Photographer/Dave Kozlowski
If you are like me, you are still lamenting over the loss...of ski season. Wondering how it could have come and gone so quickly while mired in a state of depression as this recent article from Powder magazine suggests. However, just because most of the snow has melted and you are no longer schussing down the hill at high speeds doesn't mean the fun has to end too. There are plenty of options out there to still earn your après and keep the good times going at the end of a fun and gratifying day, none better than what Crested Butte Mountain Resort has to offer.
Après Hike and Bike on the Mountain
Photographer/Chris Segal
This winter CBMR debuted their newest on-mountain après ski location, The Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks to rave reviews. Located at the top of the Painter Boy Lift The Umbrella Bar served as the perfect spot for anyone interested in gathering around and lounging for a bit. Thanks to its tasty, European inspired food and collection of delightful adult beverages patrons got to hang and enjoy themselves amidst spectacular views of the resort and the mountains beyond. This alone may make The Umbrella bar the ideal off season destination for hikers and bikers looking to put in the effort to earn their rewards.
Twilight Lift Rides and Drinks
Photographer/Dave Kozlowski
Crested Butte is offering the perfect après option for those checking into their local properties on Friday's throughout the summer. Beginning June 16 and running through September 8, you can purchase a Twilight Lift Pass for just $8 and I highly suggest it. You can take in the cool summer evenings with a hike or bike on the mountain and then head over to Butte 66 for some well-deserved après . Butte 66 is another on-mountain après ski favorite during the winter that may prove to be a more popular option in the off-season thanks to all it has to offer. With a menu that includes two of my favorite food groups, burgers and bbq, and a sundeck that offers epic views and a full service bar you really cannot go wrong here no matter what time of the day it is.
Happy Hour Trail Leads to...Duh, Happy Hour
Photographer/Tom Stillo
New this season to Crested Butte's Evolution Bike Park is the Happy Hour Trail. This trail connects the lift served area of the park to many of the other trails surrounding the town. So rip around on these singletrack's all afternoon long. Then when the time come, take the Red Lady Express lift up on last time and ride the Happy Hour Trail to...duh, Happy Hour in town. There, so many great options await, including Montanya Distillers ready to serve up their famous rum cocktails and small plates, The Eldo Brew Pub, Crested Butte's only microbrewery and The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin an old mining cabin offering up the quintessential Crested Butte experience.
