison Inn & Teller Street Cottages - Pay only $55 – 75 for double occupancy at these Gunnison properties. Additional guests cost $5 per person, per night with a maximum of four guests per room. Call (866) 641-0700.

· Wildwood Motel - This Gunnison mainstay is offering rooms with one queen bed and a kitchenette for $52 per night with two-person occupancy or with two queen beds and a kitchenette for up to four people for $60 per night. This rate is based on availability. Call (866) 770-1663.

ColoradoFest

Colorado Fest … Celebrating Colorado’s Food, Wine, Beer & Art – Sept. 7 – 9, 2007
Gunnison-Crested Butte Introduces Festival to Showcase Best of Colorado

The Western Slope mountain towns of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte have teamed up to showcase the best of Colorado, Sept. 7 – 9. “Colorado Fest … Celebrating Colorado’s Food, Wine, Beer & Art” is a new event that focuses exclusively on Colorado. Escape to the cool, clean and crisp Rocky Mountain air and laid-back, friendly atmosphere of the beautiful Gunnison Valley.

The weekend begins on Friday evening in Gunnison with an art gallery crawl, live music and a food and wine reception at the Gunnison Arts Center, where guests can meet and talk with David S. Carbonetti of Mountain Sommeliers, LLC and three Colorado winemakers. The weekend in Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte will offer food and wine pairings, a winemaker dinner, a wine tasting with Colorado foods under the cottonwood trees with music by the Bruce Hayes Band, a beer festival and chili cook-off and two farmers’ markets. Local restaurants will be featuring fixed-price dinner menus of “Colorado only” products and guests can tap into their creative sides with hands-on pottery and cooking classes, music and more. Visit www.ColoradoFest.com to reserve events online.