Opening day report and sweet deals that last all season long
The proof was in the propensity of dudes in their 20’s clogging up the lift lines: 50-year-old Crested Butte is not only a cougar, but also a sugar mama. In honor of her birthday last week, the buxom Colorado ski resort handed out free lift tickets for opening day.
The guys didn’t seem to mind that her sexier extreme terrain wasn’t open yet; they flocked to pay homage to the grand lady of Gunnison County (and cash in on their free lift ticket). No one complained that she granted access to only a smattering of her green runs, nor that a lady known for fast access kept her admirers waiting in a 25-minute lift line.
J.D., a 30-year-old local, put it best, “We’re gonna take one run in her honor, and then hit the bar.”
Sure enough, the real party was in full effect on the Butte 66 deck overlooking the base area. Locals showed up in costume, beer flowed, clowns entertained children (and scared adults), a giant piñata in the shape of a birthday cake got enthusiastically smacked, and folks down in the lift line were cajoled into dancing to “Daisy Dukes,” which was blaring from loudspeakers on the deck just for that purpose.
According to Erica Reiter, CB’s public relations and communications manager (who also took one run with her husband for the occasion, then called it a day), the celebration will last all season long with specials and deals designed to honor Crested Butte, a true mountain diva who only improves with age. Reiter also confirmed the expansion rumors were true – The Crested Butte News broke the full story here.
Crested Butte’s sweetest sugar mama specials:
The birthday girl wants to celebrate your big day too. Get a free lift ticket on your b-day, regardless of whether you’re turning 20 or 80; just show a valid photo I.D. with your birthdate. Already a pass holder? Get a free lift ticket for a friend. The cozy Christiana Guesthouse offers 20% off already reasonably priced lodging on your birthday.
For early December, get a lift ticket and a night’s lodging for $89, through Crested Butte Vacations. Call 800.810.7669.
Also for early December, Christiana Guesthouse is offering 50% off lodging, which puts your cost at only $47.50 per night, including breakfast. And they’ve got lift tickets for the same period for only $32 per day (lift tickets must be pre-ordered at least five days prior to arrival).
For Christmas, out-of-towners can buy one airline ticket and get a second for free (must arrive between December 15 and December 24) when booking a lift and lodging package at the Plaza Condominium.
On January 5th at 1:00 p.m., the Crested Butte Nordic Center is offering a free “Learn to Skate Ski” clinic. For information and reservations, call (970) 349-4554 or visit www.skicb.com.
From January to early March, purchase three nights of lodging at any Crested Butte Vacations Property and three days of lift tickets, and get a fourth night and lift ticket courtesy of the resort.
Also from January to early March, Receive a free beginner lesson, lift ticket, and rental for each person on the reservation when booking a lodging stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort for two or more days. Valid for both the adults and youngsters in your party.
For the entire season (even holidays!) get half off your second night at the luxurious Elevation Hotel & Spa. That’s every second night – so stay for six days and you get half off days two, four and six. There’s no limit on the length of your stay.
All season long, book the entire Wanderlust Hostel in Gunnison for only $220 per night. Featuring a large kitchen, living space, outdoor decks and private as well as shared rooms, the hostel holds up to 16. Hop on the free Gunnison Valley RTA bus a block away and head to Crested Butte for a day of skiing and boarding. The hostel also offers discounted lift tickets.
More deals at: skicb.com
