CBMR celebrates its 50th birthday on opening day with free lift tickets, games, prizes and live music

MT. CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. – NOV. 22 – Crested Butte is famous for its parties, costumes and light-hearted nature and opening day 2011 will be no different. On Wednesday, Nov. 23, Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) celebrates opening day and its 50th birthday in style with free skiing for every guest. Opening day also heralds the resort’s annual ‘first chair celebration’ when local kids line up hours before the resort officially opens to make the very first turns of the season. This year the resort will have three chairlifts, two Magic Carpets, twelve trails and one jib park for opening day. The birthday fun continues throughout the day with party games, live music, and birthday cake.

CBMR opens for the 2011-2012 ski and snowboard season at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, with the Red Lady Express lift, Teocalli lift, Peachtree lift, and the Pine and Aspen Magic Carpets. Crews are preparing 70 spectacular acres of terrain, including the following trails: Peanut, Lower Keystone, Bubba’s Skiway, Houston, Warming House Hill, Augusta, High Tide, King’s Knob, Rustler’s Gulch, Ruby Access, Lower Ruby Chief and Upper Conundrum. Skiers and riders also will find terrain park features open in the Lower Keystone Jib Park.

In addition to skiing and riding, guests can enjoy the new Zip Line tour, which debuted in June 2011 and will be open for the entire winter season. The tour includes five zip lines and three suspension bridges and is approximately two hours in length. The Adventure Park, which includes miniature golf, bungee trampoline and the rock climbing wall, also will be open on Wednesday and throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

CBMR 2011-2012 Opening Day Schedule

7:00 a.m. – CBMR staff members walk the lift line with hot drinks, lanyards to first chairs, and lift tickets.

8:30 a.m. – Champagne toast

8:45 a.m. – Opening day ribbon/banner cutting

8:59 a.m. – First Chair

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – KBUT radio live dj from the Butte 66 deck

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Joy Warrior photo shoot booth on the Butte 66 deck

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Every hour, on the hour, birthday party games on the Butte 66 deck: ski pole pinata, KBUT musical chairs, etc.

2 p.m. – Local musician Justin Howard performs a unique music looping technique, building up a full sound slowly by adding individual elements.

3:30 p.m. – Local bluegrass legend Drew Emmitt performs at Butte 66. Apres continues at the Butte 66 afterwards with on-going drink specials.

Content to share for the 50th Celebration

Tweet it: @skicrestedbutte celebrates opening day and their 50th birthday with a big party and free skiing for all!
Watch it: Broadcast Quality Video Available: Visit http://vimeo.com/32454780 Titled: Preseason Sampler. Video Credit: Chris Segal, Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Photos Attached: A few early season “freshies” (Photo Credit: Robb Pennie)

About Crested Butte:

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, 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. www.skicb.com

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