crested buttemagazine

COMPLIMENTARY

You want to feel at home in Crested Butte before you buy. You want regular communication and unparalleled service by sales

professionals who live and work in the area that inspires you.

That’s where Prudential Becky Hamlin Realty, Inc. comes in. Our sales professionals have the knowledge and skills to make

your experience of home ownership a delight while treating you to a Crested Butte only locals know.

For more information call or visit us online.CBProperty.com

Downtown Crested Butte office | 970.349.6691Slopeside in Mt. Crested Butte office | 970.349.6692

{ }Inspired Mountain Living

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Crested Butte M

agazine Winter 2009-2010

www.crestedbuttemagazine.com

winter 2009-2010

It’s time to reel in your life and reconnect with nature on a grand scale. Wilder on the Taylor, near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a 2,000-acre shared ranch with 26 homestead sites and exclusive access to nearly two miles of superb fly fishing on the banks of the Taylor River. Fishing, horseback riding, access to hunting—your gateway to the classic Colorado lifestyle. The only limit is your own imagination.

E a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e . S u r p r i s i n g l y s e c l u d e d. A l l y o u r s .

For more information on purchasing at Wilder, please call 970.641.4545 or visit us online at www.WilderColorado.com

Located on Taylor River Rd.-742 at Jack’s Cabin Cutoff

Crested Butte Magazine <1>

If you’ve spent much time here,

you know that Crested Butte is a unique

and wonderful place. The brokers at

Red Lady Realty have deep roots in the

community, and the experience to assist

you in fi nding the perfect home or property.

They’re also eager to share their

knowledge of the area, to help you learn

the ins and outs of life in the Butte.

Doug KroftBROKER GRI/OWNER

209-0373

Jackie InghamBROKER ASSOCIATE

349-5007

Glena GallowayBROKER ASSOCIATE

596-0139

Steve MeredithBROKER ASSOCIATE

349-5007

Shelley Garcia-WhiteBROKER ASSOCIATE

209-9900

Shelley Garcia-White Maggie DethloffBROKER ASSOCIATE

209-7880

Sam LumbBROKER ASSOCIATE

275-2448

Joe GarciaBROKER ASSOCIATE GRI

209-4034

Molly EldridgeBROKER ASSOCIATE RSPS

209-4234

Linda PittBROKER ASSOCIATE

901-1047

Chris GibsonBROKER ASSOCIATE

596-6633

Diane AronovicBROKER ASSOCIATE

209-0405

Mollye BellBROKER ASSOCIATE

901-4251

Kathy HoogeOFFICE MANAGER

349-5007

RLR_CBmagW09-10fnl.indd 1 11/1/09 7:34:36 AM

<2> Crested Butte Magazine

table of contents

Adventure Park explorers get the big bounce p. 9Snowcat skiing could return to Irwin p. 11Western’s smart new College Center p. 11Crested Butte Magazine gets a cyber-life p. 12Take a snowcat for a spin p. 13Twister revisited: ski, eat, ski, drink p. 15Love trumps a puny economy p. 15An anniversary of art p. 15A concierge’s quirky quests p. 17Lo

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Will ski for food | by Sandy FailsThe Nordic Center’s classy yurt brunches and

dinners make eating out – way out – well worth the scenic commute.

Mini but mighty | by Sandra CortnerTiny, clever details make the museum’s model

train display a captivating little wonder. Side note: native Stephen Zinanti returns at age 92.

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Crested Butte Magazine <3>

Free-heeling life’s turns | by Shelley ReadAfter tragedy struck, heralded young telemarker Max

Mancini found healing partly through his Life Turns camps for kids.

Life is just different in Crested ButteA photographic day in the life...

Why it’s white | by George SibleyAnd other mysteries of snow.

Aliens and the evolution of human-kindness | by Molly Murfee

A small treatise on out-of-this-world encounters right here in Crested Butte.

A (not-so) new kind of skiing by Laura Puckett

Adventure, solitude, powder, endorphins... why uphill skiers aren’t content to let chairlifts do the hard part.

A Wounded Warrior finds his home by Erin English

Jeff Rogers lost his arm in Iraq, but not his spirit or sense of humor.

Data in absentia | by Molly MurfeeRMBL’s remote weather stations

will give researchers across the world a new understanding of our high-altitude ecosystems.

Training ‘smarter, not harder’ by Luke Mehall

Olympians, couch potatoes and cancer patients find insight into their bodies through Western State’s High Altitude Performance Lab.

Worth eight thousand words by Pat Pielsticker Bittle

For these eight adults with developmental disabilities, photography made a lively mode of communication and accomplishment.

An art of sorts | by Dawne BelloiseWith metal, ink and hand-powered

levers, Cyndi Lang Ingalls of Eidolon Press creates one-of-a-kind works of printed art.

88 Calendar92 Lodging guide97 Dining guide102 Photo finish

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<4> Crested Butte Magazine

crested butte magazineVol. XXXI, No. 2

Published semi-annually by Crested Butte Printing

PUBLISHERSteve Mabry

EDITORSandy Fails

ADVERTISING DIRECTORM.J. Vosburg

GRAPHIC DESIGNERJessy Moreland

PRODUCTIONChristopher Hanna

Keitha Kostyk

WRITERSDawne Belloise

Pat Pielsticker BittleSandra Cortner

Erin EnglishSandy Fails

Rachael GardnerLuke MehallMolly MurfeeLaura Puckett Shelley ReadGeorge Sibley

PHOTOGRAPHERSDawne Belloise

Pet Pielsticker BittleNathan Bilow

Sandra CortnerDusty Demerson

Xavier FanéAlex Fenlon

Paul GallaherKevin Krill

J.C. LeacockAndy RichterPete SowarTom Stillo

PRINTINGDavid ZembowerChris Eshbaugh

Ryan Law

COVER PHOTOJ.C. Leacock

E-MAILeditor@crestedbuttemagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONSCrested Butte Printing

P.O. Box 1030, Crested Butte, CO 81224970-349-7511 • $8/year for two issues

ADVERTISING970-349-6211

E-mail: advertising@crestedbuttemagazine.com

Copyright 2009, Crested Butte Printing. No reproduction of contents without authorization by Crested Butte Printing.

NOW FIND US ONLINE:www.crestedbuttemagazine.com

Crested Butte Magazine <5>

Armchair tourism in the Garden of Wonders

AsIwritethis,withmyfeetproppeduponmylivingroomcouch,my22-year-oldsonChrisispedalinghiswell-ladenbicyclesomewherenearIronwood,Michigan.Armedonlywithbikes,campinggearandmaps,heandhisbuddyEliare2,300milesintotheircross-countryridefromWashingtontoMaine.Forme,thisisascaryproposition,withnowallsbetweenthemandthegreatwideworld.Theyarevulnerabletoanythingmanornaturemightthrowatthem:tornados,axmurderersorgrizzlies.Andstarryskies,freeicecreamandrandomencounterswithwell-disguisedsages.Noprotectionagainstuglinessorsplendor,hostilityorcompassion,strifeorawe. Truetomyfears,theguyshavehadpassingmotoristspretendtoshootthem.They’vebeenpeltedbyhailandmobbedbymosquitoes.They’vealsohadmind-bogglingdiscussionswithgangmembers,addictsandWinnebagophilosophers.Aboveall,toalevelthat’sastoundingtome,they’vebeenfed,sheltered,prayedoverandhelpedbystrangers.(“It’shardtobeintimidatedbyguysinLycra,”Chrisnoted,butevenheisboggledbyallthiskindness.) ChrisandElihavechosentopedalthroughthiswall-lessworld.Therethey’vemetpeoplewholivewithoutwalls–orphans,outlawsandstreetpeople.Thereisdanger,unevennessandunpredictabilityhere–alongwithunexpectedwisdom,courage,honestyandgenerosity.Theireyesandheartsareopen,theworldisrespondinginkind,andtheyarebeingchanged. Ifeelmyselfbeingchangedaswell,herewithmyfeetproppeduponthelivingroomcouch.IreadChris’daily

telegramsonTwitter,poreoverhisphotosonFlickrandtalktohimeveryfewdaysonthephone.Isensethewondermentinhiswords,writtenandspoken. WhenImovedtoCrestedButteIwasjustafewyearsolderthanmysonisnow,seekingsomeofwhatheseeks.Iabandonedsuburbiaforthisplaceontheedgebetweencivilizationandwilderness.Iwantedtothrowmyselfintoanewworld,ruledbynature,populatedbyfreespirits,soremovedfromthebeatenpaththatIhadtoforgemyownway.Icamereadytosee,hear,experienceandbechanged,andIwas. Nowmylifeismoresettledandpredictable.Iwakeeachmorningtothesamemountainvistasoutsidemywindows,sometimeswithoutnoticingthem.Itendtofollowthesameroutinesandseethesamepeople.It’seasyforustoreinforceeachother’sopinionsuntilwethinkwehavealltheanswers.Seldomismyworldviewchallenged. I’mquitecomfortableonthiscouch.Ilikelookingattheartworkonmywallsandinhalingthefresh-coffeesmellthatdriftsinfromthekitchen.Idon’tenvymysonhislongpedal-slogsagainstheavyheadwindsorthebone-chillingmorningsthatslaphimawakewhenheunzipshissleepingbaginsomesmall-townpark.ButIwanttoreapsomeofthebenefitsofhisodyssey. Iwanttocrackopenmymindalittle,toembracetherough,unevenbeautyofthisworld,tohonoreachperson’sjourneyandwhatwehavetosharewitheachother.Iwanttoseewithfewerfilters,preconceptionsanddefenses.Iwanttoprotectlessandmarvelmore.Iwanttoofferkindnesstosomebodyelse’ssonor:

phot

o by

Xav

ier F

ane

editor’s note

<6> Crested Butte Magazine

970.349.7581 • 1.800.742.SKISwww.crestedbutteskirentals.com

daughtermakingapersonalpilgrimage. Jostledawakebymyson’smini-missivesfromtheroad,IwanttorememberthechangesthatCrestedButteinspiredinmealmostthreedecadesago.Herearetworeminderstomyself. 1.Weareallfellowtravelers.It’seasiertobekindtostrangers(especiallythoseinLycra,apparently).Wehaven’tyetjudgedandcategorizedthemasdeveloper/hippie,Democrat/Republican,personwho’sfor/againstskiliftsonSnodgrass,etc.Whatifwecouldalwaysseeeachotherasfellowtravelers?Whatifwecould,aroundametaphoricalcampfire,comparenotes,swapstoriesandhonoreachother’swisdoms(howeverwelldisguised)?Thenwecouldexamineandrefineourrespectiveviewpointsandgaininsightfromourexchanges.It’salongroadweshare;wemightaswellenjoythecompany. 2.Thestateoftheworlddependsontheeyeglassesthroughwhichweviewit.TheglassesIhabituallygrabcanpainttheworldasaLitanyofChores,asmall,stuffycubicleofaworldcrammedwiththingsthatmustgetdone.MymothertendedtoseetheworldasaMinefieldofDangers.IhavefriendswholiveinaBattlefield,fraughtwithpeopleandcircumstancesintentonkeepingthemfromgettingwhattheywant.Bycontrast,rightnowChrisisbicyclingthroughaGardenofWonders:afirsttasteofhuckleberryjam,afiddle-playingbrown-eyedgirl,just-caughtfishsizzlingonthecampfire,theboldlyproclaimed“World’sLargestPurpleSpoon,”afawneyeingthemcuriouslyfromtheedgeoftheircampsite.Inthisreality,brokenspokes,grindingclimbsandhorizontalrainarenotproofofahostileuniverse,justpartofthegrandadventure. MywishwiththiswintermagazineisthatCrestedButtemightinviteustoopenourmindsanddonourGardenofWondersglasses.Thatwemightstepoutsidethewallsofourcomfortableassumptions,pettygrievancesandrotereactions.Thatwemightvieweachotherascompaniontravelersworthyofkindnessandrespectdespiteourdifferences.Thatwemightstopandbetransfixedbybeauty,likethatmomentwhenwecrestamountainpassandcatchourbreathsatthemagnificencethatspillsopenbeforeus,beforewere-shoulderourloadsandslogon. I’llleavethepedalingandcampingtomyson;I’mheadedtothekitchenforacupofthatfragrantcoffee.AndI’llopttostandnakedtothewonderoftheworldinapurelymetaphoricalsense,withoutremovingmyfuzzyhouseslippers.Ah,now,withmycoffeecupinhandandfeetensconcedinwoollycomfort,letthevirtualpilgrimagebegin.

-SandyFails,editor

KEEP IN TOUCH: Get updates and insights through the editor’s blog at

www.crestedbuttemagazine.com.

Crested Butte Magazine <7>

<8> Crested Butte Magazine

A Professional Custom Home, Remodel and Historic Renovation Company

Johnny Biggers ~ General Contractor970-349-5990 | cbbuilders@crestedbutte.net

405 3rd Street, Suite E / Crested Butte, CO 81224

1880’s Cabin Restoration | Maroon Avenue, Crested Butte

Crested Butte Magazine <9>

TheAugustdaywaspeculiarlybusyattheskiresort’snewbaseareaAdventurePark,filledwithclimbers,sliders,bouncersandcheeringspectators.Theotherpeculiarfact:manyofthosehadgrayhair,andmorethanacoupleborereplacementbodyparts. WhenParryMothersheadoftheButteBeauties(activewomenofacertainage)proposedaseniorplaydayatCrestedButteMountainResort’sAdventurePark,VicePresident/ChiefOperatingOfficerKenStonehardlyletherfinishhersentencebeforehoppingontheidea.Whatbetterwaytospreadthewordabouttheresort’snewbungeetrampolines,self-belayclimbingpinnacleandsyntheticskatingrink?Thiscrewwouldlikelybemorearticulatethanthepreschool-to-adolescentcrowd;havefullerbranching

ofthefamilytree(kids,grandkids,etc.)thanthecollegeset;andknowbynowhowtoplaywellwithothers. ParrypassedtheinvitationamongtheButteBeauties(andtheirsignificant-otherButteBuddies),GrayHares,CrestedCurmudgeonsandotherinformalgroupsofyounger-than-their-yearsadventurers.OnAugust13morethan40curiousfun-seekers,ranginginagefrom55to80orso,gatheredatthebaseareainMt.CrestedButte.Somerodethechairliftsuptohikeorridetheirmountainbikesbackdown,butmostfocusedonthenewAdventureParkattractionsbeforetheymetagainforabarbecuelunchattheElevationHotel. Theirconclusion:“Whatagreatwaytoaddvitalitytothebaseareayear-round.Wehadafabuloustime,”Parrysaid.

By Sandy Fails

Kidsofacertainageflipoverthebungeetrampolines,climbingpinnacleandsyntheticskatingattheskiarea’snewAdventurePark.

Climbing, gliding and taking a flying leap

A Professional Custom Home, Remodel and Historic Renovation Company

Johnny Biggers ~ General Contractor970-349-5990 | cbbuilders@crestedbutte.net

405 3rd Street, Suite E / Crested Butte, CO 81224

1880’s Cabin Restoration | Maroon Avenue, Crested Butte

: photo by Tom Stillo

long story short

<10> Crested Butte Magazine

CRESTED BUTTE

CRESTED MOUNTAIN RESORT

Adventure Park tickets available at the Adventure Center in the courtyard of Mountaineer Square and at Crested Butte Ski and Snowboard located in the Treasury Building.

Open both summer and winter seasons weather permitting. For private parties call (970)349-2222.

Phot

os: T

om S

tillo

Inspire your passion.TM

THE NEW

ADVENTURE PARK Located at the ski base area, it features an ice skating rink, bungee trampolines, rock climbing tower and lift served tubing hill. With the new Adventure Ticket enjoy unlimited chairlift access and all Adventure Park activities.

“Itwasalark,”saidMarthaWalton,whohasclimbedsomeheftypeaks,bicycledthecountryandadventuredformanyofherseven-plusdecades. Martha,likesomeofherplaymates,gotabigkick(literally)outofthebungeetrampoline.Jumpersareharnessedintoanelectronicallyadjustedbungeesystemthatsoftensthebounce,intensifiestheupwardmomentumandkeepsthemsafelycenteredoverthetrampolineswhiletheyflyupto30feetintheair. “Iwantedtodoabackflip,butI’vegotmetalshoulders,”Marthasaid.“Someoftheotheroldpeopledidbackflips.” Marthafoundthesyntheticskatingrinkmoreinterestingintheorythaninpractice.Thefirstsyntheticice-skatingfacilityinColorado,ithasaSuper-Glide®high-techsurfacecreatedbyskaters.TherinkwasrecycledfromtheAmericanMuseumofNaturalHistoryinNewYork,whereitwaspartofadisplayonclimatechange. Afteralittletime“ontheboards”there,Marthaforgedontotheclimbingpinnacle,a28-footstructurewithsixroutesandthreedifficultylevels. “Thatwasfun.Itwashard,butyoucan’tfall;you’retetheredin.”Marthaspideredherwayupthehandholdsonthewalltotriumphantlyringthebellat

thetop.Thenshequeried,“HowdoIgetdown?” “Justpushoff,”cametheanswerfrombelow. “Pushoff?” Sureenough,theself-belaysystemloweredhergentlybackdownthepseudo-rockfacetoterrafirma. Despitebeinghumbledbythepreschoolersmonkeyinguptheroutesaroundhim,GrayHareKenReynoldshadagreattimeontheclimbingwall,especiallywiththeself-rappelfeature.Hestucktotheeasyroute:“IquitwhileIwasahead.”ButtheexperiencedclimbersamongtheGrayHareranks,henoted,testedtheirmettleontheharderroutesandfoundthemworthy. Watchingsomeyoungsterstakingtheirturnsfrolickingonthestructure,Kenfeltalittlelikeachildhimself.Heintendstocomeback,withsomeplaymatesacoupleofgenerationsyounger. “Mygrandkidswillloveit,”hesaid.“Ihaven’thadsomuchfunsinceclimbinginthechinaberrytreewhenIwasakid.”

The Adventure Park is open year-round at the base of the ski area. For more fun in the winter, try the new multi-lane, tow-lift-served Tubing Hill on the north side of Warming House Hill.

Crested Butte Magazine <11>

SnowcatskiingcouldreturnthiswintertoIrwin,anareaoflegendarysnowfallabout12mileswestofCrestedButte.TheForestServicelastfallapprovedtheapplicationforsnowcatskiingon1,051acresofpublicland.Undertheproposal,twosnowcats,carryingupto12skierseach,couldaccesstheslopesdaily. AlanBernholtz,directorofmountainoperationsfortheIrwinskicompany,saidtheareaaverages600inchesofsnowannually(morethandoubletheaveragesnowfallofCrestedButte),andthevariedterraincanaccommodateintermediatetoexpertskierswithatasteforpowder. Thebaseelevationofthedesignatedskiareais10,400feet,withahighpointof12,300feet.Atypicaldayoftenskirunscouldtallymorethan10,000verticalfeet,Bernholtznoted.Skierscouldbookindividualseatsorthewholesnowcatandevenhireaskiinstructor. GuidesfromtheIrwinsnowcatskicompanyplannedtotransportclientsinover-snowvehiclesfromCrestedButtetoacabinaboveLakeIrwin,wheretheywouldtransfertoanothersnowcatfortransportuptheslopes. Thesnowcatskioperationisownedby“agroupofyoungventurecapitalists,”Bernholtzsaid,whowantto“testthewaters”beforecommittingtoalarger-scaleinvestment.Thatwouldpresumablyincludeplansforthenow-dormantIrwinLodge,whichinitsheydayservedasthebaseforthelargestsnowcatskioperationintheU.S. Forthiswinterthecompanysetarateof$350/dayforsnowcatskiing,includinglunch,Bernholtzsaid,withsubstantialdiscountsforoffdays,groupsandlocalskiers.“Wewanttomake

WesternStateCollege’snew$28millionCollegeCenterhaspeopletalking:aboutits“green”innovation,itssavvydesignand(drumroll,please)itsmovietheater. SettoopeninDecember,theCollegeCenterwillreplacetheoldStudentUnionandwillgivestudentsasocialhub.WSCPresidentJayHelmansaid,“Thecollegehasbeenmissinga‘seeandbeseen’environmentforstudents.Thisbuildingwillprovidethatinteraction.” Studentswholiveoncampuswillvisitthebuildingthreetimesadayfortheirmeals.ItwillalsohousestudentorganizationsliketheStudentGovernment

Association,theMulti-CulturalCenter,WildernessPursuits(whichoffersstudent-guidedoutdoortrips)andtheCollegeBookstore. CassieMielke,asenior,canhardlywaitfortheDecemberopening.“It’sgoingbenicetohaveacenterforactivity,aplaceIcanstudy,getacupofcoffeeandvisitwithfriends.And,ofcourse,I’mexcitedabouttheentertainment

possibilities.” Thenewmovietheaterwasmadepossiblebya$1.5milliondonationfromDonandDonnaProsser.Donisa1975alumnusofWSC.ThetheaterwillbemanagedbyBasecampEntertainment,whichalsooperatestheMajesticTheaterinCrestedButte. AllisonKeagleofBasecampEntertainmentsaidthetheaterwillbe

WesternState’snewCollegeCenterhaspeopletalking.By Luke Mehall

Testing the (crystallized) watersCompanyplanstorevivesnowcatskiingonIrwin’ssnowyslopes.

itaffordable,togetthelocalsoutthere.” Asofpresstime,theIrwinproponentswereawaitingCountyapprovalofalandusechangeandthecompletionoftheForestServiceappealperiod.Inabest-casescenario,Bernholtzsaid,snowcatskiingcouldstartbylateDecember. Note: For news on this and other developing stories in the magazine, check the blog at www.crestedbuttemagazine.com.

