A former coal mining town, Crested Butte, Colorado has a new luster. The eighth largest historic district in the Centennial State offers a nice balance of past and present with the neighboring resort in Mt. Crested Butte adding to its appeal. Active types head to the DC Terrain Park at the top of Forest Queen, enjoy nighttime tubing on Tubing Hill and discover other diversions at the Crested Butte Nordic Center.
Crested Butte things to do
Snowcat Driving Experience
Those who are curious about what it is like to drive a snowcat now have an opportunity to find out. Snowcat Driving Experience at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in partnership with Prinith offers a comprehensive program, which starts out in the classroom and then onto the course where participants learn everything from the basics to grooming and pushing snow. With one-on-one instruction, visitors will get to know the snowcat in and out, and get to experience one of the best ski resort jobs around. Visit www.skicb.com/cbmr/info/things-to-do/snowcat.aspx.
Snowmobile Tours
Experienced snowmobilers are sure to get a rush out of the High Performance X tour. So challenging is the tour, with lots of off trail deep powder snow and bushwhacking through trees on single trails, that it might be easy to miss the scenic surroundings around the Lost Lake area of the Gunnison National Forest and the legendary Splains Gulch Powder Field where the fast-paced tour takes place. Professional guides will coach participants through backcountry riding skills.Visit www.crestedbuttesnowmobile.com.
Dog Sled Tours
Who wouldn't want to be pulled on a sled by a pack of cute canines? A fun time can be had by all on a dog sled tour at Lucky Cat Dog Farm. Guests get to explore the backcountry of Gunnison County where they might run into elk, deer, sheep, fox or coyote, with the most spectacular mountain views around. Don't worry…the lovable Alaskan huskies won't bite. Visit www.luckycatdogfarm.com.
The Trailhead Discovery Children's Museum
Learning and fun go hand-in-hand at this popular Gunnison Valley attraction. The dig pit, a trailhead favorite, is a sandbox actually composed of recycled rubber mulch, where kids can play with shovels and search for buried treasure. At the Pirate Ship Theater, little ones can let loose their inner pirate with costumes, props and a full stage set, while they'll need to don their safety goggles if they want to play mad scientist at the TraiLab. There's a nursery nook, darkroom, art classes, various exhibits and more. Visit http://trailheadkids.org.
Uleys Cabin
Historical figure and bootlegger Uley Scheer, who was known around these parts as a provider of food and moonshine inspired the unique entertainment and dining venue known as Uleys Cabin. Unlike the burly mountain man image of lore, Uley was a dapper gentleman, and the cabin's sit-down lunch is a reflection of his elegance. Visitors arrive by open sleigh pulled by a snow cat and enjoy a Sleigh ride Dinner featuring a menu of Colorado Cuisine with French influences. Visit http://www.skicb.com/cbmr/info/things-to-do/uleys-cabin.aspx.
