The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
This week, I’d like to extend a welcome to the many college students here attending the Butte Bash event, sponsored by Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) and Lifestylez Productions.
There are a few things to know about Crested Butte as you enjoy your stay here before heading back to the books:
One, you’re right on time. As luck would have it, Mother Nature has just blessed us with more than five feet of snow since New Year’s Day. With over 187 inches of snow this season, almost all of CBMR’s terrain is open—something we haven’t seen in a while this early in the year. All that snow makes for great riding for you and your friends. And pardon us if we have perma-grins.
Two, here’s your fair warning. This town is addictive. Beware that many of the people you meet here everyday, from ski school instructors to politicians, were once like you. Specifically, they were here before, after or during college for a brief visit, and the magic took hold—and they’ve stayed… and stayed… and stayed. Believe me when I say that you could be next.
Three, drink water like it’s going out of style and dress for the elements. While it’s kind of fun to see 20-year-old women stalking up Gothic Road in high heels, it’s a little impractical and we instantly know you’re not a local.
Four, the easiest way to ride a T-Bar is to stand up and keep your edges flat—definitely don’t lean back too far or you’ll take a digger. Snowboarders tell me that it’s easier for them to go with skiers and they recommend letting the T-bar pull you—don’t pull on it. Ignore this advice and you may suffer the wrath of the obnoxious lift-line.
Next, your predecessors have not painted a fair picture of you. We know you won’t puke on buses, trek to Mt. Crested Butte barefoot, drink underage, treat shop-owners disrespectfully or keep neighboring families up at night—but some Butte Bash participants before you did. Please keep that in mind as you enjoy our awesome community.
Finally, we would love you to tell your friends and families about us when you get back home. I think you’ll agree that we’re something special and we’re worth the extra mile to find. And of course, we’d love for you to come back.
Welcome again and enjoy the Pow.
—Aleesha Towns
