Crested Butte Off-Piste AC T I V I T I E S TO D O AWAY F R O M T H E B A S E A R E A By Kendra Walker For a community known for its alpine skiing, Crested Butte does not revolve around just the ski resort. Wintertime is a special kind of season in Crested Butte, and the residents here sure know how to play in the snow. And while most folks in town will tell you the downhill skiing is what brought them here in the first place, you’ll find there’s a whole world of additional winter recreational activities that might just turn into your next passion.
Nordic Skiing Known as the Nordic Ski Capitol of Colorado, Crested Butte and the area’s Nordic trails live up to the name. The Crested Butte Nordic Center alone provides 50 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. If you’re prepared to put in a little sweat, the valley’s Nordic trails will lead you into a snowy paradise of scenery and solace, just minutes away from town. Nordic skiing is a favorite pastime that allows community members to explore the groomed terrain near town as well as the backcountry drainages of Slate River, Washington Gulch, Gothic, Brush Creek and Cement Creek. “The outdoor scene is just spectacular. The Nordic trail system is excellent and I do a lot of Nordic skiing here,” says Kathryn Johnson. “I get out there with the dogs and it’s such a great way to spend the day, getting a great workout in such a healthy environment. You’re out in the middle of the trees and the snow, and it’s so beautiful and very peaceful.” 4 crestedbuttesothebysrealty.com
