Snow brings winter cheer to mountain

Silver Queen opens Friday

The voice of crooner Johnny Mathis reminds us every December that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—and this week, there’s no denying that Mother Nature, Üllr or whoever you want to credit did their part delivering seasonal cheer to the mountain.

By Tuesday, December 18, the resort had received 35 inches of snow with nine to 16 more in the forecast. With a base of 42 inches, that already put Crested Butte Mountain Resort in a much better and happier position than last year.
“Last December we got 4.5 inches of snow total, and right now the base that we’re reporting is more than it ever was last year,” said Erica Reiter, the resort’s public relations and communications manager.
That’s right—between the natural snow and the round the clock hard work of the snowmaking crew, the current base is better than it was at any point last ski season. As a result, the resort is poised to open several runs over the course of the week. The Yellow Brick Road opened to Upper Park on Wednesday, and on Thursday Upper Keystone and Jokerville are slated to make their seasonal debut.
The Silver Queen will be running full force on Friday, December 21, with skiers able to hit Windy Gap, the Triangle, Crystal and International. The Gold Link lift also fires up that day.
Many of those runs would have opened without the recent snowstorm (again—thanks, snowmakers!), but the recent dumping has definitely been a boon for the East River, which is slated to open this weekend.
“That has really sped up because of the natural snow,” Reiter said.
The weather has also had a decided influence on the mood all around the resort, and Reiter said the phones have definitely been ringing since the snow started. The week is up year-over-year in terms of room nights, and the snow sets a good stage for holiday festivities.
Rock on Ice is in full swing around the base area, with 20 ice sculptures on display, and the gingerbread house competition is ongoing at the Elevation Hotel.
The Torchlight Parade is set for Christmas Eve—returning on New Year’s Eve, with fireworks—and the resort is also preparing for Santa’s arrival. Jolly Old St. Nick will show up in style on Christmas Eve, but instead of being pulled by reindeer his sleigh will be ushered in by a snowcat (rumor has it, complete with a big red nose to look like Rudolph).
9380 is hosting its trademark Cousin Eddie’s Ugly Sweater party on Saturday, December 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. and new this year, a giant airbag is being added to the Adventure Park on Thursday. Daredevil tubers can launch off a jump and have their landings cushioned by the largest airbag they’ve ever seen.
So, thank you to everyone who pulled their weight when it came to defying Murphy’s law and getting snow back to the region. CBMR (and all of us) are reaping the benefits.