One smart building

: photo by Alex Fenlon

: photo by Luke Mehall

long story short

<12> Crested Butte Magazine

“stateoftheart”andwillcomplementthemoviesshownattheMajestic.“Therearecertainselectionsthatcollegestudentsandteenswanttoseethatwe’llnowbeabletoofferinGunnison,”shesaid.“Alsothetheaterwillbedigitalandoffer3Dfilms.” ThegenreoffilmswillvaryattheCollegeCenter;inthesummer,forexample,whenschoolisnotinsession,thefacilitymayshowmorefamily-orientedfilms. Communitymembersandguestsmayusethebuilding’sballroomandmeetingrooms,andretaildiningfacilitiesalsowillbeavailable. TheCollegeCenterwillbethethirdLEED-certified(LeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesign)buildingontheWSCcampus.ItfollowstheBorickBusinessBuilding,theonlyprivatelyfundedbuildingonaColoradocollegecampus,andtherenovatedKelleyHall,whichhadasolarenergysysteminstalledthispastsummer. TheCollegeCenterwillusepassivesolarwithlargesouth-facingwindows.On-siterecyclingduringtheconstructionhasdivertedhalfoftheconstructionwastefromthelandfill.Sixtypercentofthetorn-downStudentUnionwasrecycledthroughReclaMetalsoutofMontrose,abusinessownedbyWSCalumniDiannandGarryFulks. TheCollegeCenterwillopeninphasesinDecember(sightseerswelcome),withthemovietheateropeningDecember18.AnofficialdedicationceremonywilltakeplaceFriday,February12,duringAlumniSkiWeekend.

WanttoescapetoCrestedButteinthemiddleofaThursdayafternoon?TheCrestedButteMagazineiswaitingonline. Fromyourcubicle,beachchairorlivingroom,headtocrestedbuttemagazine.comtobrowsethroughthelatestissueofthemagazineorwatcharotatingslideshowofmagazinephotosfromtoplocalphotographers.Asyoureadthroughthemagazine,youcanskiptoanadvertiser’swebsitebyclickingonthatad.Itwillalsobeeasierforyoutocontactourwritersandphotographersonlineortogetintouchwithmagazineeditor/neophytebloggerSandyFails.Letusknowwhatyouthink:www.crestedbuttemagazine.com.

Crested Butte Magazine gets a cyber-life

Crested Butte Magazine <13>

by Dawne Belloise AstheliftsswaytoahaltandthesettingsunpaintsCrestedButteMountaininalpenglow,thecatsprowltheirwayuptheslopes.Theirnightlymission:tomakesureyourfirstskirunthenextmorningisonaluxuriouscarpetofcombedsnow.Thesnowcatsheadupjustafterthemountainhasbeenscouredfortheday’slastskiersandboarders,andtheygroomsnowintocorduroythroughtheweehours,lightsbobbinglikestarssuspendedinthenight.Inskitowns,kidsdreamofdrivingasnowcat.InCrestedButte,kids-at-heartoverage18canactuallyclimbbehindthewheelandtakecontrol. Asnowcatisbasicallyatruckdesignedtomoveonsnow,withtracksinsteadofwheelsandabigcushycabwiththebestviewsintheworld.They’rebuiltforcomfortinextremeclimeslikeours...thedefrostactuallyworks. InMarchof2009,CrestedButteMountainResort(CBMR)decidedpeopleshouldn’thavetojustdreamaboutdrivingasnowcatandinitiatedthefirstprogram

ofitskindforvisitors:theSnowcatDrivingExperience. “Wedidatestprogram,marketingitwithpre-arrivale-mailsandsignageontheslopesandlifts.Wehad60to80participantslastyear,”saidAnnieDyarofCBMR. BetterthanplayingwithaTonkatruck,poweringaPrinothSnowcatseemstohavenovelappeal.Ofcourse,justasnoonehandsanewdriverthekeystothefamilycar,thereistraininginvolvedbeforeyoucanseatyourselfinthecomfy,climate-controlledcab–abouttwohoursworth.MarkVoegeli,leadgroomerforCBMR’sslopes,isoneoftheinstructors.HewasColoradoSkiCountry’sGroomeroftheYear,soyou’llbeingoodhands.Bytheendoftheinstructionalsession,you’llknowthebasicsaboutpushingsnow. Afteryou’vegotthescooponsnowgroomingandthemachinationsofthecat(theycanbetricky),you’llgetdowntothefunpart...takingthekittyforaspin.Don’tworry;thispartisoneononewiththeinstructor,soyou’llneverbealoneinthe

cat.Andyouwon’thavetoparallelparkeither.Butifyoureallylikeherdingsnowinacat,youcanalwaysgoforthePhatCatChallengecompetitionsponsoredbytheNationalSkiAreaAssociation(thoughyou’llhavetolandaskiareajobfirst).There’saslalomcourse,straightpassandablade-to-gradetest,tonameafewofthemaneuvers. Meanwhile,backinthecat,youcanshowofftoyourfamilyandfriends,sincethey’reinvitedtowatchfromthetentsetupjustfortheirviewingpleasure.Gotagroupofwanna-bes?Bookthewholegangasaclass. Don’texpecttobecruisingtheslopeswiththeprosjustyet.Butyou’llcertainlycomeawaywithbraggingrights,newrespectforourcorduroyfarmersandawholenewtakeonshreddingthesnow. Tobook:VisittheAdventureCenter,970-349-4554.Snowcatclassesrunfourdaysaweekat10a.m.and2p.m.Cost:$275,includingclassroomtimeandanhourofsnowcatdrivetime.Driversmusthaveavaliddriver’slicense.

: photo by Nathan Bilow

Catting around the slopesNow you, too, can take a snowcat for a spin.

long story short

<14> Crested Butte Magazine

Crested Butte Magazine <15>

HungryskiersthisyearwillfindthenewUley’sCabinwheretheoldTwisterWarmingHouseusedtobe,buttherestaurantconceptremainssimilar:rusticdecorwithupscalecuisine.And,yes,youcanstillsipamartiniattheneighboringIceBar(madecompletelyofice)andtakeinthekillerviewsfromthedeck. WhenitopensinDecember,Uley’sCabinwillseatabout60peoplefordiningand15inthelounge.Inadditiontoservinglunchandapres-skispecials,Uley’sCabinwillhosttheLastTracksDinners(gourmetmealsfollowedbyskiingorridingdownthemountainafterdark)andSleighrideDinners(whereguestsrideasnowcat-pulledsleightoandfromtheirdiningexperience). Uley’sCabinwasnamedafteracolorfulcharacterfromCrestedButte’sprospectordays,befittingtherusticatmosphereofthenewstructure. “Thefacilitywillbequaint,butthecuisineandexperiencewillbehigh-endandpersonable,”saidEthanMueller,directorofoperationsforCrestedButteMountainResort.

WhenSusanAndertonopenedherartgalleryonElkAvenue(thenunpavedandpotholed)in1969,shehadnoideathatshe’dstillbearoundtocelebratethegallery’s40thanniversary.Intheinterveningyears,Anderton’spaintings,postersandpen-and-inkdrawingshavefoundtheirwayintohomesandofficesfromCrestedButtetoMunich. OnDecember31,2009,Andertonwilltoastthefour-decademarkalongwithJosandTeresaRijks,whoboughtthegallery17yearsagoandeventuallyrenamedit.TheRijksFamilyGallerywillalsohonoritsotherartistsbetween5and8p.m.aspartofCrestedButte’sArtWalkEvening,amonthlygalastartedbyArtistsoftheWestElks. ArtWalkEvenings,duringwhichartloversareinvitedtoenjoyrefreshmentsandfestivitiesatthetown’smaingalleriesandstudios,happenthelastThursdayofeachmonth:December31,January28,February25andMarch25.

Uley’s Cabin rises from Twister splinters

“Spendingisdown.”Thatphraseisrepeatedlikeamantraontheeveningnews,butcouplesinloveapparentlyhaven’tnoticed–especiallyinCrestedButte.In2009,U.S.couplesspentanaverageof$20,398ontheirweddings;couplesthattraveledtoCrestedButteputthatnumbertoshamebyspendinganaverageof$39,572.Thesenumbersdon’tincludemoneyspentbyweddingguestsduringtheirvisits.With141marriagelicensesissuedinGunnisonCountythisyear,trueloveisanindustryworthCrestedButte’sattention. Compiled by Rachael Gardner from costofwedding.com/The Wedding Report, Inc. and the Gunnison County clerk & recorder.

Love trumps a bad economy

An anniversary of art

long story short

<16> Crested Butte Magazine

Crested Butte Magazine <17>

service for locals and guests. His work is sometimes glamorous —

such as planning an elopement wedding complete with dog sled rides and a private chef’s dinner at the Lazy F Bar Ranch — and sometimes not — like picking up prescriptions or an extra air mattress. Occasionally he is challenged with a task beyond his realm of familiarity, like whipping up a “Sweet Sixteen” gift basket full of feminine treats. Whatever the request, Perez will drop everything to accommodate someone who has a need, even if it means nixing his Friday evening plans at the last

minute to retrieve lost luggage from the airport.

“I want people to feel like Crested Butte was awesome, and that there was one person they could call if they needed something,” Perez said. “I want to show them what a little piece of life is like outside of the city.”

When the ping-pong players roll into town again, how will they up the ante? Twister? Bocci ball? Bowling? Whatever the challenge, they’ll know who’s ready to tackle it.

By Erin EnglishFour young men on a “guys only”

road trip to Crested Butte were in desperate need of a ping-pong table to make their ski vacation complete. A survey of the obvious spots, including bars downtown, turned up nothing. Determined to play a game or two of table tennis with his buddies, one of the men called on concierge extraordinaire Anthony Perez.

Perez remembered a downstairs area at Town Hall with ping-pong, foosball and other games, so he called a friend with the parks and rec department, got a key and reminded the guys to clean up after themselves. “While the guys were here, they’d party downtown, then head over to play ping-pong. They had a blast,” he said.

Creativity and resourcefulness are key in concierge work, and Perez, founder of CB Specialty Services, has them in spades. He also has the requisite social skills; one of his favorite pastimes is chatting at the post office (his average visit clocks in around half an hour).

Perez’s calling in ski-town hospitality can be traced back to boyhood in northern Minnesota. “When I was a kid, going on ski vacations meant everything to me. I would always try to meet some ski instructor or the ski shop guy who would treat you not so much like a tourist but like your friend for the week,” he said. “Someday I wanted to live in a ski town and be that person.”

Now 27, Perez gets to be that “friend for the week” — and get paid for doing it. While finishing his business degree at Western State College in Gunnison, Perez worked a series of concierge positions at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, culminating in head concierge. A position he created, it entailed managing seven concierges and ensuring they were an informed, cohesive team. After four years with the resort, Perez launched his independent

long story short

“You’ve got a friend”Super-concierge Anthony Perez has tackled some odd requests.

: photo by Paul Gallaher

<18> Crested Butte Magazine

Will ski for foodThe Nordic Center’s classy yurt brunches and dinners make eating out – way out – well worth the scenic commute.

: photo by Tom Stillo

: photo by Xavier Fane

Crested Butte Magazine <19>

By Sandy Fails IreadthebookFrench Women Don’t Get Fatandyearnedtobelieve.Imean...alifestyleregimenthatuses“slender”and“croissant”inthesamesentence?C’est bon.Frenchwomen,Ilearned,areforeversveltenotonlybecausetheywalkinsteadofhoppinginacareverytimetheyexitabuildingbutalsobecausetheycelebrateandsavorfood.Couldthisbetheantidotetothemindlessgluttony,guilt-induceddietinganddoomedfitnessfadsthatgiveAmericanssuchalove-haterelationshipwithfoodandtheirownbodies?CoulditbetruethatIdidn’thavetogiveupchocolate,justrelishitwithmore joie de vivre? Iamnowabeliever,basedontwoprimepiecesofevidence:ElianeWissocqandtheCrestedButteNordicCenter’syurtbrunches. Long-timelocalElianegrewupinFrance,asevidencedbyheraccentandthefactthatshecandonajauntyscarfwithoutlookinglikeshe’splayingdress-up.Elianedoesmorethanwalk;shehikes,bikesandskis.Butshe’satypicalFrenchwomaninherpassionforfoodandwine.HereyesslideheavenwardwhenshedescribesadelectablequicheshediscoveredatacafeinHotchkiss.Whensheandhusband/fellowgourmandJohn-MarcVentimigliatravel–toItaly,MexicoorPaonia–there’salwaysasubplot...theculinarytreasurehunt.Andwine...somanyvarietals,solittletime.YetElianeremainsslenderasapreteen.

LastwinterEliane,alongwithCrestedButteNordicCenterdirectorKeithBauer,orchestratedtheski-inbrunchesheldattheNordicyurt.HadIthoughtaboutEliane’sinvolvement,IwouldhavehadloftierexpectationsofthecuisineI’dfindthere.Instead,IsignedupforthethirdbrunchoftheseasonasanexcusetoskitotheyurtwithmyhusbandMichael;thegrubwouldjustbebonus. OnthatSunday,wecross-countryskiedpasthalf-frozenstreamssparklingunderbluebirdskies,aboutamileandahalfofmostlymellowtrailswithafewlittlewhoop-de-doos.Hardlyamarathon,butenoughtofeelinvigoratedandawedbythebeautyofthevalley.Attheyurt(aroundcabinmadeofcanvaswallsonawoodenframework),weleanedourskisintheoutdoorrackandwalkedinthedoor.Stillglowingfromourski,westrippedoffourjacketsinthewoodstove-heatedyurt.I’dexpectedaglorifiedtent,buttheyurtfeltlikeacozycabin,withrug-adornedwoodenfloors,couchesandupholsteredchairs,alargewoodentableandseveralsmallerones.Wonderful.JustservemeupsomeflapjacksandbittercowboycoffeeandI’dbehappy. Ah, mais non. Asmyeyesadjustedfromsunshinetomutedcabinlight,Irealizedthatfewcowboyswouldbeabletopronounceallthedishesonourbrunchmenu,letalonerustlethemupfromcow-campprovisions.

<20> Crested Butte Magazine

Thethemeforthedaywascrepes.Elianepresidedoverapropane-fueledantiqueceramicstove,whichKeithhaddiscoveredandpurchased.(KeithandElianemakeagoodteam;he’sanon-Frenchkindofguywho’shandywithahammerbutscarcelyknowsgoosepatéfromPB&J.Elianeconcoctsthemenu;Keithhaulsthegoodsinbyasledpulledbehindasnowmobile.) MichaelandIsharedtwosweetandtwosavorycrepes.HefirstrequestedacrepewithSwissgruyereandham;Ichoseartichokehearts,marinatedsun-driedtomatoes,pinenutsandgoatcheese.Therewereevenmorechoicesforthesweetcrepes:marmaladeslikeginger-orange,”Hero”rosehipsorligonberries;chocolate(Nutellaordark)andfreshstrawberries;bakedfreshpearswithsaffron-marscaponeorcremefraiche;pearswithbluecheese;oranycombinationoftheabove. Ooh la la. WhileElianecoaxedthehandsomebutpeskyantiquestove,Keithladledhotmilkfromacamppantomakecocoa,offeredalongwithcoffee,orangejuice,milkandhotcider(whichwouldbereplacedbyicedherbalinfusionforthewarmerspring-timebrunches).Forthislabor-intensivecrepesbreakfast,ElianehadenlistedhelpfromfellowNordicenthusiastBeritMellgren-Deer,originallyfromSweden.Berit’sSwedishaccent,Eliane’sFrenchoneandtheinternationalcuisineenhancedtheillusionthatour20-minuteskihadlandedusonaforeigncontinent. Crepesmadethebrunchmenuonlyoncelastwinter.Buttheever-changingfarealwaysincludedsometypeofentreesuchaszucchinisoufflé,deviledeggsorroastedgreenchiliandsourcreamquiche.Sidedishesmightincluderoastedherbedpotatoesorpastasaladwithsun-driedtomatoes,pinenutsandfreshbasil,plusasparagusoranothervegetablewithaioli.Addtothatsuchdelicaciesasrabbitorelkpaté,gourmethamordrysausage,ArtisanorFrenchtriple-creamcheeses,andlocalfavoriteslikehomemadepumpkinseedgranola,yogurtandfreshfruit.And,ah,thebreads:ryeseedskinnyloaf,garlicloaf,French,cheddar/jalapeno,speltwithcurrantsandwalnuts,wholewheatwithhazelnutsanddriedfruit,parmesan-sun-driedtomato-basilfocaccia.IcanimagineElianegazingtowardtheheavensinanticipation. Whenwereturnedforanotherbrunchlaterintheseason,MichaelandIfeastedoureyesonatableoftreats:curriedpotatosalad,venisonpaté,freshstrawberriesandyogurt,cinnamonrolls,bakedapplesandglaze,homemadebreadandblackberrymarmalade,lemonbread,asparagusandsourcream-shallot-garlicsauce,goatcheesewithfig-orangemarmalade,chocolatebananabread,sun-driedtomato/artichokeheartquiche,roastedgarlicbread,SaintAlbrayandCambozolacheeses.Avaseoffreshflowers

Crested Butte Magazine <21>

contrasted with the snowy world outside. Looking over the spread, Eliane said in her inimitable accent, “This is how I eat. I’m interested in quality. I eat a little of many different things. For the brunch, I like to have some American favorites, but there’s a strong European influence – no bread that can sit on the shelf for six months. I want to make sure people can have some of their favorites but also something they wouldn’t have at home. I want it to be special.” Ever the culinary bloodhound, Eliane last winter ferreted out edible brunch wonders wherever she went: Whole Foods, the Paonia Bakery, the Coal Train in Hotchkiss. Many of her delights came from Cucina’s and other local sources like Izzy’s, Why Cook and Camp 4, along with baker-friends and local chefs; then Eliane added her own touches. From

two-plus decades as a server in Crested Butte’s fine eateries, Eliane knows food and the people who do it to perfection. When she envisioned smoked salmon for the grand-finale brunch, she consulted Soupcon chef Jason Vernon, who volunteered to smoke the fish for her. “Sometimes when I find something special, I can’t resist bringing it here for people to taste,” she said from her post at the antique stove. “Here, want to try a splash of kirsch in your cocoa?” For the winter 2009-2010 brunches, Eliane will coordinate with major business sponsor Maxwell’s Steakhouse, brainstorming with creative chef David Wooding. Maxwell’s will provide ingredients, prepare brunch specialties and provide dishware. “But there will still be room for Eliane’s special touches,” Keith said.

At the crepes brunch, about a dozen other people straggled in over the two-hour event, from Gray Hares (Crested Butte’s “mature” outdoorsy set) to a young couple visiting from the Midwest. Diners can be diverse, Eliane noted. Hard-core athletes might drop in for coffee and a sweet, then go ski a few laps before coming back to sample the main entrees. Locals have brought their elder parents, doing a mellow snowshoe traverse from the nearest parking lot (half a mile or so). Increasingly last winter, families discovered the brunches, with parents and older kids on skis and little ones pulled in sleds. By the last brunch of the season, 28 people milled happily about the yurt, including a passel of youngsters. A Dallas couple kicked back with their cocoa while

Storytelling around the wood stove. photo by Tom Stillo

Rush-hour traffic outside the yurt. photo by Tom Stillo

<22> Crested Butte Magazine

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their three kids built a snowman outside. “We have to search to find things for everyone to do together, especially the little ones,” the mom said. “This is great fun, perfect for our family.” Fellow diners who had sampled ski-in yurt meals in other places commented that Crested Butte’s was “much more gourmet than we’ve found anywhere else. It’s surprisingly unique.” Skiing into the cabin and gathering around the fire lends a feeling of wilderness camaraderie to the yurt brunch. “I love that part,” said Keith. When a group of girlfriends, including Glena Galloway and Laura Meredith, gathered for a celebration brunch, they lingered long after the feast had been served, the yurt cleaned up and the goods loaded back on the sled. “I left them still sitting there talking; I have no idea how long they stayed,” Keith said. “That’s exactly what I wanted to have happen.” So how do you serve a gourmet spread in a snowbound yurt? “We always have a plan B and sometimes a plan C and D,” Eliane said. “It’s tricky to present excellent food at the right temperature without all the fancy equipment.” The antique stove might be lovely to behold, but Eliane was less charmed until she unraveled its many idiosyncrasies. And Eliane and Keith long debated the best approach to coffee, especially since they never knew whether they’d be serving a crew of sippers,

teetotallers or guzzlers. Because there’s no plumbing (guests use a porta-potty behind the yurt for “that” kind of plumbing), all dishes must be transported in for serving and out for washing. “You have to remember everything; there’s no jumping in the car to go get the salad tongs,” Eliane said. Only once has Keith looked back from his snowmobile en route to the yurt to see the sled tipped on its side “and stuff scattered all over the Nordic trail.” He didn’t mind rounding it all up again, nor does he mind heading out to start a 7 a.m. fire to warm the yurt for the brunch crowd. “I lived for years in a little cabin with no plumbing. I hauled water from a stream and used wood heat. It was one of the most enjoyable times of my life. The yurt is like that for me – my little escape. It’s such a contrast to the ski area, a simple, easy-to-access retreat.” Keith pursued the idea of yurt dining in Crested Butte after seeing it done in other places. The yurt was donated to the Crested Butte Nordic Center, and volunteers erected it on the Magic Meadows land owned by the Crested Butte Land Trust. People can rent the yurt for private parties (like Geo Bullock’s wine-and-cheese birthday party last year). Feedback on last winter’s brunches was universally positive. “We didn’t make a ton of money from the yurt events, but they definitely added to the overall Nordic experience in Crested Butte,” Keith said.

Crested Butte Magazine <23>

After trying weekly yurt brunches and monthly full-moon dessert skis in 2008-2009, the Nordic Center will focus its energy on fewer events for the 2009-2010 ski season: five Sunday brunches and four fine dinners. (See schedule.) “The yurt is on Land Trust property, so we want to grow slowly, to make sure this fits the conservation use of the land,” Keith said. “We’ll continue to refine it, to take baby steps, to make it a quality thing, not jump instantly to a full-blown restaurant.” The evening dinners will feature candle-lit haute cuisine with some surprising touches. The meals will coincide with near-full moons, and diners can ski or snowshoe under the moonlight with a guide if they’d like. Back at our crepes brunch, happy digesters and rosy-cheeked newcomers gathered around the wood stove and the large central table. We swapped bites and talked about our kids, our lives, the glory of the day and, especially, the food. “What kind did you get?” “Man, this is so good.” “Eliane, what’s that subtle flavor...” Ah, it occurred to me, this is what the French have figured out: the joy of movement and the beauty of food. The shared meal as a celebration of life and companionship. After an invigorating ski, I’d just sampled a half-dozen wondrous tastes, but I hadn’t been tempted to shovel in the food... I wanted to savor each morsel. I wasn’t stuffed... I was sated. I wasn’t heavy of belly... I was light of being. This wasn’t a low-carb, low-fat or low G-index event. It was high-nurture, high-pleasure, high-satisfaction. Even surrounded by the crackle of wood stove and Gore-Tex, I felt almost... Francaise.

