- Skiing and Boarding – Spectacular vistas, champaign powder, bright sunshine and world-class skiing are some of the main ingredients.
- Nordic Skiing - Crested Butte boasts over 30 km of well-maintained cross country ski trails!
- Sleigh Rides
- Snowshoeing
- Telemark Skiing
- Dog Sledding
- Tubing
- Snowmobiling - We'll set up guided and unguided tours of our local trail system (check out our photo gallery!)
- Ice Climbing
- Fly Fishing (even in the winter!)
- Backcountry Skiing
- Photography
- Powder Horseback Riding
Moonlight Snowshoe Tours
There is nothing quite like our nighttime sky. Join the Crested Butte Nordic Center on the stunningly scenic Magic Meadows Trail network on a tour to a secluded tipi for a woodstove warm-up with hot drinks and yummy treats. Discounted equipment rentals available. Advance registration required. (970) 349-1707
Alley Loop Marathon
The 22nd annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon on February 2, 2008, not only is the highest-altitude Nordic marathon in the United States, it reflects the athletic and free-spirited nature of Crested Butte, Colo. This American Birkebeiner qualifying race starts and finishes in the heart of Crested Butte on Elk Avenue, one of Colorado’s largest National Historic Districts, and winds its way through streets, alleyways and Nordic trail system located on the outskirts of this historic mining town.
The Alley Loop, also a Colorado Cup Series Race, combines Crested Butte’s laid back atmosphere with the locals’ play-hard nature to create an event that embraces all abilities and ages competing on skate or classic skis. Course lengths of 1.5K, 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K are offered, allowing all skill levels and ages to participate. Organized by the Crested Butte Nordic Center and sponsored by Coldwell Banker Bighorn Realty, the races begin at 9:30 a.m.
While the Alley Loop has a serious side as a qualifier for the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon, locals host parties on their decks to watch racers from across the country and survey the attire of less-serious competitors. Be on the lookout for pirates, ladybugs, Vikings, lizards, disco kings and queens. New Belgium Brewing’s Taste of the Alley Beer Garden on the deck of the Brick Oven also offers a great spot to watch the race.
Prizes are awarded at a post-race ceremony to the overall winners and to the “The Croatian” (the lucky racer who finishes with the exact median race time), and there’s an abundance of raffle prizes for racers and volunteers. Visit the Crested Butte Nordic Center web site for race information and online registration instructions or call (970) 349-1707.
Winter Carnival
With a reputation for hosting off-the-wall events, Crested Butte, Colorado, has done it again with Winter Carnival. Since striking a gold mine of fun in 2003, the fifth annual event is back and promises to be bigger, better and even more zany in 2008. The event runs February 1 & 2, with each day showcasing outlandish events, terrific educational exhibitions, and spectacular prizes.
Mardi Gras
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 French holiday in its own special way again this year: on the slopes. Skiers and snowboarders and carnival lovers alike are invited to join the Mardi Gras fun in Crested Butte, February 2 - 5, as the town prepares to send off Fat Tuesday with a bang.
Beads and masks will be available at the theatre’s Malardi Cabaret (located in the historic town hall building at the corner of Second Street and Elk Avenue) and Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce. Beads also are sold outside of the post office on Elk Avenue. Mardi Gras is a fund-raiser for Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, the longest continuously running community theatre in Colorado with 35 years on the stage.
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 for fun in the evening.
Masquerade Ball - Saturday, February 2
The Crested Butte Mardi Gras king and queen will be crowned at the masquerade ball to be held at Malardi Cabaret on February 2. Along with the coronation and great live music for dancing, hors d’oeuvres will be served and prizes awarded for the best Mardi Gras costumes. A cash bar will be available. Costumes are not necessary to attend. Cost to be announced.
Mardi Gras Parade - Tuesday, February 5
On Fat Tuesday, February 5, catch flying beads and trinkets and revel at the krewes during the colorful Mardi Gras parade that fills the streets of downtown Crested Butte, starting at 4 p.m. after the ski slopes close. Numerous local entries and even some that make the trip 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 jumping over fire, with gently falling snows often providing a magical backdrop.
Romance in the Rockies
Crested Butte invites you to experience Gunnison-Crested Butte’s annual Valentine’s celebration, Romance in the Rockies, from February 9 - 18. This Rocky Mountain event is full of special events to set the mood for the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration. These nine days are packed with splendid concerts, outdoor events, wellness activities and workshops, a wedding showcase, theatre, ballet and more. Performances at the local Center for the Arts during Romance in the Rockies include the Aspen Sante Fe Ballet, Dueling Divas, Reeltime Travelers, U.S. Air Force Academy Band's Rampart Winds and “The Vagina Monologues”.
The Gunnison-Crested Butte Wedding Council will also host its Winter Wedding Showcase. The Crested Butte Nordic Council’s Progressive Bonfire Dinner is an exquisite four-star, four-course, four-fire dining experience you cannot miss! Participants ski or snowshoe along a luminary-lit 4K trail to enjoy warm bonfires and fine food prepared by some of Crested Butte’s finest restaurants. Proceeds benefit the Crested Butte Junior Nordic Team.
U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships
The first in the U.S. to launch an extreme skiing contest, Crested Butte marks seventeen years of freeskiing competition this season. February 19 - 23, competitors vie for the largest cash purse on the freeskiing circuit and sweet prizes from all the sponsors. The 17th Annual US Extreme Freeskiing Championship is open to anyone over the age of 18.
There will also be a Junior competition for ages 14 - 17. Call 970.349.2221 for more information.
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