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.

The Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival Celebrates Red Ladies & Cowboys, Aug. 16 - 19

What do Red Ladies, cowboys and quilts have in common? The 16th annual Land of the Rainbow Quilt Festival, “Red Ladies & Cowboys,” hosted by the Gunnison Arts Center (GAC), will explore this unique trio on Aug. 16–19.



Why the Theme?

Gunnison, nearby Crested Butte, and several other communities in Gunnison County were founded as mining towns in the late 1800s.
While the area salutes it rich mining history, it also works hard to protect its natural resources and stunning landscapes. The 30-year effort to save Crested Butte’s “Red Lady” Mountain (officially known as Mt. Emmons) from mining is commemorated annually with wonderfully-costumed “Red Ladies” appearing at the Red Lady Ball and local parades.
Ranching also became a way of life for the area, giving Gunnison County acre-upon-acre of open space lining the roadways. The hard-working cowboys of the true West are celebrated in Gunnison during the 107th annual Cattleman’s Days celebration, various cowboy poetry reading events and more.
Mixed into this local heritage of mining, mountains and ranching is a love of quilts, resulting in a 16-year tradition of honoring this art form.


Festival Events

For quilters interested in participating in the Land of the Rainbow Quilt Festival Contest, entries should try to incorporate the theme “Red Ladies & Cowboys” into their design, with a maximum perimeter size of no more than 150 inches (no minimum). The entry fee is $5, and quilts must be delivered to GAC from July 26 – 28.
Quilts also are being accepted for an exhibition that will be displayed in GAC’s galleries, Aug. 1 – 26. Entries must be delivered from July 26 – 28. Call GAC for fees and criteria.
The festival will kick off at GAC on Aug. 16 with an opening reception and award-winning quilter Jean Roesler, who will present her trunk show “Ida Jane and the White Apron Story” at 4:30 p.m. The trunk show highlights traditional quilts from Roesler’s collection and her grandmother’s collection and includes stories about their patterns and histories. The Grand Junction resident also has a collection of more than 75 quilts with cowboy motifs; several of these quilts will be on display during the festival.
On Aug. 17, Roesler will teach a full-day Folk Art Appliqué Workshop. Each student will create his or her own design to commemorate a special event or to make a pleasing arrangement based on the individual’s choice of subject matter. Appliqué techniques, embellishment and border treatments will be discussed and demonstrated. The workshop will be limited to the first 20 registrants and participants will be able to purchase a kit of all of the supplies needed for this class directly from Roesler prior to the workshop. There is a fee for the workshop, and lunch is included.
On Aug. 18, participants can learn more about Gunnison Valley’s colorful heritage with tours to both the Pioneer Museum in Gunnison and the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, with special emphasis on textile collections (transportation will be provided).
The festival will conclude on Aug. 19 with a brunch at the Ol’ Miner’s Steakhouse in downtown Gunnison with entertainment by Yvonne Hollenbeck, an award-winning cowboy poet, musician, author and quilter. Hollenbeck will present her heartwarming performance entitled “Weave of the West” featuring humorous poetry, endearing stories and five generations of quilts. At the conclusion of the brunch, a “Viewer’s Choice Award” will be presented for the favorite quilt on display during the festival. Ballots will be available at GAC beginning Aug. 1.
Each day of the festival, Aug. 16 – 19, the Gunnison Arts Center Theatre will present the live musical performance of “Quilters,” directed by Claudia Stein. The musical also will be performed again August 23 – 26.


Registration for the festival events will begin June 5 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those who pre-register for the complete festival package will receive a 10 percent discount. For complete details about the contest, exhibition and festival, call the Gunnison Arts Center at (970) 641-4029. Also visit www.gunnisonartscenter.org. The festival is organized in partnership with Gunnison Quilters and the local quilt guild.



Gunnison Arts Center

The Land of Rainbow Quilt Festival’s inaugural year was 1991, with the festival growing in size to occupy and enjoy the exhibit space at Gunnison Arts Center quilts. The historic stone building sits on a prominent corner in downtown and hosts numerous theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and classes year round. The Gunnison Arts Center can be reached at (970) 641-4029.

Cars + Arts + Crafts = A Banner August Weekend in Gunnison, Colorado

What better place to talk cool cars than leaning under the hood of a ’62 Studebaker GT Hawk against the cool mountain backdrop of beautiful Gunnison, Colorado? Combine that camaraderie with an arts and crafts festival across the street for a winning combination of the 20th Annual Gunnison Car Show and the High Octane Arts & Craft Festival on Aug. 24 – 26.



20th Annual Gunnison Car Show, August 24 – 26

Several hundred prime vintage and custom cars will cruise the Gunnison Valley’s mountain roads during the 20th Annual Gunnison Car Show, Aug. 24 – 26. The event, sponsored by the Gunnison Car Club, includes a cruise-in and free street dance on Gunnison’s Main Street, an open car show, poker run, and breakfast cruise to Crested Butte.



This year’s theme will be “Cool Cars. Cool Mountains.” The show traditionally attracts vehicles from throughout Colorado and from several surrounding states. “This is a great weekend to celebrate cars and the people who enjoy them, all in a fantastic mountain setting,” says Gunnison Car Club President Mike Callihan.



