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Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race

April 5, 2017 By Chris Kopf

Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race

Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race

Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski RaceThe Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race is quite a spectacle. What do you get when you combine Spring skiing weather, a  race on Telemark Skis that goes Uphill and Downhill, and Crested Butte people who love to have fun!

Yes, the Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race like many fun events in Crested Butte includes a small group of uber athletes who are competing to win or get their best times, plus a ton of “racers” who show up, dress up, and celebrate life in Crested Butte!

Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski RaceThe Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race race starts near the base of the North Face Lift and as you will see from the video there is a mass start of all the competitors. The racers quickly separate themselves and the creative costumes (and perhaps some pre-race partying) tends to slow down the remainder of the field…

All the competitors will climb approximately 800 feet to the top of the ridge, then they must ski down approximately 1,200 feet of double black diamond extreme terrain and finish skiing (or sliding) down the Last Steep ski run.

Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski RaceCompetitors are required to ski using free-heel telemark equipment. Not easy on a normal day, and quite a bit harder with the bulky costumes (some are skiing together in some sort of group costume).  There is usually quite a bit of carnage at this point in the race and some competitors are cleaning up their “yard sale” and carrying skis, poles and pieces of their costume as they cross the finish line.

About The Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race

The Al Johnson Memorial Uphill/Downhill Telemark Ski Race (commonly referred to as just “The Al Johnson”) is so named because of a very brave and hearty soul who delivered mail throughout the winter on long wooden skis in these mountains over 100 years ago. This race has a long history in Crested Butte and first started in 1974.  The race is a fundraiser for the Crested Butte Avalanche Center.

See Video of the Start of theThe Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race

 

From the Al Johnson Memorial Uphill/Downhill Telemark Ski Race website:

In the late 1800’s, Al Johnson was a mail carrier who traveled between various mining communities in the Crested Butte area. He was known for his courage on skis and held himself to the principle that “the mail must go through.” At roughly 9000 feet, the seventeen miles he traversed from Crystal to Crested Butte are some of the most treacherous winter terrain in the Gunnison Valley. Johnson would strap on mail sacks, which often weighed more than twenty-five pounds, and ski with this burden through snowy, rugged canyons and passes.

It should be noted that the skis of yesteryear used by Al Johnson were nine to fourteen feet in length, four inches wide, and one and a half inches thick. They resembled planks more than skis as we know them today. The wood was very thick under foot and tapered off at both ends. The tips were quite limber and thin so that they could be steamed and bent to the correct curve.

Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski RacePeople ask me, “… What makes Crested Butte Special?”

Well the Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race Is one of those things. Even if you go watch and don’t participate you will appreciate the energy and fun – and you will laugh at the many costumes.  It is another opportunity for those who desire to dress up in a costume, compete in a race or event, and have a fun party all at the same time! It is part of the culture and a fun part of Crested Butte.

There are so many things to experience here in Crested Butte from the world class alpine and Nordic skiing, the unbelievable variety of fly fishing, hiking, biking, an awesome golf course, and expansive recreational pursuits in the wilderness we are so close to… The charm of Crested Butte and the variety and quality of the performing arts, the festivals and events like Crested Butte Al Johnson Ski Race are what makes Crested Butte a special place for all.

For more info visit the Al Johnson Memorial Uphill/Downhill Telemark Ski Race website.

How can I help you with Your Crested Butte Real Estate Needs?

Crested Butte Co Real EstateThe Crested Butte area offers a wide variety of properties including ski in/ski out single family homes, ski-in/ski-out condominiums, lake and river frontage properties, golf course property, and true fine mountain homes on acreage. To see featured properties or search the MLS – visit www.ChrisKopf.com.

If you considering Selling your Crested Butte home and are interested in finding out what your existing property is worth – call me.

How is the Crested Butte Real Estate Market doing? Click this link to see my monthly Crested Butte Real Estate Market Reports I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and be your Crested Butte Real Estate Agent.

Contact me at: (970) 209-5405, or chriskopf@bighornrealty.com

Click here to do an advanced search the Crested Butte MLS for properties for sale in the Crested Butte area.