Eliane Wissocq, yurt gourmet. photo by Tom Stillo

<24> Crested Butte Magazine

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The Crested Butte Nordic Center will host five Sunday brunches and four full-moon dinners at the yurt

this winter. The yurt is also available for private events. To make advance

reservations, contact the Nordic Center at Second and Whiterock in

Crested Butte or phone 970-349-1707.

Sunday, dec. 20v Solstice Brunch at the yurt

Sunday, dec. 27v Brunch at the yurt

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heavy hors d’oeuvresSunday, Jan. 17v Brunch at the yurt

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v Full-Moon Yurt Dinner TourSunday, March 14v Brunch at the yurt

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Crested Butte Magazine <27>

Tiny, clever details make the museum’s model train display a captivating little wonder.

Occasionally while volunteering at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, I encounter visitors wandering around, half engaged – until I tell them about the model train display in the next room. Then the eyes of the children and husbands light up. After hustling to pay their $3 entry, they find themselves in the miniature coal-mining town of Crested Butte, framed by a mural of Big Mine Hill, Gibson Ridge and Whetstone Mountain. In this tiny world, it’s autumn in the 1920s.

A train track encircles replicas of 75 period buildings — including outhouses — picket fences, trees, gardens, wagons, little people and animals. Observers, like children nose-high to the glass enclosing the diorama table, insert a quarter into the coin-op, then watch spellbound during the minute that the train choos-choos around town.

Before the museum opened on Elk Avenue in 2003, its board of directors and Susan Medville, then executive director, considered a scaled train exhibit. But second homeowner Robert White “lit the fire,” Medville said. “He was passionate about having an exhibit, and thanks to him we put aside space for it.” He also provided drawings and ideas from which a small group of locals carried the concept to reality.

Story and photos by Sandra Cortner

Min

i but

mig

hty

Tom Bielefeld, recreating 1920s Crested Butte in miniature

<28> Crested Butte Magazine

They decided to use the HOn3 gauge model railroad scale of the actual narrow gauge trains that ran in the Crested Butte area. After Mike Fahrlander constructed the 12- by 18-foot table in 2003 and the streets were blue lined, artist Susan Anderton began historical research for her acrylic mural of the “Bench” and the Big Mine’s buildings. She shot photos from different angles in town and discovered old pictures and mine maps at the Town Hall. “Gary Christopher even loaned me some historical photos from his extensive collection,” she said.

Her layout in mind, she started by painting the sky with its impending storm, then Gibson Ridge and Whetstone Mountain with a dusting of snow. “It was very loose at first,” she explained. She stood on the particleboard surface of the table until she came to the lower part of the mural; then she had to kneel to finish the detailed buildings in the foreground.

“The guys were thrilled with the mural, saying, ‘You set the standard,’” noted Anderton.

The “guys” are Tom Bielefeld and Dave Watkins, the mini-town’s principal builders. Fascinated by model trains and by miniature scenes they remembered from their childhoods, they have spent countless unpaid hours during the past seven years constructing the diorama.

Bielefeld, the more experienced of the two, uses photos and measurements and draws plans to HO scale (1:87 proportion) on his computer. They built 22 buildings from scratch, including the Old Town Hall, Depot and Water Tower, for which they found blueprints. Watkins’ first scratch-built model was the Powerhouse. Except for Bielefeld’s blue home at 218 Sopris, the houses are from kits they buy from the Walthers Model Railroad Catalogue.

“It’s more rewarding to build from scratch, with actual scale replicas, rather than slamming together a generic western town,” said Bielefeld. “And we’ve learned so much about the history of this place.”

Their tool chest includes an HO scale ruler, dental picks, Exacto knives, little needle files, pencils, L-squares, contact cement, Super Glue, tweezers, clamps and tiny brushes. After cutting sheets of basswood in different textures for walls, they use styrene plastic sheets for roofing, siding and custom windows. Other details come from the kits. They have become masters at modifying kit figures; Bielefeld pointed out a man inspecting his foot after stepping in horse droppings. “I had to cut off his leg at the knee and turn it around.” They paint the buildings in today’s colors to make them recognizable since there are no historic color photos for reference.

“Because of the table size limitations, we’ve selectively compressed the town and moved around some of the streets,” explained Bielefeld. Not every house or building could

Crested Butte Magazine <29>

be included. The streets portrayed are Belleview, Sopris, Maroon, and Elk from First to Fourth streets, skipping down to the Depot on Seventh.

The builders have also taken creative license with placement—the engine house, for example—to satisfy the layout, explained Watkins. “We put in a tunnel, which was not originally here, because we wanted to give the illusion of the train going to Floresta.”

Anderton’s smaller mural on the west wall heightens the illusion. She could only reach the space by taking out one glass panel in the front and painting with her left hand as far as she could reach. Then she switched to her right (dominant) hand, but had to paint upside down perched on a stool.

A slice of 1920s Crested Butte life was chosen “because the mines and population were booming and more photos are available from that time,” explained Watkins.

The guys showed me the little vignettes, most of which I’d never noticed before. I loved the baseball diamond and bleachers located where my old house sits on Sopris. The ebullient Watkins pointed to men carrying an elk rack into the Elkhead Bar, a piano being unloaded at Mattivi’s Saloon, and a farmers’ market by the Depot where passengers wait for the train. The train emits smoke made from poly fiber, “like in pillow stuffing,” said Bielefeld, smiling. Watkins showed me the 48-star flags flying from the Depot and post office. Looking closely, I could see ravens on the rooftops and a horseshoe or two nailed up over tiny doorways.

“The last two years we’ve accomplished a lot because there were just two of us making decisions instead of a committee,” said Watkins. However, they are quick to credit others who helped with the project,

including Fahrlander, Bill Oberling, Matt Hudson, Dave McGuire, Marilyn Phillips, Michael (Igor) Klein, Gerald Smith and Molly Minneman. Funding increased the past two years as well, thanks to a generous grant from the Gunnison County Commissioners, said museum director Glo Cunningham.

Much work remains, including the Forest Queen Hotel, Old Rock Schoolhouse, Union Congregational Church and Yelenick’s Western Hotel. The labor is meticulous, tiring and time-consuming. Both use binocular magnifying glasses to avoid eyestrain. “I’ve been working on Kochevar’s for a long time,” said Watkins, “but only in three-hour stretches.”

Bielefeld spent about 175 hours on the Old Town Hall, 300 on the Depot. “Whenever I think it will take X amount of time, it always takes longer,” admitted Bielefeld, clearly a perfectionist. “Most of the details are in now so it makes the diorama look a lot more finished.”

Of course, there is always maintenance. Said Watkins, “Sometimes Bryan (Turpyn, museum employee) has called us saying, ‘The train is down,’ meaning it’s not running or tipped over. I always joke back, ‘Was anyone hurt?’” A few years ago, someone phoned Bielefeld. “There’s a mouse running around in here and it derailed the engine.” So the guys hustled on over to fix it, because their reward is much more than monetary. It’s pride in a job well done and the rapt attention of a fellow train buff, watching the train chug along.

Now that she’s learned about the diorama details, Sandra Cortner, author of Crested Butte Stories…Through My Lens, joins visitors at the display to point out the polka band in front of the Old Town Hall.

Limber backdrop artist Susan Anderton

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The white-haired gentleman pointed with his cane to the model train diorama in the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. Turning to the young girl at his side, he said, “Those are the steps we walked up to the mine.”

I was photographing the exhibit, but his words stopped me. It wasn’t often I met someone who’d lived here during the mining heyday, so I stayed to visit with Stephen Zinanti, 92.

He moved away long before I began documenting the old-timers. Now he’d returned with his family, including Avery, his granddaughter. The pair watched the miniature train chug around the tiny buildings of 1920s Crested Butte. Stephen’s warm brown

92 years and counting

eyes watered a bit.“Where’s the Elk Mountain House now?”

he wondered, pointing to the little historic replica. I told him the top stories suffered fire damage, and it was now Donita’s Mexican restaurant – but still with its pressed-tin ceiling.

Exploring the museum, he told us about “Moon,” his uncle Angelo Chiodo, whose photograph (now hanging in this museum) I took in 1969. Moon and Stephen’s dad operated a still during Prohibition in the back shed of the Chiodo home on White Rock Avenue. It wasn’t much of a secret; the Gunnison constable (not a “sheriff ” back then) was one of their best customers.

Stephen’s son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren followed him around, looking at the miners’ equipment and the mine-shaft diorama. Stephen pointed to his birth date on the historic timeline.

I introduced them to Jo Sedmak Laird, museum docent and daughter of Rudy Sedmak (one of Stephen’s peers, now deceased). Jo and Stephen’s conversation flitted from the United Mine Workers Union to mutual friends and relatives, including his cousin June Krizmanich, now of Gunnison. They did some head scratching over how many stairs climbed from town to Big Mine. Jo searched my book, Crested Butte Stories: Through My Lens, in the museum bookstore and announced, “176.”

Born March 31, 1917, in his family house on White Rock Avenue, Stephen was the oldest of nine children and attended the Old Rock Schoolhouse until age 10. During a miner’s strike in 1927, his family moved to Tioga, Colorado, so his dad could work in the mines there. They returned when Stephen was 13; he finished high school here. In 1939, he returned to Tioga to work in the Big 4 coal mine. I could scarcely imagine Stephen folding his six-foot-plus frame into dank narrow tunnels, three to four feet high, digging for coal. A soldier in World War II, Stephen now lives by himself in Denver, across the alley from his daughter.

When the Zinantis left, Stephen hugged Jo and me and said in a gravelly voice, “This is the best day I’ve had!”

By Sandra Cortner

Stephen Zinanti lived what we now call history.

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Crested Butte Magazine <33>

By Shelley Read

Life turns. In an instant, our lives can veer wildly from our expected paths

to hurl us in new and unanticipated directions. No one knows this better than celebrated telemark skier and Crested Butte native Max Mancini. On a fateful Sunday afternoon in September of 2007, Max and his pregnant fiancé, Molly Jackson, were returning to Crested Butte from Denver after a routine doctor visit. Tragedy struck when their car crossed the center line and collided with two oncoming vehicles, instantly killing Molly and their unborn son, and leaving Max with a compressed skull fracture and four broken ribs. Max was one of three victims in the accident flown by helicopter to Denver’s St. Anthony’s Hospital, where he underwent extensive neurosurgery to remove blood clots from his brain and repair the shattered right side of his skull. Driven by the same determination and discipline that had made him one of the nation’s most talented and progressive free-heeled skiers — with numerous championships and over 20 films to his credit, including four seasons with Warren Miller — Max slowly recovered, both physically and mentally. As news of his accident spread through the professional skiing world, he received an outpouring of support. In November, he was finally able to return home to the warm embrace of the Crested Butte community.

Free-heeling life’s turns

After tragedy struck, heralded telemarker Max Mancini found healing partly by giving to others.

: photo by Alex Fenlon

<34> Crested Butte Magazine

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“The people of Crested Butte rallied for me and my family in every possible way,” Max recalls. “It’s incredible to live in a town where I knew I didn’t have to explain what I had been through. After a lot of therapy, it’s not that I was afraid to talk about the accident, but it was nice not to have to, that people just knew, and they wanted to go out of their way to help.” Fueled by the love of his community, fans and family, Max continued to make progress. But, he says, it wasn’t until later that winter that the real healing began. In late December he was finally well enough to click into a pair of skis. Taking to the slopes that first time may not have been the extreme skiing he was used to, but he found it thrilling to re-enter what he wistfully called “the one normal part of my life that was left to me.” “For the two months I spent in Denver, all I could do was walk slowly around the block,” he says. “But once I could ski again, I really felt everything shift. Even on green runs when I first started, the motion stimulated my brain so much. It helped me reconnect and process everything that had happened.” Skiing became his mental and physical therapy, enabling him to more clearly contemplate what he needed to do to fully heal. In the process, Max began considering ways in which skiing might benefit others as much as it was helping him. “After my accident, I really felt I needed to add a more philanthropic aspect to my life,”

he says. “I always knew my life was meant for something more than being an athlete. I just hadn’t figured out what it was.” One year after Max’s life took a tragic turn, he discovered his answer. Motivated to share with others the remarkable healing energy of skiing and to help children in memory of his unborn son, Max founded Life Turns (www.lifeturns.org). The non-profit organization offers week-long outdoor adventure camps to 9-17 year olds living with illness, special needs, foster care and a variety of other challenges. The name of the organization acknowledges both the seismic turn of Max’s life and the power of the camps to turn an ill or challenged child’s life toward the positive. For Max, the main goal of Life Turns is to provide children facing difficulty the chance to make friends, have a break from hospitals and treatments, and “just let them be kids.” In conjunction with the Adaptive Sports Center, the first Life Turns camp hosted seven young Children’s Hospital patients and their families in March of 2008. “To be honest, I was excited about how it all came together for the first camp, but I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into,” reflects Max. “But then we picked the kids up to bring them to Crested Butte, and right from that moment I loved them. I knew Life Turns was offering them something special and really needed in their lives.”

Crested Butte Magazine <35>

He fondly remembers one young Life Turns participant who had endured 23 surgeries in her short life. “I took her down her first black run,” he says in wonderment. “To see that kind of excitement and joy is incredible. It’s impossible to explain. “We had an amazing first go of it,” Max says of the 2008 camp. “Several parents told us their kids had never been so excited. Their praise helped us see that we’ve created something very rare. At the end of the week, the kids didn’t want to leave.” Max hopes the experience will be “something happy the kids can hang on to and revisit in their minds whenever they are facing more illness or difficulties.” The camps take the children skiing and snowboarding and on winter adventures such as sledding, snowshoeing, igloo building and dog sledding, as well as providing team building games and group dinners in the evening. All of this is given to the families free of charge. “A lot of these families get stuck with so many hospital bills that they can’t afford a family vacation,” says Max. “Life Turns tries to allow the families to let go of their worries for a while and have fun. The parents are unbelievably grateful.” Life Turns would not be possible without constant fundraising and generous donations and help. Warren Miller Entertainment hosted screenings of Children of Winter to sold-out audiences in Crested Butte and Boulder last year to benefit the program. Molly’s parents, Sharon and Pete Jackson — whom Max

Life Turns camp participants: “something happy to hang on to.”

<36> Crested Butte Magazine

considers “a huge, huge inspiration” to him and his healing process — are board members and enthusiastic supporters. Life Turns has also been mentored by acclaimed professional kayaker Brad Ludden, founder of First Descents adventure camps for young cancer patients and the philanthropic website Athletes Giving. Max’s family, friends and the staff from the Adaptive Sports Center volunteer their time to the camps, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Denver’s Children’s Hospital also donate their services. “The support we’ve received to get us started has been incredible,” says Max. With two camps planned for March and April 2010, Max is eager to see Life Turns expand. He is cautious, however, not to outgrow the organization’s mission, to maintain a “close, personal feel” and accept only 10-15 children per camp. As plans are in the works for this season’s camps, Max is also bursting with plans for his own life and career. With the majority of his recovery now behind him, Max has returned to the ski film circuit and will be appearing in the upcoming Warren Miller release Dynasty. He is also co-founder of his own film company, Falling Forward Films, and continues to appear in television and print advertisements for Nature Valley Granola Bars. Aside from Life Turns, he is most keen about his other charitable endeavor — the recent release of his pro-model telemark ski, Rossignol’s “The System,” from which Max is donating all royalties to Denver’s Children’s Hospital. Rossignol has pledged to match Max’s donation, so approximately $100 from every sale of this first-ever freeheel pro-model ski will directly benefit children in need. “It’s always been a goal of mine to have a pro-model ski,” says Max, “but this one is particularly exciting because it’s benefiting such a great cause.” Life may turn, but Max Mancini reminds us that, no matter how tragic, the twists can be met with wisdom and determination. “My accident gave me the motivation to give back,” Max says. “Helping these kids is the biggest achievement not only of my ski career but of my life.”

: photo by Alex Fenlon

Crested Butte Magazine <37>

The Lodge at Mountaineer SquareUnit 210 • $399,000

Beautifully furnished, large studio with numerous amenities including indoor/outdoor pool, spa, hot tub, restaurants and cocktail lounge. Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s premier residence.

Chateaux CondominiumsUnit 504E • $269,000

Tastefully remodeled, spacious, fully furnished 3 bedroom/3 bath condo. Conveniently located on the ground floor and across the road from the base area. High end granite and travertine finishes throughout.

49 Cinnamon Mtn Road • $1,435,000Luxuriously finished 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with absolutely breath taking views to the West, North and South. Very comfortable and large open floor plan with over 3900 sq. ft.

35 Castle Road, Unit 2 • $299,000Nicely finished 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo. Newly completed renovation on the exterior and the interior has a luxurious remodel. Bus service out your front door.

59 Cinnamon Mountain Road • $1,880,000Over an acre of heavily treed land opens up to commanding views of Mt. Crested Butte, town of CB and the surrounding mountains. Graced with over 4800 sq. ft. this home is finished exquisitely with modern clean lines, travertine tile, maple and concrete floors and stained MDF ceilings. 4 bedroom with 4 full baths.

504 Mountain Edge • $299,000Beautifully remodeled two bedroom, two bath plus loft residence a two minute walk to the West Wall Lift. Overlooking the Paradise Divide and the town of Crested Butte this makes the perfect mountain get away.

38 Ruby Drive • $399,000Beautifully treed lot on the mountainside overlooking the Paradise Divide and Snodgrass Mountain. Many old growth aspens, easy building envelope and extremely private and quiet neighborhood. .58 of an acre.

34 Snowcrest Condominiums • $239,000This spacious condo has a pedestrian bridge access to the Ski Lifts. Hot tub, loft bedroom and large living area make this a great investment for the future.

23 Cinnamon Mountain Road • $849,000Beautiful single family home in a quiet neighborhood at the base of Mt. Crested Butte with 360 degree views of Mt. Crested Butte, Paradise Divide and Snodgrass Mtn. .56 of an acre level lot with a large lawn for all those family summer activities.

142 Larkspur Loop • $229,900This .21 acre lake front lot is one of the last available in the prestigious Larkspur Subdivision. The perfect location to begin your Crested Butte legacy enveloped in astonishing mountain views.

Artfully Uniting Extraordinary Homes with Extraordinary Lives.Mtn. Edge CondominiumsUnit 301 • $320,0002 bedroom, 2 bath, bright corner unit. Sit back and relax in your ten person hot tub after an exhilarating day on the mountain.

629 Gothic Road, Unit 8 • $159,000Inexpensive opportunity to own in the Town of Crested Butte with low dues. This 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo has impressive views of Mt. Crested Butte and Red Lady.

Grand LodgeUnit 466 $129,000 • Unit 255 $139,000Located directly in the base area just steps away from the slopes, bus stop and restaurants this studio is a great investment with the new Conference Center next door.

San Moritz CondominiumsUnit K 303 $649,000, Unit I 204 • $499,000 Unit P 204 • $449,000Commanding views of Paradise Divide from these ski in/ski out residences. On-site winter shuttle service. Hot tub, sauna and wood burning fireplaces. 3 bed, 3 bath and 2 bed, 2 bath floor plans available.

148 Elcho Avenue, Unit 14 & 15 • $138,500This spacious town home style residence boasts an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and has a large finished basement.

104 Pitchfork • $169,900This deed restricted 2 bedroom ,1.5 bath town home with one car garage makes the perfect locals home.

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Lot 3, Block 28, Crested Butte South • $160,000This is the perfect CB South lot to build your mountain home for generations to enjoy. Located hillside in CB South this lot enjoys the some of the best expansive views.

116 Stallion Circle • $89,000Come build your dream Crested Butte home in an exclusive neighborhood. This lot is located on waterfront with a pond and creek.

27 West Silver Sage • $324,900Quiet neighborhood with private fishing rights on the Slate River. Prodigious views of Mt. Crested Butte and Paradise Divide. Effortless access to the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course.LA

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117 Teocalli Road • $449,000Very large CB South home. Vaulted ceilings, four bedrooms and plenty of room in the over sized garage for all of your toys.S INGLE FAMILY

Corey Dwan • REALTORBenson Sotheby’s International Realty

P.O. Box 210433 Sixth Street

Crested Butte, CO 81224

970-596-3219 Cell970-349-6653 Office970-349-6654 FaxCorey.Dwan@SothebysRealty.comwww.CrestedButteForSale.com

<38> Crested Butte Magazine

#608 Mountaineer Square - Mt. Crested ButteTOP-FLOOR PENTHOUSE RESIDENCE. Vaulted ceilings, furniture upgrades, lock-off bedroom. Ski-in / Ski-out $849,000.

Call Doug at 970.349.6691.

157 Silver Sage Dr – Silver SageLocated along the Slate River, this beautiful 4 BD home sits on a 0.89-acre site just a few minutes from town. Fishing rights on the Slate River. Price is $1,780,000Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

4 Black Diamond – The SummitSKIERS DREAM! This handcrafted beautiful all new 4bed/4.5 bath BLACK DIAMOND RETREAT is the most affordable ski-in, ski-out single family home on Mt Crested Butte. Amazing Value! $2,945,000.Call Joan at 970.209.6897. GreenStoneHoldingsLLC.com

27 Treasury – Mt. Crested ButteBeautiful mountain home located near the base area, and within walking distance of the ski lifts. Quality home with brand new kitchen, convenient location, tremendous views and a great value. $875,000.

Call Bill at 970.209.5799. CB-RealEstate.com

63 Pristine Point – Mt. Crested ButteThis 4 BD / 4 BA mountain getaway is just minutes from skiing as well as shopping and amenities of historic Crested Butte. $$1,795,000.

Call Karen at 970.209.2668. CBProperty.com

716 S Avion – Buckhorn RanchSpectacular, level home site located in a quiet cul-de-sac within a community featuring a private runway located just a short drive to town and the ski resort. $135,000.

Call Darci at 970.596.4958. RealEstateinCB.com

20 Ruby Dr – Mt. Crested ButteBeautiful 5 BD / 3.5 BA home with apartment on a quiet street in Mt. Crested Butte. Steam shower. Granite countertops. Partially heated driveway. $999,000.

Call Dalynn at 970.596.3397. BuyinCB.com

Site 7 McCormick Ranch – Crested ButteBest views in the valley from this 35+ acre home site located steps away from downtown Crested Butte. Enjoy exclusive fishing rights on Slate River that runs through the property. $2,650,000.

