The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Community efforts include kids’ programs and dog passes
by Mark Reaman
Crested Butte Nordic continues to see significant growth in and around Crested Butte. Executive director Christie Hicks reported to the Town Council in October that the organization is experiencing about 10 percent growth every year.
Hicks estimated that there were more than 30,000 skier days on the trails last winter. More than 1,500 season passes were issued, along with more than 4,000 day passes. Add about 300 season dog passes and that’s a lot of people and canines using the 50 kilometers of Nordic Trails in and around Crested Butte.
“We manage a very unique and very complex trail system,” Hicks said. Scores of trail easements cross private property where Crested Butte Nordic additionally insures the property owner. The $1.1 million annual budget includes about $200,000 in grooming costs. But, Hicks said, the estimated overall economic benefit of Crested Butte Nordic to the community is more than $2.5 million.
“Our focus is the community,” Hicks emphasized to the town council. “We partner with a lot of organizations. Our after-school program is very popular and the goal is to get every kid in the community on skis. We try to make our programs for both adults and kids very affordable.”
Kids 16 and under receive free trail passes, and free equipment rentals (blackout dates apply for rentals. Over the holidays kids’ rentals are $10 per day).
While the annual Thanksgiving weekend camp again took place this year, the first major Nordic race of the winter, a Rocky Mountain Junior National Qualifier, will be held December 21-22, expected to draw more than 300 young Nordic racers from around the state.
Hicks also noted to the council that since Crested Butte Nordic took over the Grand Traverse, participation has increased. “The Traverse has become a huge fundraiser for Crested Butte Nordic,” she said. “The addition of the Summer GT really helps with the year-round financial stability of the organization.”
As for the major mid-winter event, the Alley Loop, Hicks said last year saw more than 900 racers participate. She hopes to hit the 1,000 mark this January.
For the long-term future, Hicks said they are excited to be involved with the town and Crested Butte Community School program to get a snowcat garage built on the east side of town near the Rec Path. There are also plans in the works to expand the snowcat barn located next to the current Warming House in Big Mine Park, to relieve some of the congestion in the facility they share with hockey players, ice skaters and sledders.
“We appreciate the many partnerships we have, including the one with the town,” Hicks concluded. “This is a dynamic growing part of the local recreation economy.”
