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.