Call Meg at 970.209.1210.

215 Skyland Lodge – SkylandThis gorgeous condo has been completely renovated. High-end finishes throughout. Fully furnished with a luxurious feel. Flexible owner carry options - call for details.Call Erin at 970.901.1440. RealEstate-CrestedButte.com

704 Whiterock – Crested ButteWow! One of the coolest homes in town. 5 BD / 5.5 BA, 3975 s.f. Formerly the Claim Jumper B&B, this home has undergone a total remodel. Unbeatable views and location. $2,400,000.

Call Doug at 970.275.2355. CBProperty.com

2 Aspen Hill – Treasury HillNestled in the aspens this 3260 s.f. home with many luxury features offers a walking town lifestyle. Zoning here allows additional s.f. $2,350,000.

Call Joan at 970.209.6897. CBProperty.com

#11 Evergreen – Mt. Crested ButteExcellent top floor location. Extensive renovations including new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, stainless appliances, new bathroom finishes, gas fireplace and tile floor. Easy walking distance to base area lifts. $325,000.Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

Downtown Crested Butte 970.349.6691 – Slopeside in Mt. Crested Butte 970.349.6692 – CBProperty.com

Inspired Mountain LivingInspired Mountain Living

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#215 Lodge at Mountaineer Square – Mt. Crested ButtePremier slopeside 1 bed/2 bath condo in Mountaineer Square. Elegant furnishings, underground parking, indoor/outdoor pool, and more. 2 BD / 3 BA, 1393 s.f. Priced to sell. $495,000

Call Karen at 970.275.2355

#L4 Outrun – Mt. Crested ButteGreat value for this spacious 3 BD top-floor residence, offering expansive views and vaulted ceilings. Extensive interior upgrades. Hot tub / sauna, tennis courts, on bus loop. $350,0000.

Call Darci at 970.596.4958. RealEstateinCB.com

16 Red Lady Way – Mt. Crested ButteRealize your dreams of ski-town living. This 5,296 s.f. mountain home offers 5 bedrooms, 6 full baths and 1 powder room, indoor lap pool, heated driveway and walking distance to ski trail. $1,195,000.Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692

Homesite S20 – SkylandLarge initial filing homesite with incredible views, 3.64 acres bordering USN Forest and the golf course. The price reflects all engineering and plans for a gorgeous custom. Motivated Seller! New Price: $1,150,000.

Call Meg at 970.209.1210.

12 Anthracite – Mt. Crested ButteOne of the finest homes in Mt. Crested Butte. Gorgeous, brand new 6190 s.f. timber frame home. 5 BD / 4.5 BA with many amenities. 2 master suites. $2,599,000.

Call Doug at 970.275.2355. CBProperty.com

#3 Silver Ridge – Mt. Crested ButteEnjoy direct ski-in / ski-out access from this stunning luxury residence on the mountain featuring 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, bonus room and 2-car garage.Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

36 Birdie Way – Crested ButteIncredible location at the 6th green at Skyland in this 3 BD free-standing townhome. Extensive upgrades and a full furniture package. Perfect opportunity to purchase your mountain getaway. $875,000.

Call Dalynn at 970.596.3397. BuyinCB.com

Home Sites at LarkspurCrested Butte’s newest subdivision located less than two miles from downtown. Surrounded by majestic views of Whetstone, Mt. Crested Butte and Paradise Divide. Priced from $41,940.

Call Meg at 970.209.1210.

#27A Villas – Mt. Crested ButteBrand new, spacious 4BD / 4.5 BA townhome. Superior construction and thoughtful design. Great views and just a short, easy 5 minute walk to the ski lifts. $875,000.

Call Doug at 970.275.2355.

Prospect – Mt. Crested ButteLocated on sunny slopes, these home sites offer the best ski-in/ski-out location and views in the area. We have the choice sites available, Prospect is the crown jewel of mountain living. Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

85 Alpine Court – Skyland River NeighborhoodEnjoy fantastic unobstructed views of Paradise Divide from this 3 BD / 2.5 BA home on the Slate River. Enjoy fishing rights out your back door. $695,000.

Call Meg at 970.209.1210.

2 Silver Lane – Mt. Crested ButteGreat corner location in Gold Link Subdivision. This 5 BD home is just a short walk to skiing. Two living areas, two wet bars for entertaining, fireplace, 2-car garage and views! $1,595,000.Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

Downtown Crested Butte 970.349.6691 – Slopeside in Mt. Crested Butte 970.349.6692 – CBProperty.com

Crested Butte Magazine <39>

#608 Mountaineer Square - Mt. Crested ButteTOP-FLOOR PENTHOUSE RESIDENCE. Vaulted ceilings, furniture upgrades, lock-off bedroom. Ski-in / Ski-out $849,000.

Call Doug at 970.349.6691.

157 Silver Sage Dr – Silver SageLocated along the Slate River, this beautiful 4 BD home sits on a 0.89-acre site just a few minutes from town. Fishing rights on the Slate River. Price is $1,780,000Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

4 Black Diamond – The SummitSKIERS DREAM! This handcrafted beautiful all new 4bed/4.5 bath BLACK DIAMOND RETREAT is the most affordable ski-in, ski-out single family home on Mt Crested Butte. Amazing Value! $2,945,000.Call Joan at 970.209.6897. GreenStoneHoldingsLLC.com

27 Treasury – Mt. Crested ButteBeautiful mountain home located near the base area, and within walking distance of the ski lifts. Quality home with brand new kitchen, convenient location, tremendous views and a great value. $875,000.

Call Bill at 970.209.5799. CB-RealEstate.com

63 Pristine Point – Mt. Crested ButteThis 4 BD / 4 BA mountain getaway is just minutes from skiing as well as shopping and amenities of historic Crested Butte. $$1,795,000.

Call Karen at 970.209.2668. CBProperty.com

716 S Avion – Buckhorn RanchSpectacular, level home site located in a quiet cul-de-sac within a community featuring a private runway located just a short drive to town and the ski resort. $135,000.

Call Darci at 970.596.4958. RealEstateinCB.com

20 Ruby Dr – Mt. Crested ButteBeautiful 5 BD / 3.5 BA home with apartment on a quiet street in Mt. Crested Butte. Steam shower. Granite countertops. Partially heated driveway. $999,000.

Call Dalynn at 970.596.3397. BuyinCB.com

Site 7 McCormick Ranch – Crested ButteBest views in the valley from this 35+ acre home site located steps away from downtown Crested Butte. Enjoy exclusive fishing rights on Slate River that runs through the property. $2,650,000.

Call Meg at 970.209.1210.

215 Skyland Lodge – SkylandThis gorgeous condo has been completely renovated. High-end finishes throughout. Fully furnished with a luxurious feel. Flexible owner carry options - call for details.Call Erin at 970.901.1440. RealEstate-CrestedButte.com

704 Whiterock – Crested ButteWow! One of the coolest homes in town. 5 BD / 5.5 BA, 3975 s.f. Formerly the Claim Jumper B&B, this home has undergone a total remodel. Unbeatable views and location. $2,400,000.

Call Doug at 970.275.2355. CBProperty.com

2 Aspen Hill – Treasury HillNestled in the aspens this 3260 s.f. home with many luxury features offers a walking town lifestyle. Zoning here allows additional s.f. $2,350,000.

Call Joan at 970.209.6897. CBProperty.com

#11 Evergreen – Mt. Crested ButteExcellent top floor location. Extensive renovations including new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, stainless appliances, new bathroom finishes, gas fireplace and tile floor. Easy walking distance to base area lifts. $325,000.Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

Downtown Crested Butte 970.349.6691 – Slopeside in Mt. Crested Butte 970.349.6692 – CBProperty.com

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#215 Lodge at Mountaineer Square – Mt. Crested ButtePremier slopeside 1 bed/2 bath condo in Mountaineer Square. Elegant furnishings, underground parking, indoor/outdoor pool, and more. 2 BD / 3 BA, 1393 s.f. Priced to sell. $495,000

Call Karen at 970.275.2355

#L4 Outrun – Mt. Crested ButteGreat value for this spacious 3 BD top-floor residence, offering expansive views and vaulted ceilings. Extensive interior upgrades. Hot tub / sauna, tennis courts, on bus loop. $350,0000.

Call Darci at 970.596.4958. RealEstateinCB.com

16 Red Lady Way – Mt. Crested ButteRealize your dreams of ski-town living. This 5,296 s.f. mountain home offers 5 bedrooms, 6 full baths and 1 powder room, indoor lap pool, heated driveway and walking distance to ski trail. $1,195,000.Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692

Homesite S20 – SkylandLarge initial filing homesite with incredible views, 3.64 acres bordering USN Forest and the golf course. The price reflects all engineering and plans for a gorgeous custom. Motivated Seller! New Price: $1,150,000.

Call Meg at 970.209.1210.

12 Anthracite – Mt. Crested ButteOne of the finest homes in Mt. Crested Butte. Gorgeous, brand new 6190 s.f. timber frame home. 5 BD / 4.5 BA with many amenities. 2 master suites. $2,599,000.

Call Doug at 970.275.2355. CBProperty.com

#3 Silver Ridge – Mt. Crested ButteEnjoy direct ski-in / ski-out access from this stunning luxury residence on the mountain featuring 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, bonus room and 2-car garage.Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

36 Birdie Way – Crested ButteIncredible location at the 6th green at Skyland in this 3 BD free-standing townhome. Extensive upgrades and a full furniture package. Perfect opportunity to purchase your mountain getaway. $875,000.

Call Dalynn at 970.596.3397. BuyinCB.com

Home Sites at LarkspurCrested Butte’s newest subdivision located less than two miles from downtown. Surrounded by majestic views of Whetstone, Mt. Crested Butte and Paradise Divide. Priced from $41,940.

Call Meg at 970.209.1210.

#27A Villas – Mt. Crested ButteBrand new, spacious 4BD / 4.5 BA townhome. Superior construction and thoughtful design. Great views and just a short, easy 5 minute walk to the ski lifts. $875,000.

Call Doug at 970.275.2355.

Prospect – Mt. Crested ButteLocated on sunny slopes, these home sites offer the best ski-in/ski-out location and views in the area. We have the choice sites available, Prospect is the crown jewel of mountain living. Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

85 Alpine Court – Skyland River NeighborhoodEnjoy fantastic unobstructed views of Paradise Divide from this 3 BD / 2.5 BA home on the Slate River. Enjoy fishing rights out your back door. $695,000.

Call Meg at 970.209.1210.

2 Silver Lane – Mt. Crested ButteGreat corner location in Gold Link Subdivision. This 5 BD home is just a short walk to skiing. Two living areas, two wet bars for entertaining, fireplace, 2-car garage and views! $1,595,000.Call Joel or Charlie of the Mtn Office at 970.349.6692.

Downtown Crested Butte 970.349.6691 – Slopeside in Mt. Crested Butte 970.349.6692 – CBProperty.com

<40> Crested Butte Magazine

Life is just different in Crested Butte

The morning commute

: photo by J.C. Leacock

Crested Butte Magazine <41>

Clearing out the “in” basket

Lunch break

: photo by J.C. Leacock

: photo by Tom Stillo

<42> Crested Butte Magazine

Crested Butte kids seat

Creating effective business distribution systems

: photo by Tom Stillo: photo by Nathan Bilow

Crested Butte Magazine <43>

Happy hour for the uber-fit

: photo by Nathan Bilow

<44> Crested Butte Magazine

Crested Butte Magazine <45>

and other mysteries of snowWhy it’s white

Snow. If you’re reading this in Crested Butte in the winter, you’re probably happily surrounded by it. My purpose here is a deeper look at the white stuff – something to think about as you’re riding up the ski lift looking at it, or taking one of those mandatory 20-second breathing breaks after you’ve done a faceplant in it, or brushing it off your car or sidewalk downtown. We sometimes excoriate science for taking all the mystery out of life, but really, the more you learn about snow, the more fascinating it gets.

By George Sibley

: photo by Kevin Krill

<46> Crested Butte Magazine

Diamond Blue Pool & Spa

Also offering Connelly Billiards & Accessorieswww.connelly.com

329 Belleview Avenue, Crested Buttewww.d1.com • www.aquaticfitnesssystem.com

Energy Efficient Hot Tubs • Maintenance Contracts • Supplies & Repairs

970.349.6202

Snow is not just frozen water. Water vapor – water in its gaseous form – accumulated in clouds high above the earth, at low atmospheric pressures, can get as cold as 40 below zero without turning to ice. But when molecules of that super-cooled water vapor bump into tiny floating particles of dust or anything else light enough to float in air, they explode like popcorn, from water vapor to ice clinging to that particle, and the resulting ice crystals begin their journey from cloud to ski slope. As they drift downward, these molecular crystals bump into and latch onto other crystals, and so become snowflakes. The kind and shape of snowflake depends on the temperatures and humidities they encounter on their descent to the ground. When the temperature they form at and fall through is warmer than 27 degrees F, the snowflakes are flat and hexagonal; between 23 and 27 degrees, needle-shaped; 18 to 23 degrees, hollow prismatic columns; and below 18 degrees, columnar, hexagonal or fernlike flakes. The higher the humidity, the larger the flakes become as they fall and join with others. The particles seem to be as important as the water vapor for snowflakes to form, which is why most ski resorts, including Crested Butte, now invest in cloud-seeding – pumping particulate material (silver iodide or propane)

small and light enough to float up through the atmosphere into cloud formations. Skeptics see it as a form of praying – like Buddhist prayer-wheels cranking prayers into the sky – and observe that no one has ever proven this actually works. But those with millions of dollars invested in snow-based recreations continue to pump their particulate prayers into the sky, noting that no one has proven that it doesn’t work. Watching the snow drift down, we see it as white, but when we catch a flake on our hand and it melts, the white disappears into transparent water. Why is snow white? That’s because snowflakes are more air than ice, and the translucent ice crystals joined in snowflakes have many reflecting surfaces. Light rays “enter” a snowflake’s air spaces and bounce around and eventually get reflected back out of the snowflake. None of the photons gets absorbed in that bouncing around, so the light that emerges still has the whole visible spectrum, which registers on our eyes as white. Every so often you’ll look at a snowfield and see a quick spot-glint of red or some other color; a light wave has just banged into a snowflake’s core particle, which absorbed all the light energy except what reflected back as a colored sparkle to your lucky eyes. The fact that snow is more air than ice

Crested Butte Magazine <47>

is evident to anyone who has ever packed a snowball or watched the level of a snowpack drop in the days following a storm. The points of the snowflakes begin to break off from the weight of other snowflakes on top of them; the crystals crowd in on each other; the air gets squeezed out; and the snow grows denser through time. Anyone who has skied in powder (and everyone should) knows how, during the storm itself, the snow is so light that your skis are actually almost down at the old pre-storm snowpack surface. It is only after the snow has had a chance to settle a little that you get that incredible slo-mo sense of floating down into the new snow and back up for your turn, then the float down again.... It’s as close as you’ll get to skiing on a cloud, maybe as close as we get to heaven on earth. Once it’s down on the ground, the snow doesn’t stop changing. Snow is a great insulator, and despite the cold air above the snowpack, the ground underneath warms up. The earth’s heat percolating up into the snow causes the crystals to morph into larger, more fragile crystals called “depth hoar” – a weak

and nasty layer that crumbles under your skis if you are trying to ski off a packed area, and also crumbles under the weight of new snow, precipitating avalanches. As the winter goes on and the snow piles up, it continues to pack down, and that light fluffy stuff becomes, on a hillside, a slumping weight that snaps fence wires and bends trees. If more snow comes over the winter than melts over the summer, the new snow coming the next winter compresses the old stuff to ice;

when that happens over millennia, glaciers form that are capable of grinding great cirques out of mountain rock, like the Red Lady Bowl above Crested Butte – the debris from which

was pushed by glacial ice to form the rise just south and east of town. There are other interesting interactions between the snow and the environment into which it falls. There’s the sun, for one big thing. Most of our heat on earth comes from short-wave radiation from the sun slamming into the earth and being absorbed by things that reflect back to us as green things, brown things, et cetera. The transformed solar energy gets converted into long-wave infrared

While it may look from the ski lift like the snowpack is just lying there,

it is actually a very dynamic phenomenon in constant interaction

with its environment.

<48> Crested Butte Magazine

radiation — heat, some of which gets caught in the atmosphere, the greenhouse effect that makes the planet livable for water-based life (us). But you’ve already heard how the snow, with its labyrinthine microstructure of air and ice crystals, distracts and diverts the light from the sun, eventually reflecting it back, still as white light, and absorbing almost nothing as solar heat. This is snow’s “albedo” effect, and you can probably see how, when glaciers form, that albedo enables them to grow as more of the planet, in either high altitudes or high latitudes, is reflecting light rather than absorbing its energy as heat. That is desirable; we want the snowpack to protect itself that way until the ambient air temperature warms up enough in the spring to melt the snow relatively quickly. Another elemental force that works on the snowpack is the wind, impacting it in two

ways. First, the wind moves exposed snow around (as you no doubt know if you’ve been out on the slopes on a windy day). But after the wind has moved snow around, there is less snow; the wind breaks up snow particles and a certain amount of the blown snow gets transformed from ice directly back to water vapor, a process called sublimation, which bypasses the liquid phase of water. This happens whether the wind is warm (a “chinook”) or cold. The snowpack’s only protection against wind is the hard crust that forms in windy places, a surface that slows but doesn’t stop the wind’s erosive “water-sucking” action. The sun also causes sublimation when snow falls on a forested area. Some of the snow gets caught on branches; then when the sun comes out, the dark branches convert solar energy to heat, which warms the snow

: photo by Dusty Demerson

Crested Butte Magazine <49>

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Snowmobile Central 2-3V 10/22/09 8:55 AM Page 1

from below enough to cause sublimation even when the temperature is below freezing. Studies indicate that removing the forest cover from a mountainside can significantly increase the water yield from a winter’s snow by diminishing that sublimation – unless the clearing process exposes the snowpack to wind, which leads to wind sublimation. Today a lot of forest cover is being stripped from mountains – by bark beetles, an unfolding disaster in the Southern Rockies that has fortunately not (yet – knock on wood) hit the Upper Gunnison valley. But whether the silver lining on that cloud is an increased water runoff depends on the wind, which has been increasing in recent years and bringing another big impact on snowpack. As the wind moves over the deserts west of the mountains, it picks up dust, and between the impacts of a drought early this 21st century and human activities in the desert, from grazing to ATVs, there is ever more dust to pick up. This mostly-red dust gets carried into the mountains and deposited on the snow. Instead of reflecting sunlight, the dust absorbs it with enough heat to cause the snow to start melting even when winter temperatures prevail. People in Crested Butte last April experienced one of the biggest dust-on-snow events in recorded history. On April 3, an afternoon storm came in on reddish-brown clouds, and several inches of red snow fell. People out skiing had the unnerving experience of looking back to see their tracks white against pink snow. When it melted – rather quickly – everything was really dirty. This “red snow” phenomenon has become frequent enough that it is being studied at the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies in Silverton, Colorado, with one study site up in our own Taylor Park. Last winter, the researchers recorded 12 “dust-on-snow” events, twice more than had been measured any year before. The consequence was a snowmelt and runoff of water that peaked in mid-May, three weeks earlier than the long-term norm. This does not necessarily hurt the water supply from the mountains (although it increases the amount of silt washing into, and ultimately filling, reservoirs), but it can make for an abbreviated ski season, with increasingly lousy skiing as the melt accelerates with more of the dust concentrating on the surface. So while it may look, from the ski lift, like the snowpack is just lying there, providing you a recreational experience, it is actually a very dynamic phenomenon in constant interaction with its environment, changing the earth beneath it, and being changed by the earth, sun and moving air. Enjoy it more, knowing how lucky we are to have it – and not too much of it either.

<50> Crested Butte Magazine

Snow ice creamRemember this from your childhood?You can leave a large bowl outside in a snowstorm until it’s full of fresh snow, but up here you might lose the bowl and not find it until the April thaw. Otherwise, just walk outside and turn in any direction; you’ll probably find enough clean snow to make an army’s worth of ice cream.

Version one, approximate ingredients: 1 gallon of snow1 cup sugar1 tablespoon vanilla extract2 cups milk or less (whole milk

tastes best)Stir the sugar and vanilla into the snow, adjust to taste, then stir in just enough milk to get the consistency you want. If it gets too runny, add more snow. Serve immediately.

Version two, a snow dessert for two:2-3 cups snow2 tablespoons half and half1 tablespoon maple syrup1 tablespoon cocoa powder1 dash vanillaAdd the other ingredients to the snow in a bowl, smash it all together and eat it right away.

Snow taffy Kathy Darrow’s recipe, back by popular demand. A great way to celebrate a new snowfall.

Bring a cup of maple syrup (this should be the real thing, no corn syrup substitutes!) to a low boil; if you have a candy thermometer, the syrup should ideally be heated to 235 F. Gently pour tablespoonfuls of warm syrup onto clean packed snow. Let cool, then peel off of the snow and enjoy!

“Cooking”with snowOne more thing you want to know about the white stuff.

Crested Butte Magazine <51>

<52> Crested Butte Magazine

WWW.PREMIER-MOUNTAIN-PROPERTIES.COMPromoting and Supporting a Positive Community and Lifestyle.970.349.6114 • 318 Elk Avenue • Box 1081 • Crested Butte, Colorado 81224Buck Sturm 303.249.2606 • Mindy Sturm 970.209.0911 • Melanie Swaine 970.275.0589 • Brian Cooper 970.275.8022

CRESTED BUTTE TOWNHOMES

EXCLUSIVE CLIENT SERVICES

341 Blackstock Dr. • $99,000This oversized HOME OR DUPLEXsite features much desired greenspace and a seasonal stream.Immense southern exposure offersgreat solar opportunities.

GREEN SPACE WITH STREAM

SUPER SOLAR EFFICIENT

IN TOWN LIVING

189 Shavano • $345,000This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath spacious townhome with garage is offered for lessthan $174 per sq. ft. Recent remodelhas opened the kitchen to capture theamazing views! Solar exposure makethis home super efficient.

300 Bellview Unit 6 • $199,000Great 1 bedroom, 1 bath 594 sq. ft.unit in town. Short bike ride toshopping, restaurants and the skishuttle stop! Great views of Red Ladyfrom your living room!

RIVER ACCESS PROPERT Y

AFFORDABLE GUNNISON LIVING

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOMEBRING ALL OFFERS!

