Spring break over, CBMR readies for last week of season

Visits, reservations up from last year

A series of early-month snowstorms followed by periods of sun and warmer temperatures helped bolster Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s (CBMR) spring break numbers to a 3 percent increase in skier days over last year. Texas and Oklahoma spring breaks were in the second and third weeks in March, respectively, and contributed to much of the increase.

“Overall we were pretty happy with the turnout for spring break,” said Erica Reiter, public relations and communications manager at CBMR. “Having spring break extend into March and not be just one week helped keep things running well.”
Spring break is the last major winter draw for visitors to the mountain; however, CBMR is expecting two more large groups to round out its numbers. The North American Airlines Ski Federation and the Freeriders Union of Colorado College will visit the resort the last week of March and the first week in April, bringing with them more than 500 skiers.
“The mountain is continuing to ski really well,” said Reiter. “The snow that we received early in the month brought enthusiasm and interest from the Front Range. As a trend we’ve been seeing a lot of last-minute bookings.”
Currently reservations for CBMR lodging for the last week in March are up 28 percent from last year, and up 11 percent for the final week of the ski season, said Reiter.
Closing day for the ski area is Sunday, April 7, however, before the lifts stop turning several events are scheduled to take place and draw crowds to the mountain.
The 22nd Annual Extreme Freeskiing Competition will take place March 28-30, with registration on Wednesday, March 27, at the Peaks Ballroom-Elevation Hotel. Venues for the event have not yet been announced.
The Legs and Bacon uphill race to benefit Adaptive Sports Center will be Friday, April 5 from 6:30 to 10 a.m. The course takes participants on an ascent of 2,500 ft. from the base area to the top of Silver Queen, finishing at 11,875 ft.
Saturday, April 6 will showcase both the Roost the Butte snowmobile festival from noon to 4 p.m., and the Slush Huck Pond Skim from 4 to 6 p.m. Costumes are encouraged.