Skiing The Butte

Crested Butte Mountain Resort Appeals Snodgrass Decision

On December 18, Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) filed an appeal with the U.S. Forest Service disputing the agency’s decision last month to reject the resort’s proposed expansion onto Snodgrass Mountain without conducting a public review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The proposed Snodgrass expansion is critical for the long-term viability of CBMR and the economic health of the East River Valley in Gunnison County says CBMR. The proposed expansion would increase the amount of intermediate and advanced terrain at CBMR with 276 acres of skiing served by three lifts, a beginner carpet and a connector gondola from Crested Butte Mountain. Snodgrass Mountain is located adjacent to Crested Butte Mountain.

Friends of Ski Lifts on Snodgrass and Citizens for NEPA Forming Up For Two Separate Rallies

The Friends of Ski Lifts on Snodgrass and Citizens for NEPA are teaming up once again for two separate rallies in Crested Butte and Gunnison.

On Monday, December 7, 2009, they be meeting at the Four Way Stop in Crested Butte at 6:00 pm to march down Elk Avenue and back, ending at the CB Town Council Meeting. The purpose of the rally is to show the new Town Council that "our community is not divided on the proposed Snodgrass Expansion, but that 85% of our community is in favor of moving the proposed expansion into NEPA".

Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce Snodgrass Survey

In a recent survey, the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber Of Commerce asked whether the Forest Service should reverse its decision and allow the proposed Snodgrass project into the NEPA process? They were not asking if people supported Crested Butte Mountain Resort's Snodgrass proposal only whether it should be given an open public hearing.

Of 736 respondents, 82% said yes. Click here to see the results.

Snodgrass Update: Apparent U-Turn By US Forest Service

The United States Forest Service issued a letter to Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) on November 5, 2009 denying the resort the ability to enter into the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process with its Snodgrass Mountain expansion proposal.  Apparently, this decision comes after the resort has been working with the Forest Service on the Snodgrass expansion proposal for the past five years.  Additional information regarding this decision may be obtained by going to the www.snodgrassfacts.com website.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort: 2009-2010 Improvements

Over $315 million has been invested in on- and off-mountain improvements and amenities at Crested Butte Mountain Resort since Tim and Diane Mueller purchased the ski area in 2004. Under the new ownership of CNL lifestyle properties, with the Mueller’s still at the operational helm, the 2009-2010 season is no exception. The Muellers remain committed to evolving the resort in a responsible manner that answers the needs of a growing community and an increasing number of visitors, while respecting the surrounding native environment.

Improvements at CBMR for the coming winter season include: a complete remodel of the beloved Ice Bar on-mountain restaurant; the addition of a new base area Adventure Park complete with year-round synthetic ice rink, bungee trampolines, and a climbing wall; installation of a lift-served tubing hill; the addition of a new combined beginner learning area for children and adults; and upgrades to the Outpost Building Day Lodge.

Beautiful Snow/Ski Video

It may not be Crested Butte but this promo video by Telluride makes you want to hit the slopes fast, particularly when you're in the grip of a hot, hazy and humid Caribbean summer:

Venture Out [4min cut] from felt soul on Vimeo.

Shot and edited in the winter of 2009 in collaboration with the Telluride Visitors Center, Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association, Telluride Ski Resort and Telluride Mountainfilm in hopes of giving viewers a soulful, non-commercial look at the winter experience in Telluride. Filmed & edited by Ben Knight | Music by Explosions in the Sky

Crested Butte's Adventure Park Going Up Fast

Crested Butte's Adventure Park is going up fast. The concrete for the skating rink has been poured and the roof is going on. Here's a cam shot from this morning:

Click here for more details on the park.

Grand Traverse 2009: Preview trailer

The Elk Mountain's Grand Traverse is an annual backcountry ski race from Crested Butte, CO to Aspen, CO which starts at midnight. This is a trailer for the film documentary of the 2009 race. The film will be released in Fall 2009.

Produced by: Friends of Friends Productions

Posted by: E. Conor Hagen -Director/Editor

Music: "Triumphant" by Royksopp

GRAND TRAVERSE TRAILER from Conor Hagen on Vimeo.

http://www.elkmountaintraverse.org

Seirus Neofleece Combo Scarf

This face mask became a vital piece of kit. In fact, the difference between staying out and going home. This moisture-wicking, fleece-lined neoprene face guard gave great wind and water (read: driving wind and snow) protection.

The neofleece® face mask has vents/holes at nose and mouth which allowed easy breathing; we've tried pulling neck gaiters up over our noses in the past but quickly ran out of air.

The mask and integrated polyester fleece neck gaiter secures at the back with hook-and-loop tabs. Lycra® spandex binding trims the edges.

The mask tucked nicely under googles to give a draught-free fit and is cut so the back of the mask secures easily under the back of your helmet (yes, we all wear one, all the time). This mask/gaiter combo, combined with another neck gaiter and attractive skull cap, made a winning team in keeping the cold out and our heads toasty.

The downside: any inevitable nose seepage tends to accumulate on the inside of the mask, so if you're carrying them for family members, make sure you know which one is yours... On a two-week trip ours hit the washing machine a couple of times.

But at $20 each, money well-spent. As I said, the difference between staying out, or going home.

Crested Butte's New Adventure Park

Rendering of Crested Butte's new Adventure Park

Construction of Crested Butte Mountain Resort's (CBMR) Adventure Park is well underway with a planned opening date of July 4, 2009.

The new Adventure Park is located at the Mt. Crested Butte base area. Adventure Park activities include year-round ice skating, bungee trampoline and a climbing wall. Activities can be purchased à la carte or you take advantage of the Adventure Ticket and enjoy unlimited access to chairlift rides and all Adventure Park activities. Tickets are available at the Adventure Center in Mountaineer Square.