SECLUSION IN THE TREES

LOT ON PRIVATE CUL-DE-SAC

Prospect, Lot C-6 • $695,000Best lot in phase 1 that is ski-in/ski-out andon the fence line. $50,000 credit for you todesign your home with Sunlit Architecture.Sellers will not be undersold! Bring alloffers! Sellers will pay first year taxes.Trades, financing, or joint ventures available.

SKI-IN/SKI-OUT Prospect, Lot C-3 • $495,000Seller will pay first year of taxes whileyou build on this 1.19 acre home site.Forever protected views of theWhiterock Mountain Range. Can buildup to 5,000 sq. ft. Will trade boat,plan or property.

Ruby Road, Lot 31 • $299,000This premier Mt. Crested Butte ski-inlot is the perfect alpine setting foryour mountain retreat. Numerousmature pine and aspen trees.Financing available with competitiveinterest rate- no closing costs!

Lapis Lane, Lot 4 • $585,000Located in the coveted Gold Linkneighborhood on a private cul-de-sacthis .34 acre lot has easy ski-in/ski-outaccess! Enjoy mountain views! There isno HOA, therefore no HOA fees. Ownerfinancing possible.

FISHERMAN’S’ DREAM Rainbow Acres • $125,000River front subdivision with privatefishing rights on the Gunnison River.Lot 12 has a well and offers unobstructedriver and valley views. You will enjoythe convenience to Gunnison.

HIDEAWAY ON THE RIVER 129 County Road 11 • $239,500Charming cabin tucked away onits own little hideaway on the river.Unique opportunity with so manypossibilities. Just under three miles todowntown Gunnison.

PRIVATE FISHING RIGHTS 127 County Road 11 • $317,000Secluded Gunnison River frontage withina short bike ride to downtown Gunnison.Private fishing rights included! Newlyconverted porch makes a great bonusroom with a amazing view of theGunnison River.

FISHING ACCESS 114 Diamond Lane • $310,000Craftsman style home built with greatcare and love. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathhas a large, warm attached 2 car garageand hand crafted features throughout.Just a short walk to fishing on theGunnison River.

LARGE FENCED CORNER LOT 18 Bambi, Gunnison • $224,500Newer, sunny 3 bedroom, 2 bath townhome with a super sized garage.Best priced unit in the neighborhood.Features a large fenced corner lotand open floor plan. First floor masterbedroom and buyer incentives.

Let our teamhelp you Unlock Paradise.

Premier Mountain Properties’ office located at 318 Elk Avenue, Suite 15 inhistoric downtown Crested Butte provides the following services to clients:

• Wireless Hotspot • Phone Services• Conference Facilities • Printing, Copying and Faxing• Federal Express and UPS Delivery

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

UNDER CONTRACT

HISTORIC HOME 210 N. 12th Street • $399,000This home was originally built in1883 and is in the final stages of acomplete restoration. Featuring 3bedrooms, 2 baths and a spaciouskitchen. Great opportunity to owna unique piece of Gunnison history.

93 Meridian Lake DriveWashington Gulch • $597,000

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom with garageis on a .49 acre lot borderingopen space. Protected views,

tennis courts and fishing rights too!

17 Anthracite • $700,000Savor majestic mountain views fromthis home on .85 acre. Landscaping,

interior and exterior renovations havebegun. This home is being completely

gutted and adding garage.

Skyland Lodge PenthouseUnit 401 • $100,000The unit features a loft, amplemorning sun and views of Mt. CrestedButte. Enjoy the neighborhood trailsthat lead into the National Forest.

EXQUISITE MOUNTAIN LIVING20 Glacier Lily • $1,125,000This 3,616 sq. ft. Post & Beam features

an open floor plan and magnificentprotected views. Oversized 2 bay attached

garage includes a apartment. Situatedon oversized 1.58 acre lot and borders

3 acres of open space.

360˚ MOUNTAIN VIEWS

ON FENCE LINE

ENJOY THE SERENITY

RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY!

HAS A LOFT

West Elk CenterUnit 102 - 428 sq. ft. - $199,000Unit 103 - 357 sq. ft. - $166,000

Commercial space with great access,good traffic count, visibility and parking.

Spacious common area and restrooms.

COMMERCIAL CRESTED BUTTE

110 S. 12th Street • $249,500This Gunnison property is 11,500 sq. ft. with 3

buildings and 2 sheds. Building 1 is a residentialhome/commercial 1,375 sq. ft. building.

Building 2 is a 300 sq. ft. retail space. Building 3is a detached 322 sq. ft. garage.

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL

720 S. Avion Drive • $1,249,000Latest creation by Hillside Custom

Homes maximizes the commanding360 degree views. This 4 bedroom,

3,000+ sq. ft. home has been designedwith rustic elegance.

MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT550 L. Highlands Rd. • $1,248,000Perfect retreat nestled in the aspens on 15+

acres with well and water rights. Spectacularviews of mountain sunsets. Features graniteslabs, stone tile, vaulted ceilings, large loft,

expansive decks and outdoor hot tub.

WWW.PREMIER-MOUNTAIN-PROPERTIES.COM

BORDERS OPEN SPACE Bridle Spur, Lot M3-31$155,000This home site is ready for you tobuild now! All taps are paid, no extracost to you! Just a few miles south ofHistoric Downtown Crested Butte.• M2-26 single family lot $130,000

COMMERCIAL PROPERT Y

ROBERT TRENT JONES JR. GOLFTBD Country Club Drive$2,287,5004,500+ sq. ft. golfer’s dream homelocated on a .73 acre lot. Fivebedrooms, extra living & entertainingspace and two car garage.Gorgeous mountain views!

ROOM TO GROW

Skyland LodgeUnit 402 • $109,000Newly Remodeled Kitchen! Enjoyspectacular views of Whetstonefrom your south facing balcony.Just across the street from the golfcourse club house!

OVERLOOKING GOLF COURSE

Skyland LodgeUnit 404 • $99,000Most affordable unit in The SkylandLodge! Next to unit 402. Purchaseboth units (402 and 404) for only$186,500 and convert into a 1,100sq. ft. penthouse!

COMMANDING VIEWS!

83 Alpine Court$580,000Beautiful 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathhand-crafted home features woodfloors, granite, custom wrought-ironrailings, and tile. Affordableopportunity! A must see!

DAN MURPHY DESIGN

South Avion, Lot M3-52$175,000The best lot in Brookside, offeringbiggest views and immense Southernexposure! Located just minutes fromCrested Butte and skiing!• Other lots starting at $115,000

FLY IN TO, F ISH AND SKI!Aviation Club, Lot 67$397,000Fly to Crested Butte and enjoy yourmountain home! Rare opportunity topurchase a spectacular 1.43 acrerunway home and hangar site.Panoramic mountain views.

LARGE LOT ON RUNWAY

IMMENSE SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

Crested Butte Magazine <53>

WWW.PREMIER-MOUNTAIN-PROPERTIES.COMPromoting and Supporting a Positive Community and Lifestyle.970.349.6114 • 318 Elk Avenue • Box 1081 • Crested Butte, Colorado 81224Buck Sturm 303.249.2606 • Mindy Sturm 970.209.0911 • Melanie Swaine 970.275.0589 • Brian Cooper 970.275.8022

CRESTED BUTTE TOWNHOMES

EXCLUSIVE CLIENT SERVICES

341 Blackstock Dr. • $99,000This oversized HOME OR DUPLEXsite features much desired greenspace and a seasonal stream.Immense southern exposure offersgreat solar opportunities.

GREEN SPACE WITH STREAM

SUPER SOLAR EFFICIENT

IN TOWN LIVING

189 Shavano • $345,000This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath spacious townhome with garage is offered for lessthan $174 per sq. ft. Recent remodelhas opened the kitchen to capture theamazing views! Solar exposure makethis home super efficient.

300 Bellview Unit 6 • $199,000Great 1 bedroom, 1 bath 594 sq. ft.unit in town. Short bike ride toshopping, restaurants and the skishuttle stop! Great views of Red Ladyfrom your living room!

RIVER ACCESS PROPERT Y

AFFORDABLE GUNNISON LIVING

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOMEBRING ALL OFFERS!

SECLUSION IN THE TREES

LOT ON PRIVATE CUL-DE-SAC

Prospect, Lot C-6 • $695,000Best lot in phase 1 that is ski-in/ski-out andon the fence line. $50,000 credit for you todesign your home with Sunlit Architecture.Sellers will not be undersold! Bring alloffers! Sellers will pay first year taxes.Trades, financing, or joint ventures available.

SKI-IN/SKI-OUT Prospect, Lot C-3 • $495,000Seller will pay first year of taxes whileyou build on this 1.19 acre home site.Forever protected views of theWhiterock Mountain Range. Can buildup to 5,000 sq. ft. Will trade boat,plan or property.

Ruby Road, Lot 31 • $299,000This premier Mt. Crested Butte ski-inlot is the perfect alpine setting foryour mountain retreat. Numerousmature pine and aspen trees.Financing available with competitiveinterest rate- no closing costs!

Lapis Lane, Lot 4 • $585,000Located in the coveted Gold Linkneighborhood on a private cul-de-sacthis .34 acre lot has easy ski-in/ski-outaccess! Enjoy mountain views! There isno HOA, therefore no HOA fees. Ownerfinancing possible.

FISHERMAN’S’ DREAM Rainbow Acres • $125,000River front subdivision with privatefishing rights on the Gunnison River.Lot 12 has a well and offers unobstructedriver and valley views. You will enjoythe convenience to Gunnison.

HIDEAWAY ON THE RIVER 129 County Road 11 • $239,500Charming cabin tucked away onits own little hideaway on the river.Unique opportunity with so manypossibilities. Just under three miles todowntown Gunnison.

PRIVATE FISHING RIGHTS 127 County Road 11 • $317,000Secluded Gunnison River frontage withina short bike ride to downtown Gunnison.Private fishing rights included! Newlyconverted porch makes a great bonusroom with a amazing view of theGunnison River.

FISHING ACCESS 114 Diamond Lane • $310,000Craftsman style home built with greatcare and love. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathhas a large, warm attached 2 car garageand hand crafted features throughout.Just a short walk to fishing on theGunnison River.

LARGE FENCED CORNER LOT 18 Bambi, Gunnison • $224,500Newer, sunny 3 bedroom, 2 bath townhome with a super sized garage.Best priced unit in the neighborhood.Features a large fenced corner lotand open floor plan. First floor masterbedroom and buyer incentives.

Let our teamhelp you Unlock Paradise.

Premier Mountain Properties’ office located at 318 Elk Avenue, Suite 15 inhistoric downtown Crested Butte provides the following services to clients:

• Wireless Hotspot • Phone Services• Conference Facilities • Printing, Copying and Faxing• Federal Express and UPS Delivery

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

UNDER CONTRACT

HISTORIC HOME 210 N. 12th Street • $399,000This home was originally built in1883 and is in the final stages of acomplete restoration. Featuring 3bedrooms, 2 baths and a spaciouskitchen. Great opportunity to owna unique piece of Gunnison history.

93 Meridian Lake DriveWashington Gulch • $597,000

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom with garageis on a .49 acre lot borderingopen space. Protected views,

tennis courts and fishing rights too!

17 Anthracite • $700,000Savor majestic mountain views fromthis home on .85 acre. Landscaping,

interior and exterior renovations havebegun. This home is being completely

gutted and adding garage.

Skyland Lodge PenthouseUnit 401 • $100,000The unit features a loft, amplemorning sun and views of Mt. CrestedButte. Enjoy the neighborhood trailsthat lead into the National Forest.

EXQUISITE MOUNTAIN LIVING20 Glacier Lily • $1,125,000This 3,616 sq. ft. Post & Beam features

an open floor plan and magnificentprotected views. Oversized 2 bay attached

garage includes a apartment. Situatedon oversized 1.58 acre lot and borders

3 acres of open space.

360˚ MOUNTAIN VIEWS

ON FENCE LINE

ENJOY THE SERENITY

RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY!

HAS A LOFT

West Elk CenterUnit 102 - 428 sq. ft. - $199,000Unit 103 - 357 sq. ft. - $166,000

Commercial space with great access,good traffic count, visibility and parking.

Spacious common area and restrooms.

COMMERCIAL CRESTED BUTTE

110 S. 12th Street • $249,500This Gunnison property is 11,500 sq. ft. with 3

buildings and 2 sheds. Building 1 is a residentialhome/commercial 1,375 sq. ft. building.

Building 2 is a 300 sq. ft. retail space. Building 3is a detached 322 sq. ft. garage.

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL

720 S. Avion Drive • $1,249,000Latest creation by Hillside Custom

Homes maximizes the commanding360 degree views. This 4 bedroom,

3,000+ sq. ft. home has been designedwith rustic elegance.

MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT550 L. Highlands Rd. • $1,248,000Perfect retreat nestled in the aspens on 15+

acres with well and water rights. Spectacularviews of mountain sunsets. Features graniteslabs, stone tile, vaulted ceilings, large loft,

expansive decks and outdoor hot tub.

WWW.PREMIER-MOUNTAIN-PROPERTIES.COM

BORDERS OPEN SPACE Bridle Spur, Lot M3-31$155,000This home site is ready for you tobuild now! All taps are paid, no extracost to you! Just a few miles south ofHistoric Downtown Crested Butte.• M2-26 single family lot $130,000

COMMERCIAL PROPERT Y

ROBERT TRENT JONES JR. GOLFTBD Country Club Drive$2,287,5004,500+ sq. ft. golfer’s dream homelocated on a .73 acre lot. Fivebedrooms, extra living & entertainingspace and two car garage.Gorgeous mountain views!

ROOM TO GROW

Skyland LodgeUnit 402 • $109,000Newly Remodeled Kitchen! Enjoyspectacular views of Whetstonefrom your south facing balcony.Just across the street from the golfcourse club house!

OVERLOOKING GOLF COURSE

Skyland LodgeUnit 404 • $99,000Most affordable unit in The SkylandLodge! Next to unit 402. Purchaseboth units (402 and 404) for only$186,500 and convert into a 1,100sq. ft. penthouse!

COMMANDING VIEWS!

83 Alpine Court$580,000Beautiful 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathhand-crafted home features woodfloors, granite, custom wrought-ironrailings, and tile. Affordableopportunity! A must see!

DAN MURPHY DESIGN

South Avion, Lot M3-52$175,000The best lot in Brookside, offeringbiggest views and immense Southernexposure! Located just minutes fromCrested Butte and skiing!• Other lots starting at $115,000

FLY IN TO, F ISH AND SKI!Aviation Club, Lot 67$397,000Fly to Crested Butte and enjoy yourmountain home! Rare opportunity topurchase a spectacular 1.43 acrerunway home and hangar site.Panoramic mountain views.

LARGE LOT ON RUNWAY

IMMENSE SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

<54> Crested Butte Magazine

: photo by Xavier Fane

Crested Butte Magazine <55>

ItbeganwithabottleofwhiskeyandacampfireconversationinthehighechelonsofBrackenCreek.Throughthepitchblackofthenight,myfriendrecountedthemostdetailedUFOsightingstoryI’deverheard.ItcenteredonthebroadexpanseofTreasuryMountain,theopenplatformofYulePass.Low-lyingcloudswaftedaroundthesummit.Ametallicstructurehovered,legsdescended,adoorextended. I’dheardotherstoriesofalienactivityonYulePass.Somepeople,itwassaid,wouldn’tgothereanymore. StoriesofextraterrestrialactivityaroundCrestedButterunfaranddeep.MarcieTelanderwroteinthesummer1994Crested Butte Magazineofagiantshadowfallingoveranold-timerwhilehesatintheCementCreekCaves.Allsoundstopped;everythingbecamedeadstill.Abovetheridgehesawaflyingobjectlikeagoldminer’splacerpan.A“funny–looking”baldcreaturewithwebbedfingersandpointyearsmaterializedbeforehim.Locallegendmaintainedthatthesecreaturesluredwomenoutinthenight,alwayssendingthemhomebeforemorning.Pointy-earedkidsintownwereonestowatchoutfor.Apparentlytheycouldbeahandful. Inanotherstory,twoold-timersfishingatPeanutLakesawaflyingobjectlikeanAirstreamfloatdowntheroadsoundlessly.Otherstestifyasimilarcraftleftapatchofburnedsnowwhenittookoffinthesamevicinity. Manypeoplehavewitnessedunexplainedlights.Onelight

movinghorizontallyacrossthelengthabovetheBench,suddenlysplittinginthreedirections-onebeamshootingtothesky,theotherstotheside.Agreen-bluestreakspeedingtowardParadiseDivide,withoutbecomingsmaller,thendisappearingasifswallowedbyaninvisiblehole.Singlelightsgoneinaninstant.Graylightsmovinginaverticalcolumn. Distinctshapesappearinsometales–ablacksauceroverGibson’sRidge,cigarshapesoverRedLady,inGunnisonandoutBlueMesa.Asaucer,thesizeofafullmoon,chasinganotheroverYulePass.Onediscatopanother,withalongneckconnectingthem.Theselightsandobjectsoftendisappearsuddenly.Theymakeonlyaslighthum,ornonoiseatall. Theimageryintheencountersgrowslarger–aBattlestarGalactica-sizedshipcoveringtheBenchinbroaddaylight,thenflyingdownvalley.ShipshoveringoverRedLady,abeamtouchinghersummit—perhapsETswantingmolybdenum,hypothesizedtocontaintheseedsoflife.ShipsseensuckingenergyoutoftransformersabovetheLongDragonChineseRestaurant.ThecliffsofCrestedButteMountainopeningup,allowingacrafttoexitfromwithin. Inthelateeighties,aMt.CrestedButtepoliceofficerchasedaUFOoutBrushCreek.Residentsthatnightwoketoalightsobrightitgavethemtheillusionofdaylight.Theyfeltastrangesurgeofenergy.ThestorywaswrittenupintheChronicle and Pilot.

Aliens and the evolution of human-kindness

By Molly Murfee

Asmalltreatiseonout-of-this-worldencountersrighthereinCrestedButte.

<56> Crested Butte Magazine

Thentherearethosewhoreportvisceralexperiences,actualcontactwithextraterrestrialbeings.Theydon’tdescribebeingabducted,butratherfeeltheyhavevolunteered,eitherconsciouslyorsubconsciously.Thereisnofearorsenseofinvasion.Theyrelatetheirtaleswithhumor,amusementandaffection. “DuringtheHarmonicConvergenceintheeighties,thelittlebuzzardswerethick,”exclaimsMr.A. Mr.Adistinctlyremembersgoingforspaceshiprides,clearasaSundaymorningconversationatCamp4.“Iwasshockedattheirpoorhousekeeping,”heconfides.“Ithoughttomyself,‘Howdoesthisjunkpilerun?’” Hedescribesgrayfacespokingaroundthecorner,followedbyfeelingsofparalysis.Hementionssomecross-breedingexperimentsheparticipatedinuntiltheycuthimoffforhavingtoomuchfun.Atonepointhewasinanursery,holdingacross-bred. Ms.Bwokeonemorningtofindaperfect,verticalredscarbelowherbellybutton.Havingalreadyhadacoupleofkids,shejokes,“Well,Ihopetheytiedmytubes.” Ms.Crelatesaccountsofbrightships,cold,withmanyrooms.Guideshelpedher,andtheyalwaysgaveherapapergownthatwastoolong.Oneofherjobsaboardthespacecraftwastogivethecross-bredshumantouch,toletthemknowoftheirEarthlingside.Shewasalwaysfreetomovearound. Forsome,theseintenseinteractionsoccurredinbroaddaylightorduringawakemomentsintheevenings.Forothers,theexperiencealwayshappenedduringsleep—“whenwe’rethemostrelaxedandtheleastimpacted,andcanjustslipinandout,”explainsMs.C.“Theexperienceisnevermeanttosupersedethree-dimensionallife.Weallstillhavetochopwoodandhaulwater.” Thereisahangover,ofsorts,fromtheexperience–feelingexhausted,sore,extremelydizzywhenwakingup.Somewouldfindtheireyeshadturnedsilverbriefly,asignofhigh-speedspacetravel.Manywokewithsmall,itchypuncturewounds.“Energyworktobalancethedualexistence,”elucidatesMs.C. Butwhyhere?Theexplanationgoesthat,likeus,ETsseemtobeattractedtoCrestedButte’sremote,rurallocation. “Theycanparktheirspaceshipinthewoodsandgoforawalkwithoutbotheringpeople,”saysMr.Amatter-of-factly. “Lookatwho’sdrawnhere,”pointsoutMs.C.“We’reopenmindedandeducated.Wearethinkers,moreacceptingofnewexperiences,risktakers.Inplaceslikethis,weareallowedtoevolvequickly.”SoperhapsETsmeetless

Crested Butte Magazine <57>

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prejudice, less resistance in our midst. Reportedly, those who come from afar are scientists, doctors, observers. Some come on holiday tours; Earth is reputedly a popular honeymoon spot. They can be helpful, says Mr. A, like when he was mourning his divorce. Walking with him down a hallway, an ET advised, “You’ve been here for 50,000 years. What’s six months?” Mr. A was cured of his moping. Still others are “cosmic cops” trying to help and protect us. “They are very busy,” sighs Ms. B, “keeping things under control.” And yes, a rare few might be malicious. There are different races, with different ships and origins. “They are on a different plane of existence,” clarifies Ms. C of her contacts. “They live at a much higher vibration. They are more evolved.” Those who have seen these beings profess to just being more open. ETs are

a difficult concept to internalize, so other humans who see a ship or being might just block it out of their vision as if it were never there. Explains Mr. A: “It’s like when the first Indians saw Columbus, they had no frame of reference for the boats, so they didn’t see them. And that’s not nearly as shocking as little gray men. But hey, the aliens are easier for me to deal with than some of my neighbors.” The night skies of Crested Butte are a treasure. We have all looked up on a moonless night to a sky littered with millions of stars and wondered.... The study of life in the universe — astrobiology — is a formal discipline involving reputable organizations such as NASA’s Astrobiology Institute (NAI) and the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute. Their scientists hold prestigious PhDs from universities such

: photo by Dusty Demerson

<58> Crested Butte Magazine

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as Brown and Stanford. Backed by the National Science Foundation, they study how life begins, how it morphs, and how it ends. They are studying geologic samples from Mars for indicators of life potential. They use the Drak Equation, established in 1961, to evaluate such things as the “number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life.” Earth is one planet revolving around one star. With an estimated 400 billion stars in our galaxy and 100 billion other galaxies, how much potential exists for life beyond? As a psychologist and counselor, Marcie Telander points out that our search for the divine in the heavens, for help from beyond this realm, is an ancient, primordial quest. “We want some one or ones who are wise, loving and powerful to guide us. In all of this,” she says, “there is profound mystery.” Indeed, much of the talk about extraterrestrial encounters borders on the language of the spiritual. When Ms. C traveled with beings from another dimension, she attended a series of large meetings “to get educated, to lift the vibration of the planet.” Earth is a backwater place on the edge of the Milky Way, she points out. Until we bring ourselves to a higher vibration, “they don’t want us out there yet,” she says. I thought my alien research would reveal something mystical about Yule Pass in particular that called visitors from outer space. But it’s not just one pass; it’s the whole valley. What is that draw? Those who study the power of stones say that molybdenum, found aplenty below Mt. Emmons, enhances the contact between the conscious and inner self and between those of other planetary worlds (according to books like Love Is Earth). Quartz, slate and lapis lazuli, all part of our mountains, supposedly hold qualities that assist in mystical understandings and connections. The mysticism and spirituality of the mountains I already knew. Why wouldn’t distant travelers also be blown away by the

incredible beauty that surrounds us? This in itself is enough to lift the vibration of one’s soul. I also knew we were an accepting community, a concentration of society’s black sheep. In Crested Butte, you can be what you want to be. If you have alien experiences, that’s all right by us. If you are an alien... well, some of us can go there, too. Not all places are so accepting. “Alien” can mean anything that is foreign or unfamiliar. Around the world humans combat prejudices and fear of people with different skin colors, religions or sexual preferences. If we can’t be accepting of our fellow humans, how can we wrap our tiny brains around life outside Earth, let alone this dimension? “We are all holding hands in this universe,” says Ms. C. “Let’s get with it.” The world is already such an incredibly beautiful place, full of mystery in daily occurrences like the migration of birds, the pollination of flowers, the beating of our own hearts. Beauty is in our differences in opinions, choices, cultural celebrations and appearances. It likewise lives in the diversity of color, shape and moods of our landscapes. Perhaps, beyond debating the existence of ETs, we should focus on being open and accepting of each other on this plane, of taking care of this planet. Now that would be evolution.

