In a recent survey, the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber Of Commerce asked whether the Forest Service should reverse its decision and allow the proposed Snodgrass project into the NEPA process? They were not asking if people supported Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s Snodgrass proposal only whether it should be given an open public hearing.
The United States Forest Service issued a letter to Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) on November 5, 2009 denying the resort the ability to enter into the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process with its Snodgrass Mountain expansion proposal. Apparently, this decision comes after the resort has been working with the Forest Service on the Snodgrass expansion proposal for the past five years. Additional information regarding this decision may be obtained by going to the www.snodgrassfacts.com website.
CBMR says: “The resort feels that the manner in which this proposal has been dismissed is contrary to the procedure created and endorsed by Congress and the public’s right to comment on the use of public lands has been revoked by this Forest Service decision. Crested Butte Mountain Resort has vowed to appeal this unjust decision and your help is necessary to turn the decision around. We need you to write our congressional delegation and the Forest Chief Tom Tidwell. Please go to www.snodgrassfacts.com for contact information for our delegation and the Forest Service. There are also form letters there for your use.
Over $315 million has been invested in on- and off-mountain improvements and amenities at Crested Butte Mountain Resort since Tim and Diane Mueller purchased the ski area in 2004. Under the new ownership of CNL lifestyle properties, with the Mueller’s still at the operational helm, the 2009-2010 season is no exception. The Muellers remain committed to evolving the resort in a responsible manner that answers the needs of a growing community and an increasing number of visitors, while respecting the surrounding native environment.
Improvements at CBMR for the coming winter season include: a complete remodel of the beloved Ice Bar on-mountain restaurant; the addition of a new base area Adventure Park complete with year-round synthetic ice rink, bungee trampolines, and a climbing wall; installation of a lift-served tubing hill; the addition of a new combined beginner learning area for children and adults; and upgrades to the Outpost Building Day Lodge.
It may not be Crested Butte but this promo video by Telluride makes you want to hit the slopes fast, particularly when you’re in the grip of a hot, hazy and humid Caribbean summer:
Shot and edited in the winter of 2009 in collaboration with the Telluride Visitors Center, Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association, Telluride Ski Resort and Telluride Mountainfilm in hopes of giving viewers a soulful, non-commercial look at the winter experience in Telluride. Filmed & edited by Ben Knight | Music by Explosions in the Sky
Crested Butte’s Adventure Park is going up fast. The concrete for the skating rink has been poured and the roof is going on. Here’s a cam shot from this morning:
The Elk Mountain’s Grand Traverse is an annual backcountry ski race from Crested Butte, CO to Aspen, CO which starts at midnight. This is a trailer for the film documentary of the 2009 race. The film will be released in Fall 2009.
This face mask became a vital piece of kit. In fact, the difference between staying out and going home. This moisture-wicking, fleece-lined neoprene face guard gave great wind and water (read: driving wind and snow) protection.
The neofleece® face mask has vents/holes at nose and mouth which allowed easy breathing; we’ve tried pulling neck gaiters up over our noses in the past but quickly ran out of air.
The mask and integrated polyester fleece neck gaiter secures at the back with hook-and-loop tabs. Lycra® spandex binding trims the edges.
The mask tucked nicely under googles to give a draught-free fit and is cut so the back of the mask secures easily under the back of your helmet (yes, we all wear one, all the time). This mask/gaiter combo, combined with another neck gaiter and attractive skull cap, made a winning team in keeping the cold out and our heads toasty.
The downside: any inevitable nose seepage tends to accumulate on the inside of the mask, so if you’re carrying them for family members, make sure you know which one is yours… On a two-week trip ours hit the washing machine a couple of times.
But at $20 each, money well-spent. As I said, the difference between staying out, or going home.
Rendering of the new Adventure Park in Crested Butte
Construction of Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s (CBMR) Adventure Park is well underway with a planned opening date of July 4, 2009.
The new Adventure Park is located at the Mt. Crested Butte base area. Adventure Park activities include year-round ice skating, bungee trampoline and a climbing wall. Activities can be purchased à la carte or you take advantage of the Adventure Ticket and enjoy unlimited access to chairlift rides and all Adventure Park activities. Tickets are available at the Adventure Center in Mountaineer Square.
Ski passes for Crested Butte are on sale until September 7. Buy early and save up to 30% off most adult passes. The 15-Day Mountain Card (no blackouts) has 32% off at $629 - it will go up to $925 from September 8 onwards.
But the big savings are on the kids’ passes - 63% off the platinum passes for kids up to 17 years old. Platinum Passes (for adults and kids) provide unlimited skiing and riding with no blackout dates, and are valid for both the winter season and the summer season. If you purchase a Platinum Pass during the 2009 Spring Sale, you’ll get lift access during both the 2009 and 2010 summer seasons.
Adventure Park construction is now underway in Mt. Crested Butte. Future home of skating rink, climbing wall and bungee trampoline. Understand that it should be completed for the Summer…
Rendering of the new Adventure Park in Crested Butte
