The Crested Butte Nordic Center (CBNC) is the place to go in Gunnison County during winter for cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding and guided tours of the area. CBNC is a great place for young and old – and everyone in between – to learn about and practice these fun, challenging and rewarding winter time sports. Located in downtown Crested Butte, with groomed trails that encircle Crested Butte, it a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the mountain scenery and charms of a historic mining town.
About the Crested Butte Nordic Center (CNBC)
The CBNC maintains more than of cross-country ski trails around the town of Crested Butte. Classic and skate skiers of all levels can enjoy the variety of trails that run along the East River, up the Mt. Crested Butte Recreation Path or through the forest. New to cross-country skiing, or want to hone your skills? Many visitors, locals and second homeowners appreciate that CBNC offers rental gear and a ski school aimed at helping Nordic skiing become easier and more enjoyable for students. Daily lessons are offered with special programs all through the season. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, CBNC also offers a spate of special tours, including backcountry ski tours and even moonlight ski parties.
Have a dog?
There are many trails that are dog friendly – “Crested Butte where dogs are people too” 🙂
Upcoming Events
CBNC operates a full schedule events between opening day in November and closing day in April. Some of the fun and exciting programs on tap this season include:
- Citizens Race Series – This race series for all ages is held at different locations beginning in December and ending in February. Points are recorded and added up throughout the series with champions being crowned at the end of the season. Upcoming races will be held on December 15 and 22 and January 5, 12 and 19. Please see the CBNC website for details.
- New Year’s Eve Party – Ring in the new year at a benefit for the Crested Butte Nordic Council. The event includes a five-course dinner, drinks and live music by Alpine Soul. Different package options are available that also include trail passes and ski or snowshoe rentals. Dinner begins at 7pm, with the party hitting full swing at 10:30pm.
- Alley Loop Nordic Marathon – Scheduled for February 2, this event is Crested Butte’s biggest party of the year, complete with costumes, awards and prizes! Different races are held over the day, and the event also features a Friday night pub-ski crawl, Saturday Taste of the Alley and New Belgium Beer Garden and an awards ceremony.
- Elk Mountains Grand Traverse – For those in great shape and in search of an adventure, the 16th Annual GORE-TEX® Elk Mountains Grand Traverse will be held on Friday March 29, 2013. Mark your calendars! Registration is open through the Grand Traverse website. The Grand Traverse is an extraordinary backcountry ski race between the towns of Crested Butte and Aspen, CO. Depending on weather, the start is usually at midnight from Crested Butte, often in sub-zero temperatures; the racers traverse Colorado’s spectacular Elk Mountains.
Magic Meadows Yurt
One of CBNC’s most delightful features is the Magic Meadows Yurt, nestled among the pines in the Slate River basin. Head out Peanut Lake Road and park in one of the parking areas – guest can ski or snowshoe to the yurt, with or without a guide, and can enjoy lunch, brunch, picnics or dinner in the moonlight. The yurt is warm and cozy with a crackling fire and can be rented out for groups or parties.
More Information
See their website or stop in to the Nordic Center to get a Nordic Trail Map. Many options are available for the required Nordic Passes (for the majority of the groomed trails) and can be purchased at the Nordic Center or on-line. The Crested Butte Nordic Center is located at 620 Second Street on the corner of of Second and Whiterock in downtown Crested Butte adjacent to the new improved (covered) ice rink. They are open from 8:30am to 5:00pm during the season, and can be reached via the Mountain Express Free Bus Route. To learn more about CBNC, you can call 970-349-1707, or email them at info@cbnordic.org or visit their website. For more information on Crested Butte Real Estate, CLICK HERE to contact Chris Kopf.
