New for summer 2011: Zip Line Tour; improved bike park, trails; new events

CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. – May 5 – Springtime brings summer dreams and the news from Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) offers plenty to fuel the imagination. CBMR plans to open for the summer season on Saturday, June 18, 2011 with a new, year-round Zip Line Tour, improved on-mountain trails for downhillers and cross-country riders, additions to the Evolution Bike Park, and a host of great events.

New for the coming summer season, CBMR introduces the Crested Butte Zip Line Tour. The guided tour, which debuts in June 2011, includes five zip lines, and a series of features, such as an “Indiana Jones Bridge,” a “Burma Bridge” and a net climb. The Zip Line Tour at CBMR will be available during the summer and winter seasons; the resort will offer the only guided zip line tour at a Colorado ski resort, and one of the only winter canopy tour operations in the state.The resort’s Adventure Park and the new Zip Line Tour will open for the summer season on June 18, 2011. Attractions, including the Crested Butte Zip Line Tour, mini golf, bungee trampolines and climbing tower, are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. throughout the summer. The Adventure Park will close for the summer season on Sept. 5, 2011, but the resort will continue to offer zip line tours on weekends through the fall for leaf-peeping opportunities. Summer Adventure Park pricing and Crested Butte Zip Line Tour pricing will be released soon. For information visit www.skicb.com and for reservations call 970-349-2211.

In addition to the new Crested Butte Zip Line Tour, CBMR hopes to expand Evolution Bike Park trail offerings for gravity-seekers through the proposed development of more beginner downhill options, providing smooth and flowing trails that would bring new riders to the sport. In addition, the resort has proposed a more natural trail off the Goldlink zone that would meander through dense aspen forest and promote more natural riding features made from local materials and wood bridging.

CBMR also hopes to improve cross-country riding options, including proposed completion of Westside trail following a two-year build-out. The trail would offer a new access route to the CBMR base area and five miles of winding trail through mixed vegetation and rock with tall views of the town of Crested Butte and Paradise Divide to the north. In addition, crews would tie in Lower Meander to Meander and Gothic Road after some technical riding while overlooking East River Valley. The resort hopes to begin all new trail construction this summer pending final approval from the U.S. Forest Service.

Aside from proposed construction, crews will put finishing touches on Pyscho Rocks (downhill trail) and will reopen existing on-mountain trail networks with improved features, buffed-out berms and an improved signage package.

CBMR also will offer two twilight riding nights each week at the Evolution Bike Park, Wednesday and Friday, 5-7pm.

The resort has teamed up with Specialized Bikes again this season to offer the best demos, from downhill mountain bikes, cross country bikes, a children’s fleet and even small strider bikes for little ones learning to ride for the first time.

This season’s race highlights include: Pedal to Paradise Gran Fondo (May 29), The Ride the Rockies Kick Off (June 12), the Pinnacle Race Series (starting June 17), the Mountain States Cup Wildflower Rush (June 24 – 26) in addition to CB’s legendary Michelob Ultra Crested Butte Bike Week presented by Alpine Othopaedics (formerly Fat Tire Bike Week, June 23-26). New this year, Crested Butte plays host to one of only three Leadville 100 Qualifiers on July 31, and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge on August 23.

Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is committed to preserving the pristine landscape and mountain lifestyle. With vibrant Victorian store-fronts and expressive local characters, the small historic town remains true to its heritage and radiates an unparalleled welcoming and inviting spirit that celebrates a simpler life and time. Thanks to a widely diverse landscape, whether beginner or burgeoning national champion, outdoor enthusiasts of all levels will find a new challenge with each visit. From world-class mountain biking, to legendary skiing and snowboarding, to a secluded fly-fishing experience, Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. This season, Crested Butte celebrates 50 years of skiing and riding with a yearlong celebration, Crested Butte-style.

For more information about Crested Butte’s lodging, conference, meeting facilities, and special packages, call Crested Butte Vacations, (800) 600-2803 or visit the web site at www.skicb.com.For information on ski area real estate opportunities call (970) 349-4999 or (877) 805-6109 or visit the website at www.cbliving.com .