Author’s note: Because the greater world might have a hard time accepting these stories, and to protect my community members from alien fanatics, police forces, the government and those who would look at them funny, I have chosen not to reveal my sources’ names.

Molly Murfee is a full-time local and national freelance and copy writer (Powder, Telemark Skier, Backcountry, Mountain Gazette, etc.) and regular feature writer for the Crested Butte Weekly. She has never personally been contacted by aliens, that she can remember.

<60> Crested Butte Magazine

A (not-so) new kind of skiing

: photo by Alex Fenlon

Crested Butte Magazine <61>

Thesunisn’tupyet,butyouare.Apristineslopeofsnowrisesbeforeyou,slightlyglowinginthepre-dawn,andhighaboveisyourdestination.It’s6:30a.m.,tenbelowzero,andyouhavetostopskinningup(skiinguphillwithno-slideskinsonthebottomofyourskis)totakeoffyourjacketbecauseyou’resweating.“That’sagreatthing,”saysJimmyFaust,oneofCrestedButte’smostenthusiasticbackcountryskiers.“Addakillersunrise,andthat’saperfectwaytostarttheday.” Althoughimmersingyourselfinthesnowandcoldofamid-wintermorningtoskiup amountainmaysoundliketorturetomanypeople,forskierslikeFaust,the

exhilarationofgettingtothetopisjustasimportantasthethrillofskiingdown.“Skinninginitselfisareward,”Faustcontinues,butatthetop,“you’reupat12,000feetorwhateveritis,surroundedbyallthesepeaks,andthenyou’vegotthepowderrundownhill.” AllovertheGunnisonValley,skiersaretrekkingbothupanddownthemountains,fromSchulkillsRidgetoSnodgrasstoAxtellandtheAnthracites.Theyareclimbingandskiingtough14,000-footpeakslikePyramidandCapital.TheyareracingupanddowngroomedskislopesandracingthroughthebackcountrytoAspen.“Downhill”skiingneedstoberenamed.

By Laura Puckett

Adventure, solitude, endorphins... why some skiers aren’t content to let chairlifts do the hard part.

: photo by Kevin Krill

<62> Crested Butte Magazine

“Backcountryskiinghasgottensobigthatyoucan’treallylabelabackcountryskier.Alldifferenttypesandpersonalitiesaredoingit,”saysTravisScheefer,whowontheColoradoSkiMountaineeringCupandplacedsecondintheNationalSkiMountaineeringChampionshiplastseason.It’scross-country,truly,goingfromonepointtoanother,butthegearhascomealongwayfromskinnyNordicskis. Notalluphillersusethesametechniqueorequipment.Telemarkskiingisdefinedbydroppingakneeforthedistinctivetelemarkturn,duetothefree-heelbinding;whereasinalpinetouring,alsoknownasAT,randonéeorrandoskiing,theequipmentallowsafreeheelforstridinguptheslopes,thentheheelislockeddownintothebindingforanalpinedescent. Mostpeopleskiupandouttoaccesstheuntrackedpowderinthebackcountry,butCrestedButteMountainResortnowallowsskinninguptheskislopesintheearlymornings,so“uphilling”hasmovedintothefrontcountryaswell. Howeverandwherever,localskiersaregoingupalmostasoftenastheyarecomingdown.A Brief history Longbeforelodgesandlifts,skiingwasamethodoftransportation.LegendarymailmanAlJohnsontraversedthepasses

betweenCrestedButteandvariousminingcampsonskis,whileotherintrepidminersskiedintotownforsupplies.Quickly,though,thefunofskiingwasrecognized,andasearlyas1883,minersatIrwin’sStarMineformedarecreationalracingclub.Fortheseearlyskiers,allskiingwasbackcountry,andthoughungainlybymodernstandards,the8-to12-footwoodenskis,simpleleatherbootsandfree-heelbindingspermittedtraveluphillaswellasdown. In1939thefirstchairliftinColoradowasbuiltatthePioneerskiarea,justoffCementCreekRoadnearCrestedButteSouth.Withtheneedforgoingupeliminated,thealpinebindingevolvedtolocktheheelinplaceandprovidegreatercontrolonthedownhills.Alpineskiinghadbecomeeasyandaccessible,andbackcountryskiingwasrelegatedtotheobscuresphereofexpeditionsorlong,gentletours.Skiingboomedthroughthefiftiesandsixties,butonlyalpinewasking. IntheearlydaysofCrestedButte’sresort,skiingthesteepestofthesteeprequiredahiketothetopoftheNorthFaceandtheHeadwall.“Therewasacertainpridepeopletookinbeingthefastesttodothat,”recallsDaveScheefer,along-timeCrestedButtebackcountryskier.“IfyoucouldmakefiverunsontheNorthFace,youwereananimal.”Tomakeiteasier

Crested Butte Magazine <63>

andtokeepthatcompetitiveedge,oneCrestedButteskipatrollerstartedskiingtheold-fashionedway:withhisheelfree.In1971,RicBorkovecstartedskiingupthemountain.Ashemadehisturnsdownitssteepestfaces,hebegandroppinghisknee,andthetelemarkturnwasreborn.trAveLing into the BAckcountry Telemarkskiingactuallybeganinthemid-1800swhenSondreNorheim,fromtheTelemarkregionofNorway,beganexperimentingwithnewdownhillturnsformorecontrolonthelong,skinnyskisofhisera.Borkovec,guidedonlybyanoldphotographandadesiretoseethebackcountry,didthesamething,tryingalternativetechniquesonNordicgear.Theteleturnworkedandtookoffinpopularity.JimmyFaustestimatesthatwhenhemovedtoCrestedButtein1985,upwardsof50%oflocalskiers,maybeeven75%,skiedexclusivelywiththetelemarktechnique.Thenewbootsandbindingsmadegoing

uphilleasier,asdidremovablesyntheticskins(originallymadeofanimalpelts)tokeeptheskisfromslidingbackward.ThevastwildernessaroundCrestedButtebeckoned.SkiersstartedtouringupConey’s,SnodgrassandRedLady,rewardedwithendlessuntrackedpowder. Skiingpowder“isthehighestofthehigh,”accordingtoFaust.“Whenyou’reskiingdownafootortwoofpowderandit’sgoingoveryourhead,it’sbetterthananydrugoutthere.”Otherskiersagree.Whateverreasonstheyhaveforexpendingthetime,effortandmoneytogetintothebackcountry,powderisalwayspartofit.“Yougetuntrackedsnoweverytimeyoucomedown,”saysskimountaineerDavePenney.“It’sworththehike.”PeterSowar,anothermountaineerandextremeskier,describesitas“surreal:settingyourtrackupthroughthemountains,choosingwhereyou’regoing.Thenyougettothetopandlookbackatyourtrailallthewaydownthe

: photo by Xavier Fane

<64> Crested Butte Magazine

mountain,andthere’snotapersonaround,justfreshsnoweverywhere.” Still,foryears,backcountryskiingremainedniche.Newcomersweredeterredbytheweightandworkoftelemarkskiing.Manypeopledidn’thavetheknowledgeofsnowscienceneededtonavigateavalanche-proneterrain.Inaddition,thetelemarktechnique,thoughthemosteffectivebackcountrystyleyet,limitedmostskierstothegentlerslopes.Itwasn’tuntilalpinetouringcrossedtheAtlanticthatbackcountryskiingcameintoitsown.the Advent of ALPine touring LongthepredominantstyleinEurope,ATskiingwasmadeforthesteeperslopesoftheAlpsandlongtoursinthebackcountry.IntheseventiestheATequipmentavailableintheStateswascumbersomeandscarce.EvenwhenXavierFanéarrivedinCrestedButtein1985,thenewATset-uphebroughtfromSpainwassimplyanovelty.Astheequipmentevolved,ATstartedtogainafootholdinthevalley.“BackthenIwassurprisednotthatATwastakingonbuthowlongtelemarkingendured,”Fanérecalls,noting

thetechnicalsuperiorityofATequipment. Therevolutioncamein1991whenDynafitinventeditslightweightATbinding.ThebindingmadeATskiingeasierandopenedthebackcountrytoanewclassofskiersthathassincegrownexponentially.Itwasreleasableandlightweightandhadafreepivot,soitwas“morecomfortable,easier,safer,”describesFaust.“ATissolightandfuntoskiwith,that’swhat’sreallytriggeredthefever,”saysFané. AlongsideATgear,randonéeracing(up,downandaroundthemountains)arrivedfromEurope,inspiringanewcropofuphill-downhillskiers.State-wideandlocalracingcircuitsareraisingtheprofileofrandonéeskiing.Theyappealtoenduranceathletesasanothervenueforpushingthemselves.“Racinginspiredpeopletogetoutthere.Itmadeitvisible,”saysPenney,who’sbeenskiingonATgearsincetheearlyeighties. TheepicGrandTraverse,startedin1998,“madeabigdifferenceasfarasgettingpeopletoputskinsontheirskis,”Faustadded.Partbackcountrytour,partrandorace,theGrandTraversestartsat

: photo by Frank Konsella

Crested Butte Magazine <65>

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midnight and stretches 40 miles across the mountains from Crested Butte to Aspen. It brings together rando racers like Travis Scheefer, backcountry pioneers like his dad Dave Scheefer, ski mountaineers like Penney and avid backcountry skiers like Faust. What began as a somewhat hare-brained idea with 40 teams of two is now one of the main uphill-downhill events in Colorado, if not the country; it drew about 120 teams to the starting line last year. For these skiers the Grand Traverse is an event unlike any other. “It’s one of those sufferfest-type races,” Faust says. “You’re suffering all the way, and when you’re done, you’re like, ‘Boy, that was hard, but I can’t wait to do it again next year.’”A sense of the mountAins The drive to push yourself, hammering step after step, going after the powder and getting in multiple laps, will always set uphill skiing apart from traditional downhill. Many uphill skiers aren’t motivated by racing, but wherever they go, they always have to get to the top. Fané insists, “It’s not necessarily that I want to hammer, but I just want to be out there, and where I like to be usually happens to be far, and you have to be in shape.” Even Sowar and his friends, not prone to rhapsodies about the joy of the exertion, recognize that where they want to go is where the lifts aren’t, which means being strong enough to make the trek. Faust and Scheefer, on the other hand, embrace the hard work. “Out of any sport I’ve done, it really maximizes your athletic potential,” says Scheefer, who finished second in the Grand Traverse last year. Racing “pushes your limit in the fact that you’re going uphill as hard as you can, kind of all-out suffering, and then you get to the top and have to go downhill as fast as you can.” Faust, who’s stood on the Grand Traverse podium eight out of nine times he’s raced it and who held the world record for the most vertical climbed in a 24-hour period (50,000 feet), says, “I can plug in on an uphill climb where I can almost go to a different place. That’s my Zen... It’s like my church. It takes the filters out so you just bring it all in. You see the whole reason that we live here. We all get stressed out on a day-to-day basis, and it’s just that good cleanse.” Whether skiers are like Sowar, always on the hunt for new adventures, or Fané, seeking communion with nature, it’s both the ups and downs, the peaks and the powder, that make AT skiing worthwhile. Surrounded by wilderness, Crested Butte draws these powder hounds and adventurers, solitude seekers and adrenaline junkies. For them, the backcountry is the only place to be, and going up is the way to get there.

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<68> Crested Butte Magazine

A Wounded Warrior finds his home

Crested Butte Magazine <69>

Jeff Rogers has a trick up his sleeve — or rather, not up his sleeve — that is sure to be a hit with children on Halloween: his missing right arm.

“It would be pretty funny to hand kids Halloween candy and then when they go to grab it, your arm comes off. You’ve got to make a joke of it somehow,” laughs Rogers, age 23.

A quick-witted young man with a dry sense of humor, Rogers can’t help but find the lighter side in most situations, even his own tragedy. He lost his arm in June of 2007 while serving in Iraq as a specialist in the Army. A roadside bomb struck his vehicle south of Baghdad along the main supply route, and the blast severed his arm in an instant. He had been stationed there for just less than three months.

“They wouldn’t tell me what had happened to my arm until I just saw it. I looked over and most of my forearm and hand were just sitting there,” he recalled.

Rogers also suffered a femur fracture and massive soft tissue damage in his right leg and shrapnel wounds all over his body. The next 15 months consisted of six weeks in bed, countless surgeries, rehabilitation and therapy.

Two-plus years from that fateful incident, he is now as far away from the horrors of war as he could be — living in a cozy two-bedroom apartment in Crested Butte South with his newly adopted German shepherd Caesar. He spends his days exploring the wilderness by foot, bicycle (he rides with one hand) and raft in the summer and careening down trails on his snowboard in the winter.

Rogers, originally from Farmington, New Mexico, moved from Phoenix, Arizona, to Crested Butte in May of 2009. He discovered the town through a Wounded Warrior Project trip to the Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) in 2008.

At that time, Rogers was persuaded by his head therapist to join a group of soldiers in various stages of rehabilitation

Jeff Rogers lost his arm in Iraq, but not his spirit or sense of humor.

By Erin English

Jeff Rogers and his dog Caesar; inset photo from his early Army days.

: photo by Nathan Bilow

<70> Crested Butte Magazine

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for a week of skiing, snowboarding, ice-climbing and other outdoor activities in Crested Butte. Rogers had dabbled once or twice with snowboarding before his injury, but without real success. Strapping into a board with one arm was akin to starting over. This time, it clicked. On his second day of one-on-one instruction from the ASC, he was linking turns on a blue run.

“I used to lift weights and exercise so much that going back through therapy and doing that stuff again didn’t really help,” Rogers said. “It didn’t build any confidence in me because I felt pathetic doing these little exercises. Then I come out here and find there is something I can do that a lot of able-bodied people can’t even do. It’s a morale and confidence booster. It’s nice to learn a new skill and have new challenges; it seems like that’s what life is about.”

It was Crested Butte’s raw beauty and the realization that he could still enjoy outdoor sports that hooked Rogers on our town soon after he arrived.

“I didn’t really know what to think until I got here, and then I was like, ‘Wow, where has this place been hiding all my life?’” he said.

A year later, in January of 2009, Rogers returned for a second week of activities with the Wounded Warrior Project. This time, he brought Shawna Markiewicz, his older sister and best friend. They spent their days snowboarding and ice-climbing and on the last night attended a community reception honoring the soldiers, an event which drew several hundred people. At this point, Rogers was putting serious thought into picking up his life and moving to Crested Butte. Shortly after he returned to Arizona, he announced his plans to friends and family.

“It was a good surprise, because I knew he wasn’t happy where he was living,” Markiewicz said. “I knew that in Crested Butte he would be included in the community. I told him, whenever you are ready to go, my husband and I will help you move.”

That he did, in spring of 2009. His plans included looking into degree programs at Western State College in Gunnison, being outdoors as much as possible and volunteering for the Adaptive Sports Center in the winter months. Most importantly, though, Rogers wanted to allow himself ample time to relax and focus on his continued recovery. He experiences post-traumatic stress disorder, which seems to be lessened by immersing himself in the fabric of this small mountain community.

“My whole real point in coming out here was trying to find peace and serenity, and to experience a place where everything is slowed down and not everybody and everything is in such a

<72> Crested Butte Magazine

hurry,” Rogers said. “I’ve heard it referred to as ‘Crested Butte time.’ That seems to help me a lot, just hanging out with friendly people who want to enjoy nature.”

By volunteering with the Adaptive Sports Center and helping other people with disabilities discover the benefits of outdoor recreation, Rogers hopes to find an even deeper sense of self and purpose.

“One thing I have always believed is if you need help, then you should help other people, and that’s how you really find your happiness and fulfillment,” Rogers said. “Once I am constantly meeting people, encouraging them and hopefully having fun with them, I think it will improve my life just as much as it hopefully improves theirs.”

At the Adaptive Sports Center, one sign of success is having a client return to Crested Butte again and again. When a former client moves here, the staff sees even stronger evidence of Crested Butte’s and the ASC’s long-term impact.

“We may have opened the door of the Gunnison Valley to Jeff, but it’s the overall feeling he got within the community that ultimately brought him here,” said Chris Read, program director with the Adaptive Sports Center. “I’m psyched that Jeff moved to Crested Butte to pursue opportunities with school and snowboarding and with the ASC.”

Around town, Rogers has struck up conversations with locals and tourists alike, a number of whom have never met a veteran of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, and most of whom have not met someone with his disability. It’s a teachable moment and a role that Rogers embraces.

“It seems like a lot of people who haven’t really met veterans before will meet me and realize, this guy is just like a regular person, he’s pretty cool, and there’s nothing weird about having one arm,” Rogers said. “One thing I like about this place is that people differentiate us from the war. I feel like I am helping people see that soldiers are just people.”

It is Rogers’ frankness with people and his sense of humor which make his missing arm seem like no big deal once you get to know him. After learning to snowboard, he is also finding it less of a limiting factor than he originally thought.

“I’ve told Jeff this since he was little: everything he’s put his mind to, from BMX biking to Legos to the Army… he has gone way overboard. It’s going to be exciting to see what the next thing is,” Markiewicz said. “It makes me really proud that he was able to overcome the challenges of snowboarding — and it turns out he is better than me at it. I think that’s why Jeff has come as far as he has — he has a spirit in him that has not quit.”

Crested Butte Magazine <73>

BeneathGothicMountain’sdramaticspires,betweentheserpentineEastRivertotheeastandSchofieldPasstothewest,aninnocuoustowerstandsamongwillowsandgrassyhummocks.Juttingfromitsten-metertresses,aminisculepropellerracesinthewind.Sunglintsoffofasmallsolarpanel.Itseemssimpleenough,thoughperhapsabitoddinthemiddleofnowhere. Thisismorethanawhirligigandsomealternativepower.ThepropellerisanRMYoungWindMonitor,madeofthermoplasticmaterialsandmeasuringwinddirectionwithapotentiometer.ItconnectstotheCampbellScientificDatalogger,whichtransmitsdatabymeteorburstradio,bouncingsignalsoffofmeteortrailsinspace.The125-wattsolarpanelcanpowerthroughcloudy,snowyperiodsofnosunlight.Thetoweralsoholdsaradiometer,manufacturedforresearch-gradeperformanceunderextremeweatherconditions.Aradiationshieldprotectsthetemperaturegauge–idealforlong-term,unattendedapplications. Gizmosandgadgetscollectinformationsuchasthepartsperbillionof

ozoneintheairandthedissolvedoxygeninapond.Theymeasurerelativehumidity,soiltemperature,sapflowandcarbondioxide.AllofthesenumbersarethensentinnearrealtimetotheRMBLnetwebsite.Fromthere,anybodycanaccessthedata–highschoolstudents,prestigiousuniversityresearchers,snowenthusiasts,avalancheforecastersorlandmanagers–sittinginofficesandclassroomsaroundtheworld.(http://rmbl.info/rmblnet/PI_info.) Onaparticulardate,forexample,theGothicweatherstationreportedthatthehumiditygrewfrom67.5to78.4percentfrommidnightuntil8a.m.Itplummetedasthesunrose,downto16.7,thenatsunsetbegantoriseagain.Thehottestpartofthedaywasat5p.m.,whichisalsowhenthewindblewthestrongestfortheday.Solarradiationwashighest,however,at1p.m.Prettyeasytointerpret,evenforanEnglishmajor. ThisisRMBLnet,aseriesofpermanentandportableweatherstationsfundedthroughagrantbytheNationalScienceFoundationandplacedthroughoutthevalleybytheRockyMountainBiologicalLaboratory.Gothic,thekettlepondsinthe

EastRiverValley,JuddFalls,MexicanCut,SnodgrassandAlmontwereselectedaspermanentsitesforcollectingthisweatherdata.(TheUpperGunnisonRiverWaterConservancyDistrictalsohasaweatherstationontheUpperTaylorRiver.)Theirselectionwasbasedonaltitudinalgradient.Fromthehighalpinetundratothelowersagebrushandallecosystemsinbetween,scientistscannowevaluatewhatishappeningyear-roundthroughouttheEastRiverValley. RMBLisoneofthelargestandoldestfieldstationsinthenation.Throughitsdoorseachyearpass200scientistsandstudentsfromaroundtheworld.Togethertheyhavepublishedover1,300peer-reviewedpapers.Untilnow,thesescientistshavegathereddatafortheirstudiespredominatelyinthesummer,whenGothicisflushwithwildflowersandblackflies.Now,withthepermanentandportableweatherstations,they’llbeabletocollectinformationinthesnowboundwinteraswell.Theendresultwillbeamorecomprehensiveunderstandingofthehigh-altitudeenvironmentsoftheWestElkMountains.

