Our primary reason for going to Crested Butte on a recent weekend was to make a final inspection of the lodging and convention facilities (some of which has just opened this past November) in preparation for the SkiTops contention this coming March.
SkiTops is an association of the top 23 ski tour operators in North American, as well as their numerous suppliers – of which Crested Butte is one. This is an outstanding group of professionals. If you would like to learn more about SkiTops, check out www.SkiTops.com
We spent our first full day in Crested Butte exploring the mountain, in particular the intermediate terrain. Crested Butte has a reputation as largely an ‘experts’ mountain, and indeed about 50% of the total skiable acreage is rated Black or Double Black Diamond. We were interested to see how many “blue” runs there might be – as this is the terrain that the majority of the destination resorts skiers look for. The answer is … there is quite a bit of varied intermediate terrain. We particularly liked the East River area, which is serviced by its own high speed quad. Ah, but I get ahead of myself. Look for a full account of the skiing a little later in this series– after the big 2 foot snow storm that hit Crested Butte during our visit.
Selected CBMR Lodging.
On Monday morning we met with Sales Manager Tyler Lucas and his associates within the Sales and Convention division of Crested Butte Mountain Resorts. We began by touring the three lodging properties to be used by SkiTops Network Convention.
The Lodge at Mountaineer Square …
I have previously written on The Lodge at Mountaineer Square, but I am pleased to expand on those remarks. Basically, if you would like a kitchen, or just prefer the extra room a condominium provides – and you want to be near the lifts, in the best lodging the resort has to offer, then this is the address of choice. Here you will find truly oversized units (rare in new construction, no matter the resort), an indoor / outdoor pool and hot tub/Jacuzzi, lite, casual fare on site dining within a pleasant lounge atmosphere, and heated underground parking.
A word about this underground parking … it’s super convenient. The entrance to heated parking is about 20 feet from the lobby. After you register, and the friendly bellman takes your luggage, just pull your car around to the right and drive on in. We found a spot not 30 feet from the elevator, left our ski gear in the vehicle and took the lift to our room. Next morning, dressed to ski, we stopped by the car, got our gear, then, zip one floor up, and bingo you are on Mountaineer Square. Walk 3 minutes and clip into your skis. It’s that easy. Oh yes, the lift ticket office is right at your back door as well, as a Camp 4, a great little coffee shop that I am told has Starbucks a little nervous. This Mountaineer Square will spoil you.
I should mention, as this is a premier property, lodging prices here are not cheap, but the value is outstanding. And when compared to lodging of similar quality in say Vail or Beaver Creek, or even the better quality units at Keystone, the Lodge at Mountaineer Square comes in about 20% less. So for the right client, this is a good deal.
Our property tour of the Lodge at Mountaineer Square was conducted by Mr. Nick Altice, Front Desk Manager, and then further enhanced by General Manager Mr. Chuck Donnelly. The property Concierge, Ms Jane Cofran, was most helpful and informative as well.
The Grand Lodge …
Looking for a comfortable condo in the moderate range, still near the lifts? So was SkiTops, and that took us over to the Grand Lodge at Crested Butte where General Manager, Sarah Hartman took us for a comprehensive tour. As the name might imply, there was a day when this property this was ‘top of the line’ lodging in CB. For a time it was branded as an upper end Sheraton as well. Now a days, following a recent renovation, the Grand looks better than ever, and provides a solid value at an attractive price.
Many of the units here are Studio configuration, with either one king bed, or else a king and another king wall bed. The later is a full size bed that pulls down from the wall at night, then pulls back out of the way when not in use. While there is no box spring in the wall unit, the mattress is deep and comfortable, so two couples who are friendly – or better still, a small family, mom, dad and two kids, can lodge here just fine.
The Grand Lodge also boosts a heated indoor / outdoor pool and a hot tub Jacuzzi – as well as the inviting Wildflower Spa. This soothing oasis offers plant derived spa treatments (massage, wraps, body scrubs, facials) utilizing botanical extracts and wildflower essences. I don’t frequent spas, but I am told the ladies love this place. Certainly has a nice water feature and pleasant scent in the air.
Another feature of the Grand Lodge is the WoodStone Grill. Located just to the right of the roaring fireplace in the lobby, the WoodStone is a full service restaurant and lounge that also offers room service - now that’s a feature I appreciate. We had dinner at the WoodStone our second night in town, and I can recommend the Ahi tuna. Joan enjoyed the southern style BBQ pork dish. Prices here are very reasonable. The service was good. Unpretentious dining is the order of the day at WoodStone Grill.
The Elevation Hotel …
This was the last property on our tour, and the only one of the three can be called true “Ski in, Ski out”. It’s right there, sitting basically in between Red Lady Express and the Silver Queen Express lifts. If you hate to walk more than 50 feet before you can ski, and you love upscale hotels, then this is the property for you.
The Elevation is a property in transition. For years this was the former Club Med of Crested Butte. Then the hotel and conference center was acquired by the Resort, and a huge renovation began. That work is not yet done, although you would never know it – as most of the guest rooms are complete and all the public areas are very attractive.
A word about the hotel rooms … they are oversized (about 450 square feet) and the theme is ultra modern chic. These rooms are perfect for the skier who appreciates the upscale “New York” look over the rustic luxury style of say Mountaineer Square. If this is your client, then they have a super hotel and unbeatable location awaiting them in the ‘new’ Crested Butte.
Amenities at the Elevation Hotel include valet parking, the on site Atmosphere restaurant and lounge, a great sundeck with fire pit over looking the skiing, an indoor / outdoor pool and a huge spa and fitness center. All in all, this is a luxury property, right on the slopes, priced accordingly.
Well, that’s it for today. Next time … the great CB blizzard leading to the super bluebird ski day that followed.
And stay tuned as soon we will explore historic downtown Crested Butte, a big part of what makes this Colorado Classic so appealing to skiers from all over.
Here is a preview for you … the snow in the yards in downtown CB was 6 feet deep. Not the drifts, that’s settled snowfall.
Bye for now.
