1. Foodie Heaven on Skis – Yurt Dinners
Nordic ski or snowshoe one mile on easy groomed trails to Crested Butte Nordic’s Magic Meadows Yurt for a five-course dining experience made for the memory books. At Yurt Dinners on Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 and March 7, 14, 21, appetizers are served and live music begins at 6 p.m., followed by salad, soup, entrée (choice of Paradise Chicken, Steak Au Poivre, Encrusted Filet of Salmon or Wild Mushroom Risotto), and dessert. The cost is $75 for adults and $40 for kids under age 12, with the price including a trail pass, equipment and dinner. Gratuity and beverages are extra.
2. Lycra & Costumes – Race Day Wardrobes
The Magic Meadows Half-Dozen Criterium offers teams and individuals a chance to compete or enjoy a recreational outing while supporting the Crested Butte Junior Nordic Team on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Prizes are awarded for most laps (team and individual), best dressed and most pledges. The event is the third competition in the Mountain Store Citizens Race Series, which wraps up with a 10- and 20-kilometer classic ski race on Jan. 17 and 10- and 20-kilometer skate ski race on Jan. 24. Registration takes place online, and the Jan. 17 and 24 races begin at 10 a.m.
Kenny Mac Ski Fest is an event for Nordic lovers of all ages and abilities in Gunnison on Jan. 31 at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area or Mill Creek trails, depending on snow conditions. Kids can tackle 1-, 3- and 5-kilometer races, while adults can compete in 10- and 20-kilometer distances. New this year is the Cold Cash Snowflake Dash, a 5-kilometer scavenger hunt tour on Nordic skis. Watch Gunnison Nordic’s website for additional details as they become available.
The 29th annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon presented by Western State Colorado University is part of the prestigious American Ski Marathon Series and an American Birkebeiner qualifying race. The Feb. 7 event also is Crested Butte’s largest winter costume party! The Alley Loop’s unique course starts and finishes in the heart of downtown Crested Butte; in between, the course meanders through snow-lined alleys, behind historic downtown storefronts, over footbridges and alongside residences. The longer courses also head out into the pristine outskirts of Crested Butte and Magic Meadows. There are race lengths for all ages and abilities (1.5, 3, 5, 10, 21 and 42 kilometers) and awards party on Saturday, as well as a Fat Bike Race and Pub-Ski on Friday, Feb. 6.
3. Canyons, Trails & Mining Towns – Unique Learning Experiences
Art Studio of the Center for the Arts is offering a truly unique Winter Photography Workshop Adventure on Jan. 30 – 31 and March 28 – 29 with local professional photographer Raynor Czerwinski. Participants Nordic ski from Mt. Crested Butte to nearby Gothic, overnight in a large cabin, enjoy gourmet meals cooked by Czerwinski and photograph dramatic mountain scenery, historic buildings, the night sky and more. Participants must provide their own photography and ski equipment.
Crested Butte Nordic Center’s Learn to Ski 4 Free workshops on Jan. 2, Feb. 6 and March 6 focus exclusively on skate skiing from 1 – 3 p.m.
Gunnison Nordic is presenting two types of Saturday clinics this winter, a Classic Nordic Ski Series on Jan 3 and 10 from 10 a.m. to noon and skate ski clinics on Jan. 10 and 17 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. To sign up for the classic ski classes, which start at Jorgensen Park, call instructor Gregg Morin at (970) 641-1137. For the skate skiing clinics at Western State Colorado University’s practice field, contact Duncan Callahan at (970) 275-8950. To take part, purchase a Gunnison Nordic membership at a cost of $15 for individuals and $25 for couples.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has several free programs in January, including a cross-country ski clinic to learn the basics on Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. and a moonlight Nordic ski outing on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.
4. Get Off the Groomers – Backcountry Exploring
Discover spectacular backcountry terrain in the Crested Butte area with an experienced Crested Butte Nordic Center guide. Tour options include exploring the Slate River, Washington Gulch or Brush Creek river valleys and the historic mining town of Gothic, as well as other pristine destinations. The guided outings on Nordic skis and snowshoes are offered seven days a week and must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance.
Crested Butte Mountain Guides customizes half- and full-day backcountry tours for beginning to experienced cross-country skiers. Within 15 minutes from Crested Butte, there are five different drainage areas perfect for learning techniques, exploring on skis and seeing wildlife.
Vacation Packages & Visitor Information
The Nordic Experience – Ski & Stay package features a day of free skiing on groomed Crested Butte Nordic trails and discounted lodging options at Old Town Inn, Cristiana Guesthaus, Elk Mountain Lodge, Pioneer Guest Cabins and Nordic Inn. This deal is good through April 5, 2015.
Wrap up a day of Nordic skiing in style with Bed, Breakfast + Beer. Christopher Haver, owner of Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast + Studio Day Spa, has a passion for brewing beer and discovering the ever-expanding market of craft breweries and leads daily tastings, which are complimentary to overnight guests. In addition to the Colorado beer of the day, Purple Mountain B & B offers two additional Colorado craft beers on tap. This offer is available through April 6, 2015.