By Molly Murfee

Data in absentiaRMBL’s remote weather stations will give researchers across the world new understanding about our high-altitude ecosystems.

: photo by David Inouye

<74> Crested Butte Magazine

Researcherswilllookatsuchthingsashowclimateaffectsthevariabilityofwaterbudgetsandhowecosystemsareimpactedbycarbonfluxes.Overall,theweatherstationswillimprovetheabilityofscientiststostudyhoworganismsinteractwiththeirenvironment.

Dr.DanielBlumsteinoftheUniversityofCaliforniainLosAngelesisstudyingtheemergenceofmarmotsfromhibernation,whichhebelieveshasbeenoccurringearlierduetowarmersprings.

Dr.DavidInouye’sresearchfocusesontheeffectsofenvironmentalvariables—includingsnowmeltdate,airtemperatureandsoilmoisture—onthetimingandabundanceofwildflowers.Untilthispoint,Inouye’s36yearsofresearchhasreliedontheCrestedButteNOAAweatherstationinthewinter,despiteitsloweraltitudeanddistancefromthelaboratory.Nowhe’llhavemoreaccuratedataaboutwhathisplantsubjectsareexperiencing.

Whywouldanyonebeinterestedinamammalwhosenicknameis“whistlepig”orsomethingasseeminglysuperfluousasflowers?Whocares?Theplanet,forone.High-altitudeenvironmentsareconsideredthecanaryinthecoalminewhenitcomestoclimatechange.Ourloftyworldhasalottoteach,ifwecanaccesstheinformation.

Blumsteinexplains,“Akeythemeamongalotofusisunderstandingthetimingofseasonalevents—phenology.RMBLhaspricelesslong-termrecordsthatallowustounderstandhowclimatechangeisinfluencingthetimingofseasonalevents.Ifthingsshifttoomuch,andifspeciescan’tadaptorbeotherwisesufficientlyflexibleintheirresponses,thenwewillseeamismatchwhichcanhavenegativeconsequencesforthosespeciesandspeciesthatdependuponthem.”

Inouyeadds,“Thedatawillbevaluabletoanyoneinterestedinsnow,becausethetimingoftheappearanceandmeltingofthesnowpack,andthewatercontentofthesnowpack,arecrucialpiecesofinformationforwatermanagersthroughoutthisarea.”

DanJones,directorofinformationsystemsatRMBLandtheproject’smanager,isbesidehimselfwiththepossibilitiesposedbytheweathernetwork.

“AswegainabetterunderstandingoftheUpperGunnisonRiverValley,itwillleadtopartnershipswehaven’tevenbeguntoexplore,”hesays.“Itgoeswaybeyondeventhescientificcommunity.”

Molly Murfee is a full-time freelance writer with over 400 locally and nationally published articles. Her newest project is a novel entitled IGototheMountainstoPray, exploring the passion and tenacity of mountain people living in rhythm with their wild homes. Reach her at mmurfee.aei@usa.net.

Crested Butte Magazine <75>

Thisvalleyproducessomeofthetopathletesintheworld,manyofwhomusetheHighAltitudePerformanceLab(HAPLab)atWesternStateCollege(WSC)inGunnison.Butthelabisn’treservedforOlympiansorIronmen;itservesanyoneinterestedinexerciseoroverallhealth. BasedoutoftheExerciseandSportsScienceprogramatWSC,theHAPLab’sdirectorisScottDrum,PhD.Alsoaprofessorofexerciseandsportscience,heisknowninformallyasa“madscientist”ofendurancesports;hecanspeakforhoursonscience-basedtrainingandhashishandinmyriadprojects.DrumdirectstheSageBurnertrail-runningrace(25and50kilometers)atHartmanRocks,servesasmentortomanyenduranceathletes,andhaslaunchedanultra-runningcampthatWesternStatewillhostthisupcomingsummer.

By Luke MehallTraining “smarter, not harder”Olympians, couch potatoes and cancer patients find insight into their bodies through Western State’s High Altitude Performance Lab.

Luke Mehall does his research at Western’s HAPLab.

: photo by Tracey Koehler

<76> Crested Butte Magazine

Drumpointsoutthatthelabisusedbyawidevarietyofpeople,rangingfromcancerpatientswhowanttolearnabouttheirbaselinefunctionalcapacitytoprofessionalathletestrainingforinternationalcompetitions. “Anyonefromthenovicetotheelitecanbenefitfromourservices,”hesays.“Onegoalistoeducateourclientstotrainsmarter,notharder.” WiththecancerpatientswhousetheHAPLabincollaborationwiththeGunnisonValleyHospital,thegoalsaretwo-fold:tocombatfatiguefromtheillnessandtreatment,andtorestorenormaleverydayfunction.Baselinedatacollectedduringtestingenablesmedicalprofessionalstoprescribeheart-ratetrainingmodeswhereexercisewillbethemostbeneficial. Whetheraclientisbesiegedbyillnessorjustprocrastination,thelabcanjumpstartthemotivationtowardahealthyactivelifestyle.AlSmith,manageroftheHAPLab,seesthisfirsthand.“Weprovidemomentumforgettinganexerciseprogramstarted.” Smith,whomovedtoGunnisonfromPennsylvanialastwinter,hasfoundhimselfimmersedintheoutdoorrecreationofthearea.“SinceIamgivingadviceonexercise,I’vebeenpracticingwhatI

preachbyhiking,biking,climbingandskiing.Thisreallyhelpsmeinworkingwithmyclients.”Smithhelpspeople“whoarecuriouswheretheirbodiesareatandwheretheycangowithexercise,”hesays. Inanaverageweekthepeoplewalkingthroughthedoorofthelabcouldrangefromamiddle-agedcouplewantingtoimprovetheirexerciseregimentoanathletewhohashitawallinperformanceandneedssomeinsighttohelpadjusthisorhertrainingroutine.LocalprofessionalathletessuchasDaveWeins,BrianSmith,JennySmithandEricSullivanusetheservicesoftheHAPLab. “Ifsomeonesimplywantstoloseweight,theycancomeinandwecantesttheirbodycomposition,”Smithsays.“Afterweknowwhattheirpercentageofbodyfatis,goalscanbesetandappropriateexercisecanbeprescribedbasedontheindividual.” Fortheseriousathleteothertestscangivemorein-depthinsight.TheseinvolvethetestingofV02max,thebody’sabilitytouptakeandutilizeoxygenduringmaximumexercise;lactatethreshold,uncoveringthethresholdatwhichtotrainbeforethebodybecomestooacidicandfatiguehitshard;andmetaboliccalorictesting,findingtheidealheartratewherefatispreferredasfuelforexerciseinstead

Crested Butte Magazine <77>

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of carbohydrates. Drum feels many athletes are training too hard, too often. For many, simply finding the correct heart rate for training sessions will improve performance. “I always say running slower makes you faster,” he says. “This technique is one example: which forces your body to learn to burn fat, versus always favoring carbohydrates.” Jenny Smith is a professional mountain biker and tri-athlete who uses the HAPLab. “I’ve done the VO2 max and lactate threshold tests, and as far as that type of testing goes, it’s probably the most beneficial thing I’ve ever done. When I had my first lactate threshold test done, it was the most useful piece of information that I’ve ever had to train. And I’ve been training and coached for over 20 years.” Jenny’s husband, Brian Smith, also a professional tri-athlete and mountain biker, uses the lab as well. “I really like to get tested during the off season. It helps me see where my body is at and get an idea of where I need to be for peak performance later in the season for national and world championships.” The HAPLab also serves as a hands-on learning environment for WSC students, and many times they use the local “rock-star” athletes as their subjects. In 2008,

Knowing data like their VO2 max and lactate threshold, athletes can maximize their training.

: photo by Tracey Koehler

<78> Crested Butte Magazine

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Danielle Slaby, a senior at WSC, tested that year’s Leadville 100-mile mountain bike and running race winners, which both happened to be from Gunnison: Dave Weins and Duncan Callahan, respectively. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of cross-training. An undergraduate research project done by Taryn Brenneman, now a WSC graduate, tested basketball players to determine the effects of anti-oxidant supplements on performance. Both studies were published in the Journal for Undergraduate Kinesiology Research, a research-based and peer-reviewed publication. Another student, certified massage therapist Mike McCarthy, offers massage services in the HAPLab to help aid athletes in recovery. The HAPLab also serves as the center for the Gunnison Endurance Project (GEP), which is essentially a post-collegiate endurance racing team. Three WSC alumni, Kerri Nelson, Tim Parr and Duncan Callahan, currently make up the squad. Drum serves as co-director along with Tim Poppe, a local physical therapist. The GEP was inspired by the Nike Oregon Project, a group that trains world-class and Olympic runners. The vision of the GEP is to organize and support ultra-runners — those who are running marathon-plus distances on trails. The team members participate in the Pike’s Peak Marathon, the Leadville 100-mile run, the local Sage Burner 50K and various long-distance adventure runs all over the country.

This year the Sage Burner, which is held in conjunction with the increasingly popular Gunnison Growler mountain bike race, will take place May 29, on Memorial Day weekend.

As if that weren’t enough, Drum and the GEP are introducing a new summer camp called the Gunnison Ultra-Running Experience (GUE). This camp will host athletes who are running or aspire to run marathon-plus distances (more than 26 miles) on trails. The camp will be an ideal “pre-Leadville” experience, he says, referring to the Leadville 100-mile trail run in late August. The GUE will cover many aspects of ultra running, including strict post-run recovery techniques, nutrition, sports psychology, cooking classes and high-altitude training. Western State will host this summer’s ultra-running experience July 26-31.

For Drum, all of the testing, training and racing are about the “healthy, active lifestyle” that he leads and hopes others will as well. “For some it’s about running more than a marathon; for others it’s just about getting inspired enough to exercise regularly.”

Crested Butte Magazine <79>

Whilemanyofustakephotostorecordourmemoriesofpeople,eventsandsceneswefindinteresting,Idiscoveredadifferentroleforphotographymorethantwodecadesagoafterthebirthofmyyoungestson,Alex.Withhisdevelopmentaldisability,partialdeafnessandlimitedverbalabilities,Alexhadincreasingcommunicationdifficultiesandfrustrationashegrewolder.Itoccurredtomethatwecouldmakebookstogether,usingphotographsandtextabouthislife(hissiblings,home,etc.),whichhecouldsharewithotherssotheycouldgettoknowhim.Ashisabilitiesgrewovertime,wewrotethebooksathisreadinglevelsohecouldreadthemtoothers.Thisuseofphotographytocommunicatehisownspecialstories–hislife–continuestothisday.

Expandingonthisidea,Ispentthesummerof2006workingwithlocalstudentswithdisabilitiesinGunnisonandCrestedButte,helpingthemwrite“MyBooks”—againusingphotographyandtextattheirreading/interestlevel.Throughthatwork(partiallyfundedbyagrantfromtheCrestedButteSociety),Idiscoveredthatmanychildren,witharangeofdisabilities,hadmuchgreaterstrengthandinterestintheirvisualabilitiesthanintheirauditoryones.

Oftentheycouldbeexactobserversoftheworldaroundthem,butunabletoexpresstheirthoughtsadequately.Their“MyBooks”becameanothermeansofcommunication–eachcompletedinauniquemannerreflectingthechild’sinterestsandskills. By2009,theconceptevolveda

By Pat Pielsticker Bittle

Worth eight thousand wordsThefirst-everFallPhotoFocusshowedhowphotographycanbeaneffectiveformofcommunicationandaccomplishmentforpeoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilities.

Fall Photo Focus 2009 participants and staffers (top); instructor Pat Pielsticker Bittle and her son Alex (bottom)

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<80> Crested Butte Magazine

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stepfurther–toenableindividualswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiestoshoottheirownphotosandfollowtheirintereststhroughphotography.WhentheFallPhotoFocusweekendwasfirstsuggestedtomebyChrisRead,programdirectorattheAdaptiveSportsCenter(ASC),Istruggledtofindthelinkbetweenphotographyandadaptivesports.AttheconclusionofthefirstFallPhotoFocuslastSeptember,however,thatconnectionwasinescapable,asevidencedbythehugesmiles,enthusiasmandprideofoureightadultparticipants.I’dwatchedaseightliveswerechangedbyafewdaysinourbeautifuloutdoorswhilelearningnewphotographyskills. WhileourgroupwasprimarilyfromGunnisonandMt.CrestedButte,oneparticipanttraveledallthewayfromConnecticuttoattendtheweekendworkshop.Photographyskillsandbackgroundvariedwidely;halfthegrouphadpreviousexperience,twopeoplehadjustpurchasedcamerasfortheFallPhotoFocus,andtwopeopleborrowedcamerasandhadnophotoexperience. TheweekendbeganontheASCChallenge(ropes)CourseatthetopoftheRedLadyExpresschairlift.Itwasabeautifulearly-fallFridayandtheperfectsettingforourfirstday.Courseactivitieshelpedeveryonegettoknoweachotherandestablishedthecamaraderiethatshinedthroughouttheweekend.Forexample,twoindividualswereapplaudedfortheirexperiencesonthehigh-ropesGiantSwing;thenwhenathirdpersonattempteditbutdidnotgoon,thegroupagainburstintoapplauseforherbraveryintrying. Duringourlunchbreak,webegantotalkaboutphotographyandtakesomepictures.Agrayjaygaveusanimpromptuphotosubjectbycontinuallyswoopingdowntoeatourlunchcrumbs!Aswehikedonthemountainafterlunch,wesnappedmorephotosofsceneryandpeople;wehadplentyofnaturalbeautyandhappyfacesallaroundus. Thegroupphotowasoneofmyearlylessonsfortheweekend.Itooktwo

Crested Butte Magazine <81>

photos – one close-up and one farther away with mountain scenery showing in the background. The next day, I showed the group the printed enlargements of my photos and we discussed how they were different, how they were similar, and which one they preferred. The photo at a distance, showing background scenery, was the favorite of all eight participants, while the ASC staff opinions varied. The great thing about photography for people with a wide variety of skills is that there is no “right” or “wrong” – framing shots is about individual preferences and goals. This became a theme of our weekend. On Friday night, part of the group camped at the Cement Creek Campground; the other participants joined them Saturday morning for a hike up Cement Creek. While the weather was generally overcast with a few sprinkles, the clouds cleared at times, as often happens here, and we also had some beautiful sunshine. We were joined on our hike by volunteer Mike Horn, photographer, writer and editor of Backcountry magazine, who gave individual support to group members as they took their photos. Mike also taught action photography skills, which turned out to be a favorite among some of the participants. After hiking and photographing scenery (and each other!) alongCement Creek, we returned to town for a tour of Crested Butte led by the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum’s lovely, inimitable and informative Glo Cunningham. Elk Avenue views gave way to alley scenes, as our group learned new

information about the buildings in our historic town. Glo gave us the inside story behind some common places we had all “looked at” but never really “seen” – like the totem pole at Totem Pole Park. Other sites that many had never seen before, like the two-story outhouse, fascinated the group and prompted the clicking of cameras as we toured the town and learned its history. On Sunday morning, in preparation for our afternoon reception and exhibit at Izzy’s bagel shop downtown, we gathered at the ASC office to help the participants choose their favorite or best photos, which I printed for them. This task was very hard for most of our group, because they’d all taken so many pictures. It was also very rewarding, as everyone’s excitement about their photography became evident. As the weekend ended, I thought again of both the individual accomplishments and the wonderful camaraderie of the group experience. We exchanged e-mail addresses and discussed plans for another Photo Focus. I no longer wondered about the connection between photography and adaptive sports. The ASC goal of providing “life-enhancing year-round recreation activities for people with disabilities and their families” had been met and exceeded on our first-ever Fall Photo Focus. Attendees went home with their best pictures, each clearly worth a thousand words, as well as new photography skills, new friends and pride in their work, all fostered in the spectacular beauty of the Crested Butte area.

A posing magpie (left) and a scouting expedition during Fall Photo Focus 2009.

<82> Crested Butte Magazine

Bound By art

With metal, ink and hand-powered levers, Cyndi Lang Ingalls of Eidolon Press creates one-of-a-kind works of printed art.

Crested Butte Magazine <83>

on a back alley, wheels are turning, metal on metal, rollers

swishing, hand-operated levers and cranks circumnavigating in their tracks. Narrow stacked drawers secret away a bouquet of finely cut metal letters. Rectangles and squares bearing raised alphabets and numerals create patterns on stone. Breathing in the smell of ink, I feel like I’ve entered some vastly different, older world – a marriage of machine and art. This is the world of letterpress printing and Eidolon Press, found not in a time long gone but in Crested Butte today. “This is the original way that things were printed. It’s called movable type,” says printer and bookbinder Cyndi Lang Ingalls, creator of Eidolon Press in the back of 414 Elk Avenue. “Gutenberg developed it in Europe in the 1550s, and literacy for the West soon followed.” Everything in that era was printed by letterpress: newspapers, books, pamphlets, cards. The Koreans, followed by the Chinese, had developed similar types of relief printing as early as the second century A.D. Texts were mostly printed from carved wood blocks. Letterpress sped up the process and made printed materials more widely available. By the 1950s, offset printing, a more efficient and economical process developed by American Ira Washington Rubel in 1903, had replaced letterpress as the predominant printing method. Letterpress has a three-dimensional quality, as the type is pressed into the paper. A piece of metal type hits the paper, which makes the printed materials visually inviting. As I watch, Cyndi pulls several letters and numerals from the drawers and places them on the stone, or main work area. Each one is a tiny piece of sculpture in itself.

Story and photos by Dawne Belloise

<84> Crested Butte Magazine

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Arranged into names or words, pressed into thoughts in a book, they are powerful tools. The craft has its own language. There is the anatomy of a letter – waist, beak, spur. Numbers are known as figures. Grammatical marks, such as question marks or exclamation points, and upper- and lower-case lettering are called sorts. In the days of letterpress print shops, when the compositor ran out of, perhaps, a question mark, he would call out, “Can you send some sorts?” The saying “I feel out of sorts” is derived from this terminology. Paper-making allowed texts to flourish in the 12th century and they became abundant by the 15th century. Mechanical presses and movable type gave rise to printed text, which encouraged the spread of literacy. Eidolon Press houses equipment that is over one hundred years old. The machinery’s simplicity is a marvel. Hand levers draw rollers over inked plates; wheels turn gears. Paper goes in blank and emerges with text, poems, images. “All of my equipment is run by hand – there are no motors except me,” Cyndi says as she demonstrates the workings of a vintage 8 x 12 Chandler and Price treadle press. “The pilot press (6 x 10 American Printing Equipment) is where I do the majority of my small work. Both presses are called platen presses.” The rollers go over the platen, a plate that is painted with ink. Below the platen, the “chase” holds the text in place. In the chase, the type is firmed into place by small blocks of wood called “furniture” which are tightened by oddly shaped, almost cylindrical “quoins.” The rollers get inked on the platen and deposit the ink on the type, which then presses it into a blank sheet of paper. “I use hand-set hot metal type... I’m a purist,” she smiles. “There’s a beauty in the physical object itself, as well as the job it is doing.” Cyndi utilizes fine papers from Europe and the U.S. and fonts from her collection of hot metal type. On the walls hang some of her printed art, each a masterpiece in design, color and texture. “I only do custom work. Each job has its own considerations and is one of a kind, so I work closely with each client. The printing techniques haven’t changed; this was going on five hundred years ago.” She notes of movable type, “It’s a joy to work with if you’re a creative person.” In her shop she creates custom wedding invitations, birth announcements, business systems, social stationary and limited-edition books. As an avid reader, Cyndi initially became interested in how books were produced, which led her to the private press world. This is where people embrace letterpress printing and fine printing in the book form. She recalls, “I read lots of trade books and started visiting antiquarian book stores, and then started to find books that were printed letterpress.” At the time, she didn’t realize that’s what they were. The books were attractive

Crested Butte Magazine <85>

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to her in their uniqueness, their texture and dimension. Ultimately, she became an apprentice letterpress printer at the Yolla Bolly Press in Covelo, California. From there she went to work in the Bay area at Arion Press, One Heart Press and Taurus Bindery. In 2002, she returned to Crested Butte to open Eidolon as a letterpress print shop and bookbindery. In addition to her letterpress work, Cyndi is a master bookbinder. “My heart loves making these books,” she confesses. “My interest in fine books and fine printing introduced me to fine binding. These fields are entwined.” While working in San Francisco, she began private instruction with Eleanor Ramsey, a highly respected binder on the west coast. Continuing her education, she went to Ascona, Switzerland, to Centro del bel Libro to study under Edwin Heim. Then she enrolled in the American Academy of Bookbinding, from which she graduated in 2007 with a degree in fine binding. She continues to study in the off seasons, always honing her skills.

