Crested Butte Opens with a 50th Birthday Celebration

Preparing to celebrate 50 Years, the opening day of Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is Wednesday, November 23rd.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort officially opened for skiing in November of 1961, and this year’s opening day marks the resort’s 50^thbirthday and the culmination of a year long celebration. To honor its golden year, CBMR is offering a free lift ticket valid on November 23, 2011, opening day for the 2011-2012 season. To sweeten the deal, the resort also is offering a free lift ticket for “your” birthday whenever it may fall during the winter season.

CBMR’s opening day birthday celebration includes live music with Drew Emmitt, fun events, a big birthday cake, and party favors. And, free skiing, of course; parties are tradition in “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town.”

As with any quality Crested Butte event, costumes are encouraged.  Swag items will be flowing throughout the day.  Every hour at the top of the hour on the Butte deck is your favorite birthday party games including Ski Pole Piñata and KBUT Musical Chairs among others.  Compete to win fun prizes.  Games begin at 11 am until 2pm.

8:00 AM: CBMR team will hand out pastries and cocoa

8:45 AM:  Ribbon Cutting

8:59 AM: First Chair

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Local KBUT radio DJs live from Butte 66 deck

11:00 AM: Birthday Game #1 – Hot Potato Ski Boot on the Butte 66 deck

Noon: Birthday Game #2 – Limbo competition on the Butte 66 deck

1:00 PM: Birthday Game #3 – KBUT Musical chairs on the Butte 66 deck

2:00 PM: Birthday Game #4 – Ski Pole Piñata.  Smash a giant CBMR birthday cake piñata on the Butte 66 deck!  This will be followed by a large edible birthday cake.

On –going: The Joy Warrior photo shoot booth on Butte deck with peak in the background.  Wear your Hot Doggest attire and take a picture, it will last longer.

2:00 PM:  Local musician Justin Howard performs a unique music looping technique, building up a full sound slowly by adding individual elements.  A very interactive, unique and impressive display, don’t miss it!

3:30 PM: Immediately following Justin Howard’s performance, local bluegrass legend Drew Emmitt brings the innovative and energetic mandolin licks everybody loves to Butte 66.

Après continues at the Butte 66 afterwards with on-going drink specials.

CBMR’s “Ski Free on Your Birthday” offer is valid throughout the 2011-2012 winter season. Skiers and riders must show a valid photo ID at the CBMR Adventure Center on the day they were born to receive a free day of skiing for that day. Participants must be 18 years of age or older with a valid photo ID to prove their official date of birth.

This holiday week is a big one for many of our Colorado Mountain Resorts but not many can say that they are 50! Happy Birthday Crested Butte and thanks for giving us the opportunity for some FREE turn on our big days!

~MTN Town Magazine

Photo Courtesy of Gunnison – Crested Butte Tourism Association

Photo Credits: Tom Stillo

© 2011, MTN Town Magazine. All rights reserved. Republication in part or entirety requires permission