The family-friendly car show begins in downtown Gunnison on Friday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. with a cruise-in. A portion of Main Street will be closed to regular traffic during the event, so there’s plenty of room for more than 150 cars to park where they can be viewed by the public. At dusk, a live band kicks off a free street dance that is open to everyone.



On Saturday, a full car show begins at 8 a.m. in Jorgensen Park, surrounded by trees, green grass and water. This is an “open” event, which means any vehicle in any condition--from barely moving to full blown restoration--is welcome. It’s not unusual to see exotic, one-of-a-kind custom street rods, high performance sports cars, tricked out pickup trucks and a gaggle of British cars all parked together on the lawn. Food, games and contests are also a big part of the day that typically showcases 250 to 300 vehicles. Judging of the cars continues until midday, when an awards ceremony is held. A poker run through the streets of Gunnison concludes the fun at 5 p.m.



On Sunday, approximately 100 cars leave Gunnison at 7:30 a.m. to drive the scenic 28 miles to Crested Butte’s Elk Avenue, the town’s colorful historic business district. Elk Avenue is closed to traffic on this morning so that the vehicles are available for viewing while their owners enjoy a gourmet breakfast at one of Crested Butte’s restaurants.



Admission to the award-winning Gunnison Car Show is free to the general public, but there is a registration fee for cars that are entered. Car show proceeds are donated to community causes. For more information and to register, check out the Gunnison Car Club’s website at www.gunnisoncarclub.com



High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival, August 25

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. 25. 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 15, 2007.

Taylor River Flow Bodes Well for Rafting, Kayaking & Fishing the Gunnison River

On May 30, the proposed operation chart for the Taylor Reservoir was updated and released. Water releases out of Taylor Reservoir will be the best since the drought of 2002. At this time, it appears that the reservoir will be near 100 percent capacity in early June.

Starting June, the first the releases will be close to 300cfs (cubic feet per second). From there, the releases climb to a peak of 400cfs on July 1 and hold steady through Aug 15. Cfs will slowly decrease after that; however, there will be plenty of water to raft and fish well into the fall.

“Based on this information, the flows through the Taylor Canyon are anticipated to be the best we have seen in years. The release schedule is a well-crafted mix of flows that take into consideration the needs and desires of the agricultural and recreational interests of Gunnison County,” says Mark Schumacher, owner of Three Rivers Resort, a rafting and fishing outfitter in Almont. “This planned distribution of our local water resources should ensure a very productive and enjoyable season for both summer and fall.”

Good flows will support rafting and kayaking through the end of September, and anglers are already booking fishing trips for fall and making plans to schedule float trips on the Gunnison River through the end of September, Schumacher notes. The Taylor River meets up with the East River in Almont, located between Gunnison and Crested Butte, to form the Gunnison River, the second largest tributary to the Colorado River.

For rafting, kayaking and fishing adventures, contact the following quality outfitters.

# Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting and Willow Fly Anglers, (888) 761-3474 or www.3riversresort.com
# Scenic River Tours, (970) 641-3131 or www.scenicrivertours.com
# Almont Anglers, (970) 641-7404 or www.almontanglers.com
# Tenderfoot Outfitters (800) 641-0504 or www.tenderfoot-outfitters.com
# Troutfitter (866-349-1323) or www.troutfitter.com
# Dragonfly Anglers (800-491-3079) or www.dragonflyanglers.com

State Record Mackinaw Trout Pulled from Blue Mesa Reservoir
It was Don Walker’s very lucky day on May 23. As reported by the Gunnison Country Times, the lake trout (mackinaw) he pulled from Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison tipped the state record mark at 50.35 pounds, measuring 44 ¼ inches in length and 34 3/8 in girth. The previous record, set in 2002 by his brother-in-law Larry Cornell, was beat by about 3.5 pounds. Cornell was along to see the lunker pulled from Colorado’s largest body of water, a place Walker has fished since it opened more than 40 years ago.

Walker and his wife, Paula, spend most of their summer living in a motor home overlooking the reservoir and live the rest of the year in Florence, Colo.

Colorado's Oldest Rodeo

107th Annual Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo Celebrates True West in Gunnison, Colorado

World record attempt on July 14 – “Largest Awareness Ribbon” for breast cancer



People who love the aura and authenticity of The West, will find plenty of reasons to spend summer in Gunnison, Colorado. The highlight will be the 107th Annual Cattlemen’s Days, the granddaddy of Colorado rodeos, on July 6 – 15, 2007.



“Cattlemen’s Day is a 10-day festival that is all about celebrating Gunnison’s ranching heritage and Western spirit,” says Cattlemen’s Days President Dan Woodbury.



Tough Enough to Wear Pink & World Record Attempt

In 2006, Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” set a national record by raising $90,000 that is being used locally to support breast cancer awareness, examinations, diagnosis, prevention and local hospital technology digital mammography upgrade.



The 2007 Cattlemen’s Days will feature the second annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo Night on July 12 at 7 p.m., with an attempt to get into the “Guinness World Records™” on July 14 for this important cause. On Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo Night, the crowd and cowboys are encouraged to get into the spirit and wear pink, with a portion of rodeo ticket sales for the night going to the cause.

The goal for 2007 is $100,000. To help accomplish this, Gunnison Valley Hospital invites any interested individu