For more information on this home or the Crested Butte Real Estate Market contact:

Chris Kopf
Previews® Property Specialist
Coldwell Banker Bighorn Realty
Phone: (970) 209-5405
email: chriskopf@bighornrealty.com

 

 

 

 

 

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Chris Kopf, Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
305 6th Street
Crested Butte, CO 81224
  • Chris.Kopf@CBMP.com
  • (970) 209-5405

Testimonials

Bobby Nichols

"The first moment we met Chris, my wife and I knew he was all about what is happening in real estate sales in Crested Butte. He knows his job, the marketplace and the innovative ways to market your home in today's electronic internet space. A real professional that understood us and our needs in handling a very successful sales transaction. "

 
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:45:19-07:00
"The first moment we met Chris, my wife and I knew he was all about what is happening in real estate sales in Crested Butte. He knows his job, the marketplace and the innovative ways to market your home in today's electronic internet space. A real professional that understood us and our needs in handling a very successful sales transaction. "  
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/bobby-nichols/

Jeff Hollings

Chris is outstanding! We recently bought a second home in Crested Butte and Chris did a great job throughout the whole process. He has a thorough understanding of the market and the benefits and drawbacks of various locations. He was very patient with us as our preferences evolved throughout the search. He gave us valuable information on which to negotiate the purchase. He had great follow-up during the inspection/closing process (when we were not in town) and made sure all of the commitments made by the seller were properly completed.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:46:48-07:00
Chris is outstanding! We recently bought a second home in Crested Butte and Chris did a great job throughout the whole process. He has a thorough understanding of the market and the benefits and drawbacks of various locations. He was very patient with us as our preferences evolved throughout the search. He gave us valuable information on which to negotiate the purchase. He had great follow-up during the inspection/closing process (when we were not in town) and made sure all of the commitments made by the seller were properly completed.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/jeff-hollings/

James Brennan

This was our first experience trying to purchase additional land with hopes of building a home. Chris was tremendously helpful throughout the entire process and his professionalism showed.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T17:59:24-06:00
This was our first experience trying to purchase additional land with hopes of building a home. Chris was tremendously helpful throughout the entire process and his professionalism showed.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/james-brennan/

Jane Saltzman

Chris was terrific to work with. The house sold faster then I ever expected! He was particularly helpful for this second home owner that couldn't always get there to take care of house issues. Thank you Chris!!!
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:49:37-07:00
Chris was terrific to work with. The house sold faster then I ever expected! He was particularly helpful for this second home owner that couldn't always get there to take care of house issues. Thank you Chris!!!
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/jane-saltzman/

Georges Lussier

The thought of a short sale was intimidating, but Chris made the experience very easy with lots of guidance from start to finish. I would highly recommend Chris for any Real Estate need buying or selling.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:05:40-06:00
The thought of a short sale was intimidating, but Chris made the experience very easy with lots of guidance from start to finish. I would highly recommend Chris for any Real Estate need buying or selling.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/georges-lussier/

Frank Stringer

Chris Kopf is a wonderful person to work with on any real estate matter you may have in Crested Butte. He is extremely knowledgeable of all elements of the Crested Butte area. He helped us recently to buy a new second home in Skyland and the entire experience was first class under Chris's guidance. I would highly recommend him to anyone who has a real estate need in Crested Butte.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2015-02-11T13:51:04-07:00
Chris Kopf is a wonderful person to work with on any real estate matter you may have in Crested Butte. He is extremely knowledgeable of all elements of the Crested Butte area. He helped us recently to buy a new second home in Skyland and the entire experience was first class under Chris's guidance. I would highly recommend him to anyone who has a real estate need in Crested Butte.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/frank-stringer/

Paul & Julie Keesee

Chris was quite helpful in showing us homes in the area we were interested in and contacted us when new listings were available. We not only consider him our realtor but also a friend.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:05:59-06:00
Chris was quite helpful in showing us homes in the area we were interested in and contacted us when new listings were available. We not only consider him our realtor but also a friend.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/paul-julie-keesee/

Jim & Sandra Wickham

Chris' patience and persistence paid off for us in finding the right house for the right price. We would highly recommend Chris to any potential buyer.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:06:18-06:00
Chris' patience and persistence paid off for us in finding the right house for the right price. We would highly recommend Chris to any potential buyer.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/jim-sandra-wickham/

Tom & Mary Aton

It was a great experience working with Chris, after showing me what I thought I wanted, he advised me of the pros and cons on the different condos and found one that I am thrilled with.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:06:31-06:00
It was a great experience working with Chris, after showing me what I thought I wanted, he advised me of the pros and cons on the different condos and found one that I am thrilled with.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/tom-mary-aton/

Dan Aquaviva

This agent has a very strong knowledge of the local area. He was very helpful in screening properties for potential purchase.
Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf
2014-10-14T18:05:26-06:00
This agent has a very strong knowledge of the local area. He was very helpful in screening properties for potential purchase.
https://chriskopf.com/testimonials/dan-aquaviva/
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Crested Butte Real Estate by Chris Kopf

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