CBMR getting jump on winter season, major renovation

Snowmaking fired up October 26

Hello winter! As of 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, Crested Butte Mountain Resort was reporting 23 inches of snow, with cold temps forecasted. That means the resort fired up the snowmaking guns earlier than expected, and on Tuesday they began blowing snow on the mountain. Anticipation for the season is palpable all around town.

Opening day is scheduled for November 24, and there are changes of note at the base area. The Treasury Center is in the midst of a major renovation that began around Labor Day, and that includes the addition of 200 seats for skiers and riders looking to take a load off or grab a bite to eat. Spellbound Pizza will be moved to the top floor, and beverages, beer and pizza will be served via window service. New bathrooms with more stalls are built into the top floor as well. The renovations will be complete by opening day.
The contractors filled in the open space islands that were in the middle of the building’s upper floors, and gained substantial square footage by doing so. The Adaptive Sports program will take on more space, with both their administrative and programming offices now located on the first floor. Adaptive will also add more rental lockers. Some of the seating will be cafeteria style, and couches and comfy chairs will form mini-lounges.
CBMR vice president of resort planning and development Michael Kraatz said the Treasury renovation was put into motion in response to public feedback. “We heard comments from the public saying we needed more seating,” he explained. Adjacent to the Treasury Center, Butte 66 “will continue to operate as it has,” Kraatz said, although they did remove the stage and gas fireplace to add more seats and improve the flow of the restaurant.
As for opening day, in addition to spinning chairs, local KBUT DJs will broadcast live from the Butte 66 deck from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a gondola photo shoot booth on Butte deck with the peak in the background. CBMR recommends wearing your best “hot dog” ski outfit for posterity. In the afternoon, at 2 p.m., Drew Emmitt brings his mandolin to the Butte 66 deck for a free show, followed closely by Spring Creek Bluegrass at 3 p.m.
Blow the dust off your boards, sharpen your edges and break out the wax: it’s time to get in tune with winter.