Bookbinding has its origins in India, where religious sutra were copied onto cut palm leaves, dried and rubbed with ink, which would form a stain in the wound. Numbered, the leaves were then threaded with twine, which was also threaded through wooden boards. Buddhist monks spread this book design through Persia, Afghanistan, Iran and China in the first century B.C. “Binding is completely different from printing,” Cyndi explains. “With printing, you are creating the same item over and over. With bookbinding, this is known as ‘edition binding.’ I rarely do editions. Most books I make are singularly unique. They are called fine bindings.” These types of books are sewn by hand on a traditional sewing frame with cords. Then the boards are attached to the bookblock with the sewing cords, strengthening the structure and creating a book that will last generations. “I’ve been trained in 500-year-old French techniques, in ‘true binding’,” Cyndi says. The covers she has created are

<86> Crested Butte Magazine

•UnobstructedviewsoftheElkMountainsandtheEastRiverValley

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masterful compositions – richly hued leathers interpreting the message of the book, as is the credo of the fine binder. The piece “The Springing of the Blade” depicts a dead blade of grass and a new blade – the cycle of life – all surrounded by gold tooling that reaches into the interior of the cover. “It is a creative act designed to intrigue the reader. The books I make are intended to be beautiful works of art. They are more akin to oil paintings in that they are each one of a kind.” Each book cover – like a “painting” constructed of rich leather with the delicate inset of a thin wire strand – makes art of the poetry, stories or even blank pages within. There are different styles of binding, such as European, Asian and the recently revealed Secret Belgian binding. “It was just discovered by a Belgian librarian; they introduced it to everyone as a different way to put boards (the structure of the cover) on.” Cyndi has just learned this technique. Much more in demand in the binding world are the fields of conservation and restoration, each different in its function, both repairing a damaged tome. “Conservation is where you have an old book in need of repair. You keep all the old parts and repair it with respect to its original condition. Often the parts are all housed together in a box.” In conservation, all parts are retained and saved. It’s an undertaking done primarily for a rare book or one with sentimental value. Restoration brings a book back into a usable, readable form and can involve new materials. A restoration binder might fix the endsheets or put a new cover on the book – befitting the time frame in which the book was made. Through the centuries there have been different styles of book cover design, ornaments and decorations. “The task of the binder is to figure out the most appropriate way to repair it into a usable, readable, enjoyable book. It’s not better or worse, it’s appropriateness,” Cyndi says. Why name the press Eidolon? It’s an archaic word with roots in the Greek ‘eidos’, meaning form. But it has two meanings. The first is a noun: a phantom or apparition. The second is an American bastardization: an ideal thing or person. “Eidolon Press is my ideal thing,” Cyndi explains. She has created a world set into ink; thought and word bound in the ancient art ways; books asking to be opened, admired, read and felt. Cyndi glances around her realm of old machines and timeless art. “Welcome to my world.”

Dawne Belloise is a freelance writer, photographer, traveler and musician living in a tiny cottage on an alley at the end of the road in paradise. E-mail dbelloise@gmail.com or web rubysroad.com.

Crested Butte Magazine <87>

<88> Crested Butte Magazine

Winter highlights

NOVEMBER19-21 Teens on Stage: “The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe”25 Opening day, Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR)27-29 Thanksgiving Camp, Crested Butte Nordic Center

DECEMBER5 Crystal Palace Theatre with Mead Metcalf, Center for the Arts5, 12, 19 Citizens Race Series, CB Nordic Center5 Holiday Bazaar, Crested Butte Community School18-20, 22-23, 26-27, 29-31 “Miracle on 34th Street,” CB Mountain Theatre20 USASA Southwest Series Slalom Races at the ski area20 Solstice Brunch at the yurt, CB Nordic Center27 Brunch at the yurt, CB Nordic Center31 Moonlight Snowshoe Tour, CBMR31 Full-moon Yurt Dinner Party, CB Nordic Center31 New Years Eve torchlight parade & celebration, Mt. CB

winter highlights

: photo by Alex Fenlon

Crested Butte Magazine <89>

nOVeMBer19-21 Teens on Stage: “The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe”25 Opening day, Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR)27-29 Thanksgiving Camp, Crested Butte Nordic Center

deCeMBer5 Crystal Palace Theatre with Mead Metcalf, Center for the Arts5, 12, 19 Citizens Race Series, CB Nordic Center5 Holiday Bazaar, Crested Butte Community School18-20, 22-23, 26-27, 29-31 “Miracle on 34th Street,” CB Mountain Theatre20 USASA Southwest Series Slalom Races at the ski area20 Solstice Brunch at the yurt, CB Nordic Center27 Brunch at the yurt, CB Nordic Center31 Moonlight Snowshoe Tour, CBMR31 Full-moon Yurt Dinner Party, CB Nordic Center31 New Years Eve torchlight parade & celebration, Mt. CB

JanuarY1-2 “Miracle on 34th Street,” CB Mountain Theatre9-10 USASA Southwest Series Superpipe and Slopestyle, CBMR9, 16 Citizens Race Series, CB Nordic Center14-17 Adaptive High Adventure Weekend: Ice & Ski, Adaptive Sports Ctr.16 Manitou Art Theatre’s “Firehouse Circus,” Center for the Arts17 Brunch at the yurt, CB Nordic Center29-31 Sit Ski Fiesta, Adaptive Sports Center (ASC)29 Boulder Acoustic Society, Center for the Arts30 USASA Southwest Series Superpipe, CBMR30 Moonlight Snowshoe Tour, CBMR30 Full-moon Yurt Dinner Tour, CB Nordic Center

: photo by Alex Fenlon

: photo by Dusty Demerson

: photo by J.C. Leacock

: photo by J.C. Leacock

<90> Crested Butte Magazine

FeBruarY6 Alley Loop Nordic Races (5K-42K), CB Nordic Center12 Suzy Boggus, Center for the Arts14 Valentine’s Brunch at the yurt, CB Nordic Center17-21 Extreme Freeskiing Championships, Freeskiing World Tour, CBMR18-21 Prater Cup ski races, CBMR19-22 Adaptive High Adventure Weekend: Advanced Snowboarding, ASC23 Marc Cohn, Center for the Arts26-28 Autism Family Weekend, ASC27-28 USASA Southwest Series Superpipe, GS & Slalom, CBMR27 Crested Butte’s Got Talent! Center for the Arts28 Moonlight Snowshoe Tour, CBMR28 Full-moon Yurt Dinner Tour, CB Nordic Center

MarCH5 Alpin Hong, Center for the Arts6-7 Alison Gannett’s Rippin Chix Ski Camp9-10 Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Center for the Arts12 Banff Film Festival, Center for the Arts13-14 USASA Southwest Series BX, CBMR13 Red Lady Salvation Ball, High Country Citizens Alliance14 Brunch at the yurt, CB Nordic Center17 Wedding Show, Mt. Crested Butte’s Visitors Center 18-21 Extreme Telemark Freeskiing Championships, CBMR19-20 Crested Butte Land Trust Adventure Auction/Gourmet Dinner20 Progressive Bonfire Dinner on Town Ranch loop, CB Nordic Center19-22 Adaptive High Adventure Weekend, Ladies Getaway, ASC21 Al Johnson Memorial Uphill/Downhill Telemark Ski Race, CBMR26-27 Elk Mountains Grand Traverse, CB to Aspen backcountry race30 Moonlight Snowshoe Tour, CBMR30 Full-moon Yurt Dinner Tour, CB Nordic Center

aPriL1-4 Flauschink flushing-of-winter celebration, Crested Butte4 Closing day, CBMR ski resort

For details, see gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/events.: photo by Dusty Demerson

: photo by Nathan Bilow

Crested Butte Magazine <91>

winter highlights

: photo by Alex Fenlon

<92> Crested Butte Magazine

: photo by Natan Bilow

Alpine Getaways Vacation Rentals510 Elk AvenueCrested Butte, CO

30 Treasury • Luxury Vacation Home30 Treasury Road Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225

Crested Butte’s premium vacation rentals. We work with each client to provide the perfect vacation -- arranging accommodations, activities, tours and more.

Tastefully appointed 5 bedroom/51/2 bath home with an additional 1 bedroom suite. Sleeps 13 very comfortably. 30

93

95

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96

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1.800.260.1935www.alpinegetaways.com

info@cbbound.comwww.cbbound.com

Cement Creek RanchCabinsCement Creek, south of Crested Butte

Secluded private cabins in beautiful wild setting only 20 minutes from town. “You’re the only guest.”

www.cementcreekranch.com

Holiday Inn Express• Hotel 910 East Tomichi Gunnison, CO 81230

Stay and ski for less. Just 30 minutes from Crested Butte. Full hot breakfast, indoor pool, indoor-outdoor whirlpool.

1.970.641.1288www.hiexpress.com/gunnisonco

Cristiana GuesthausBed & Breakfast Hotel621 Maroon Ave, PO Box 427, Crested Butte, CO

Cozy B&B inn with European ski lodge charm. Hearty homemade Continental breakfast served fireside. Hot tub with mountain views. Private baths. Near free shuttle; walk to shops & restaurants.

1.800.824.7899 www.cristianaguesthaus.com email: info@cristianaguesthaus.com

213 Third Street • Rustic Log Home213 Third Street Crested Butte, CO 81224

Peak Property Management & Sales Rental HomesPO Box 2023, Crested Butte, CO 81224

Beautiful 7-bedroom, 8-bathroom home. An ideal vacation home and great location for the whole family. Sleeps 19.

Specializing in one to four bedroom private vacation home rentals in historic downtown Crested Butte, Mt. CB & the Club at Crested Butte (country club).

1.970.209.6376 keithpayne@yahoo.com www.213third.com

1.888.909.7325www.peakcb.com email: kat@peakcb.com

Iron Horse Property ManagementRental HomesBox 168, Crested Butte, CO 81224

PR Property Management Rental Homes350 Country Club Dr., 110A, Crested Butte, CO

Specializing in highly personalized property management and vacation rentals. Expect more.

Large variety of private, luxury rental homes in Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte, the Club at Crested Butte and Meridian Lake.

1.888.417.4766www.ironhorsecb.com

1.800.285.0459www.prproperty.com

The Nordic Inn • Hotel14 Treasury Road, PO Box 939 Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225

The Ruby of Crested ButteLuxury Bed & Breakfast624 Gothic Ave, PO Box 3801, Crested Butte, CO

Allen (your host since 1969) and Judy Cox welcome you to this Scandinavian-style lodge. Rooms with two double beds & private baths. Within walking distance of the ski mountain.

Luxury B&B with full breakfast, private baths and concierge in historic Crested Butte. Also pampers pets with in-room dog beds, crates, home-made treats and dog-sitting service.

1.800.542.7669www.nordicinncb.com email: acox@nordicinncb.com

1.800.390.1338www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com

Old Town Inn • Hotel & Family InnHwy 135 & Red Lady Ave. • PO Box 990Crested Butte, CO 81224

Vacation Log Home • Rental Home790 Gothic RoadMt. Crested Butte, CO 81225

The warmth of a family inn; value, convenience & amenities of a hotel. Home-made afternoon snacks, yummy breakfast. Rooms with two queen beds. On shuttle route, or stroll to shops, restaurants & trailheads.

Beautiful log home on the mountain; great for families or large groups. Six bedrooms, six baths, sleeps up to 23. Spectacular views!

1.888.349.6184www.oldtowninn.net email: info@oldtowninn.net

1.970.209.6376 www.790gothic.com email: keithpayne@yahoo.com

Establishment Description Reservations Ad Page

Elk Mountain Lodge Bed & Breakfast Lodge129 Gothic Avenue, Crested Butte, CO 81224

Historic inn located in a residential neighborhood of downtown Crested Butte. Just two blocks off the “main street.” 19 rooms individually decorated. Some with balconies.

1.800.374.6521 www.elkmountainlodge.net email: info@elkmountainlodge.net

lodging guide

Crested Butte Magazine <93>

At Alpine Getaways, offering the best properties is justthe beginning. Your experience starts with finding theright property, but our commitment extends far beyond.

We work with each client to provide the perfect vaca-tion—arranging accommodations, tours, activities andmore. When it comes to your vacation, we want every-thing to be just right. Our concierge services will makeevery effort to accommodate your requests while you sitback and relax.

510 Elk Ave. (at the 4-way)PO box 2442Crested Butte, CO 81224

Phone: 970.349.0539www.alpinegetaways.com

• Online reservations• Detailed listings with photos• Discounted lift tickets• Stocked fridge prior to arrival• Activity bookings (ie. biking, fishing)• Baby sitting• Pet sitting• Romantic getaway packages• Out of area tours

The perfectCrested Butte vacation

begins here.

crested butte premium vacation rentals

A preferredpartner of:

ad_r2.qxd:layout 10/8/09 2:23 PM Page 1

<94> Crested Butte Magazine

(970) 209-6376790 Gothic at Whetstone on the Mountain

E-mail: keithpayne@yahoo.comFor additional pictures and rates visit our website: www.790gothic.com

VACATION LOG HOMEVACATION LOG HOME

The ultimate vacation getaway for large families or large groups. Six bedroomsand six baths including 5 Kings, 1 Queen, 7 Twins plus 2 sleeper couches,sleeps 23 comfortably. Take the free shuttle bus or make the 5 minute walk tothe ski base area, lifts, shops and restaurants. After a day of skiing, hiking,fishing or biking, soak in the outdoor hot tub or the indoor spa tub, play a gameof pool or just relax gazing out the window at the spectacular mountain viewsfrom your rustic paradise.

Crested Butte Magazine <95>

hot breakfast | Indoor Pool | WhIrlPool | free WIreless

Your Best Crested Butte ski Vacation

Value!

**All packages include nightly accommodations and two adult lift tickets each day.**

910 e tomIchI, gunnIson, co | 970.641.1288WWW.hIexPress.com/gunnIsonco

StAy 7 nights,

Ski free 3 days!

One night packages from $201

Seven night packages from $170

Drive yourself or take the free rtA shuttle!

Just 30 minutes from Crested Butte!

www.cementcreekranch.com

RAN C HCEMENT CREEKCEMENT CREEKRAN C H

• ONLY 20 MINUTES FROM TOWN• YO U A R E T H E O N LY G U E S T !

FLY FISHING / MOUNTAIN BIkINGHIkING/ SkIING / RELAxING

Secret Hideaway!CRESTED BUTTE’S

<96> Crested Butte Magazine

Crested Butte Magazine <97>

dining guide:

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Establishment Cuisine Price Course

9380 Prime • 251-3030 Elevation Hotel, Mt. Crested Butte

This slopeside restaurant features 2 dining venues: 9380, the casual choice, and Prime for fine dining. 9380 is your breakfast, lunch and apres-ski spot, with convenient firepit and outdoor bar. Prime opens at night for contemporary dining.

$7-39BreakfastLunchDinner

ttttt ttt100

Avalanche • 349-7195Base area, Mt. Crested Butte

The place to be for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Avalanche has been proudly fueling locals, seasonal residents and visitors for more than 15 years. Extensive menu for even the most demanding diners. Salads to pizzas, happy hour specials.

$5-27BreakfastLunchDinner

tttt ttt99

Bacchanale • 349-5257209 Elk Ave. Downtown

Lil’s • 349-5457321 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte

Italian; Delicious, casual Italian cuisine with marvelous entrees such as veal parmigiana, fra diavolo, or cannelloni for your main dish. Many meatless selections. Extensive appetizer menus and kid’s menu. Happy hours with tapas.

Sushi bar & grill; Crested Butte’s original sushi bar serving great seafood, steaks and surf & turf entrees, as well as options for the little ones. In Historic Downtown.

$12-32

$4-28

Dinner

Dinner

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Butte 66 • 349-2999Treasury Building, Mt. Crested Butte

Lobar • 349-0480Downstairs at 3rd & ElkCrested Butte

The most popular apres-ski bar/eatery on the mountain with live music and daily drink specials. New menu features all the cuisine encountered on Rt. 66: St. Louis ribs to Albuquerque corn chowder. Huge outdoor deck with slopeside views.

Eclectic dining: people rave about our sushi, but we’ve introduced a new casual bistro menu, fish tacos to crack fries! Free kids’ meals 5-6 p.m. On weekends, the Lobar transforms into CB’s only nightclub with live music, karaoke, DJs & more.

$7-25

$8-32

LunchDinner

Dinner

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Django’s • 349-7574Courtyard of Mountaineer SquareMt. Crested Butte

Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle349-7401411 Third Street, Crested Butte

At this newcomer, you’ll experience a variety of artful small plates in a comfortable modern setting. Out-of-the-norm menu and wine list draw from Southern Europe. Apres-ski and unique dining experience.

Italian; Offering generations of family recipes in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. The menu features unique pasta-sauce combos, traditional and regional Italian, seafood, veal and elk. Reservations recommended.

$4-18

$6-30

BrunchDinner

Dinner

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Donita’s Cantina • 349-66744th & Elk in Crested Butte

Maxwells • 349-1221226 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte

Mexican; Down-to-earth eatery specializing in good food, ample portions, fun service. Fabulous fajitas, enchanting enchiladas, bueno burritos. Local favorite for over 30 years; casual atmosphere.

Fine Dining; CB’s newest steakhouse. HDTVs for watching the games. Great hand-cut steaks, seafood, pastas, lamb, pork, burgers, salads, appetizers, kids’ menu. Extensive wines and beers.

$4-24

$7-31

Dinner

Dinner

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East Side Bistro • 349-9699435 6th Street, Crested Butte

McGill’s • 349-5240228 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte

Fine Dining; Upscale casual neighborhood bistro. Our menu evolves seasonally & represents the eclectic, creative, sophisticated visions of our passion for food, using locally fresh ingredients & prepared with innovative, contemporary style.

Old-Fashioned soda fountain; with malts, shakes, sundaes, banana splits, libations; home-cooked breakfasts and lunches prepared to order. Historic locale, casual atmosphere.

$10-35

$4-15

BrunchDinner

BreakfastLunch

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Ice Bar, Uley’s Cabin • 349-2275On-mountain, Mt. Crested Butte

Slogar • 349-57652nd & Whiterock, Crested Butte

World-class cuisine fuses fresh Rocky Mtn. ingredients with French exotic drinks at a bar made of ice. Gourmet lunches at new Uley’s Cabin. Specialty beverages on the sunny deck. Also hosting Last Tracks and Sleighride Dinners.

Skillet-friend chicken and steak dinners served family-style. The toughest part is deciding what tastes the best: mashed potatoes, fresh biscuits, creamed corn, chutney, steak, chicken.

$10-45

$15-28

LunchDinner

Dinner

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Last Steep • 349-7007208 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte

Wooden Nickel • 349-6350222 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte

Sandwiches/soup/salads; Casual family dining, relaxing atmosphere. Affordable menu with Caribbean island flair; Cajun chicken pasta, curry shrimp & coconut salad, artichoke-cheddar soup in bread bowl.

Steaks, prime rib, king crab; Known for the best steaks in town. USDA Prime cuts of beef, Alaska King crab, ribs, pork and lamb chops, grilled seafood, burgers, chicken fried steak and buffalo burgers.

$5-16

$7-40

LunchDinner

Dinner

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<98> Crested Butte Magazine

The most popular après ski bar and eatery on the mountain

introduces an

expanded menu

to go with its live

music and daily

drink specials.

The new menu

features classic

tastes of the

American West.

From St. Louis Ribs to Albuquerque Corn Chowder,

Butte 66 offers up something for everyone.

BAR & GRILLE

(970)349-2999 SLOPESIDE – TREASURY CENTER LUNCH, APRÈS SKI & TWILIGHT DINNER

Crested Butte Magazine <99>

Italian DiningWild Pacific SalmonLocal Organic Steaks

Homemade Italian Specialties,Soups, Salads & Desserts

Nightly SpecialsProgressive Wine List

Large Groups WelcomeTo Go Menu &

Take Away Dinner Parties

Dinner NightlyHappy Hours 5-6 & 8-9pm with Tapas & Drink Specials

209 Elk AvenueDowntown Crested Butte

349-5257www.bacchanale.net

<100> Crested Butte Magazine

9380, the casual choice, and Prime,

the fi ne-dining option are both located

slopeside at the Elevation Hotel & Spa.

9380 features breakfast, lunch and après ski

with ski-in/ski-out convenience.

At night, Prime opens for a unique

contemporary dining experience.

SLOPESIDE ELEVATION HOTEL & SPA

(970)251-3030

TWO DISTINCT DINING VENUES

ONE MEMORABLE DESTINATION

Phot

os: T

om S

tillo

magazinecrested butte

comExperience Crested Butte...

anywhere, anytime

Hawk Wing Risotto Fritters by Fête Events

4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, heated2 tbsp. olive oil1 onion, finely diced4 cloves garlic, minced1 cup Arborio rice3-4 hawk wing mushrooms, diced1 cup parmesan cheese, grated2 eggsbreadcrumbs to coat6 cups peanut or other frying oilHeat pan with olive oil, sauté onion and garlic until tender, then add mushrooms until reduced and tender. Add rice to onion mixture and cook for 3-5 minutes. Slowly add stock one ladle at a time and stir frequently until rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Cool rice for one hour. When cooled, add parmesan and eggs to rice mixture and roll into balls. Dredge risotto balls in breadcrumbs to coat. Deep fry in 6 cups peanut oil. Drain and serve warm with marinara, pomodoro, or basil aioli. Bon appetit!

Speaking of food...

Crested Butte Magazine <101>

Dinner Nightly349-7401 Downtown Crested Butte

Irresistibly Italian

SLEIGHRIDE DINNERRide in an open sleigh pulled by a snowcat to a four-course dinner.

LAST TRACKS DINNER

SLEIGHRIDE DINNER

Ride the lift up to a gourmet dinner, then ski, snowboard, or snowshoe back to the base using headlamps to light your way.

DINNER RESERVATIONS (970)349-4554 OR VISIT THE ADVENTURE CENTER

Gourmet lunches served daily inside the brand new Uley’s Cabin. Enjoy an

exotic drink outside at a bar made out of ice!

Located at the base of the Twister lift. (970)349-2275

DINNER RESERVATIONS

ULEY’S

The

Bar Ice at

LAST TRACKS DINNER

made out of ice! made out of ice! made out of ice!

Twister lift. (970)349-2275Twister lift. (970)349-2275

Bar Bar Bar Bar Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice

Bar Ice

Bar Bar Ice

Bar Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice at at

Bar at

Bar Bar at

Bar made out of ice! made out of ice!

ULEY’SULEY’SULEY’SULEY’SULEY’SBar Bar Bar Bar

Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Ice Bar

Ice Bar Bar

Ice Bar Bar

Ice Bar Bar

Ice Bar

Ice Ice Ice Bar

Ice Bar Bar

Ice Bar

<102> Crested Butte Magazine

photofinish

: photo by Alex Fenlon

http://www.crestedbuttemagazine.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?oaparams=2__bannerid=203__zoneid=0__cb=74f62ada26__oadest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohbejoyfulgallery.com%2F

crested buttemagazine

COMPLIMENTARY

You want to feel at home in Crested Butte before you buy. You want regular communication and unparalleled service by sales

professionals who live and work in the area that inspires you.

That’s where Prudential Becky Hamlin Realty, Inc. comes in. Our sales professionals have the knowledge and skills to make

your experience of home ownership a delight while treating you to a Crested Butte only locals know.

For more information call or visit us online.CBProperty.com

Downtown Crested Butte office | 970.349.6691Slopeside in Mt. Crested Butte office | 970.349.6692

{ }Inspired Mountain Living

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Crested Butte M

agazine Winter 2009-2010

www.crestedbuttemagazine.com

winter 2009-2010