The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Holiday festivities on the horizon
[ By Kendra Walker ]
Last week’s storms and continued snowmaking efforts have allowed Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) to continue to open up more terrain, including the Silver Queen Express and Painter Boy Lift. West Wall Lift opened on Wednesday, and the snowmaking and grooming teams now have their sights on getting the East River, Prospect and Gold Link lifts all open in time for the Christmas and New Year’s crowds.
The opening of the Silver Queen Express last Friday has expanded the mountain’s terrain options to include black diamond trails. International is also open from top to bottom, much earlier than last season. “As of Monday morning, we have 418 acres open for skiing and riding across six lifts and a magic carpet,” said CBMR communications manager Julie Block. “We are excited to continue expanding that footprint as we move into the holiday season.” According to Block, CBMR is aiming to have all three remaining chairlifts (not including the High Lift and North Face T-bars) open by Christmas.
With the opening of the Painter Boy Lift, the Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks opened for dining last week for the first time since March 2020. “We’re thrilled to bring back the Umbrella Bar as a convenient option for people skiing near the Painter Boy, Gold Link and Prospect chairlifts to take a break and enjoy the views,” said Block.
In other dining news, both Uley’s Cabin and the new Rooster Run adjacent to Butte 66 open this Friday, December 16. Rooster Run specializes in chicken and fries and will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This season, Uley’s Cabin has added a Japanese-influenced menu in addition to its classic grill menu.
CBMR is hosting several holiday festivities in the coming weeks, including the Rock on Ice festival December 15-21. Ice sculptors return to the base area this year for carving demonstrations that will be on display in Mountaineer Square for the remainder of the season until the warmer temperatures melt them away. Santa will be around the base area for après on the afternoon of December 23, and CBMR will hold a Holiday Costume Day complete with parade and contest on December 24. The New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks show will take place on December 31 to celebrate the new year.
