SISTER ACT: CRESTED BUTTE AND OKEMO
MONARCH MOUNTAIN
CRESTED BUTTE
A lthough 2000 miles apart, Crested Butte and Okemo Mountain are sister resorts. Nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is a charming, pocket sized western town with picture book Victorian storefronts. Step inside the inviting shops, restaurants and bars on Elk Avenue and you’ll be welcomed like a local. Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers world class skiing for all ability levels. Experts can challenge themselves on the extreme terrain of the North Face, Teocalli Bowl and the Peak. Tree skiers will be darting in and out on the runs in East River and families can ski together off the Paradise Express and Red Lady lifts. Whether in a hotel or condo, the majority of CBMR lodging provides easy access to the slopes and a mountain village with full ameni- ties. For a gourmet dinner at a charming cabin in the woods, book the starlit sleigh ride to Uley’s Cabin. Or, you can hop on the free shuttle into town just three miles down the road. Start out at the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin or Montanya Dis- tillery for drinks, and then head to the Ginger Cafe for Thai food or the Secret Stash for some of the best pizza this side of New Haven. Crested Butte is a true destination resort. Metro NYC flights connect through Dallas, Houston, Denver and Chicago to Gunnison airport, a short 35-minute drive away. This year it was voted “Best Ski Town in America” by the readers of Powder Magazine. Crested Butte may not be the easiest to get to, but it’s a very special place to visit. www.skicb.com Just a three to four hour drive from Metro NY, Okemo Mountain Resort located in Ludlow, Vermont’s GreenMountains is a family-friendly ski resort with mellow trails, fun terrain parks and lots of ski in-ski out lodging. Over the last few years, owners Diane and Tim Mueller have thoughtfully
PHOTO BY NATHAN BILOW
stewarded mountain expansion into the Jackson Gore area, creating more skiable terrain and an additional base village with lodging and amenities. This season’s newest addition is “The Orange Bubble,” a heated six-seater chair lift, keeping skiers warm and dry. On the mountain, don’t miss the Epic restaurant in the Solitude lodge. Leave the curly fries and chili behind, and savor an eclectic menu around the warm fire. www.okemo.com The town of Ludlow has a friendly Vermont country feel and although hit hard by storms of recent years, has bounced back. The hot dining spot is the Downtown Grocery. Chef Rogan
MonarchMountain Snowcat Skiiing
Tucked away in the South Central Rockies lies Monarch Mountain, one of Colorado Ski Country’s “Hidden Gems.” Behind its local family ski area persona is some of the most thrilling snowcat skiing you’ll find anywhere. The 360-degree views atop the Continental Divide are breathtaking. One thousand acres of steeps, trees, powdery bowls and open slopes await. The intoxicating mixture of adventure, exhilaration, (a little fear) and the camaraderie of the shared group experience are unforgettable. www.skimonarch.com Monarch Mountain is located outside of Salida, Colorado, a town on the cusp of a real resurgence, with fine restaurants, shops and galleries. It sits at the headwaters of the Arkansas River, with natural beauty and outdoor activities to be enjoyed year round. The Salida Palace is a unique hotel that successfully merges authentic Western feel with boutique hotel charm. The fresh muffins and coffee delivered to your room each morning are a wonderful touch. www.salidapalacehotel.com Two excellent dining choices are the Fritz, a gastro-pub, and the Laughing Ladies Restaurant, named after the “working girls” of a bygone era. How about a fresh local brewed beer at Elevation Beer Co. in nearby Pagosa Springs? A short tour and delicious beer tasting is a worthy stop. www.elevationbeerco.com The best resource for anything you need to know about skiing in Colorado: www.coloradoski.com
OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT
Lechthaler and his wife Abby bring a touch of down home Southern cooking to the North Country, sourcing fresh local ingredients and curing their own meats. Reservations are a must. www.thedowntowngrocery.com Okemo and Crested Butte offer reciprocal season passes and discounted lodging packages. Why not come back in the summer and enjoy all the activities and festivals? Okemo has two fabulous golf courses and an Adventure Zone with a mountain coaster. Crested Butte offers secluded fly-fishing and incredible mountain hikes. Although thousands of miles apart, these sister resorts share a most important mission: a fun vacation experience.
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