Forget sand. The best spring break destinations are covered in snow. Crested Butte, Colorado, has plenty of the powdery stuff in March, as well as a ton of events and activities for both singles and families.
Let's take a look at some of the fun in store for spring breakers this year:
Big Air on Elk — The annual huckfest once again takes over Elk Avenue. Organizers build a jump in the middle of the street, allowing members of the Colorado Freeskiers, pulled by snowmobile, to show off their best aerial moves. The event happens March 8, with festivities continuing late into the night at parties around town.
Après-Ski Concerts at Elevation Hotel & Spa — Crested Butte's upscale ski lodge hosts performances by local musicians Thursday through Saturday, March 13 and 15 and 20 and 22, on the deck of its restaurant, 9380 Prime. Expect even more of a good time than usual on the deck, already the go-to spot for après-ski dining and drinks thanks to its cozy atmosphere and location just feet from the lifts of Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
No wonder Crested Butte was named "Best Ski Town in North America" this year by Powder Magazine.
"You can literally ski onto the 9380 deck," says Katie Schorn, spokesperson for the hotel, which also offers the only ski-in, ski-out accommodations in Crested Butte.
USSMA Nationals — The United States Ski Mountaineering Association holds its Ski Mountaineering National Championship March 14-16 at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Spectators can watch skiers from across North America compete in the uphill, guide-ridge climb and downhill race.
Ski Town Break Down — Matisyahu headlines the annual, all-day spring concert at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The reggae alt-rocker has a new CD due out in the spring, which means fans get to hear tracks not yet released.
Al Johnson Telemark Race — This annual, day-long, costumed race involves a 660-foot climb and a 1200-foot descent down double-black diamond slopes, some of which have never been telemarked! Competitors can win prizes for best times, best costumes and best falls. Spectators also dress up for the race, which they watch after navigating an intermediate run.
These are just a few of the special events planned for March. In addition to the Crested Butte area offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the state, and certainly the shortest lift lines, the town itself has much to offer. Spring breakers can take snowshoe, dogsled and horseback tours; rent snowmobiles or learn how to drive a SnowCat; and work their way through the former mining village's many Victorian-style shops and restaurants.
And after embarking on so many adventures, Elevation Spa welcomes them with relaxing treatments and massage.
No wonder Crested Butte was named "Best Ski Town in North America" this year by Powder Magazine.
Tod's Tip: The après-ski margaritas at 9380 Prime are Texas legit! Made with fresh lime juice and more-than-decent tequila, they pair nicely with orders of elk meatballs and truffle fries. — Tod Eason, CultureMap co-founder and managing partner.
To Go: Convenient flights are available to Crested Butte from Houston, Dallas and Austin airports. Click here for more features about Elevation Hotel & Spa as well as Insider Offers for accommodations.
Powder time at Crested Butte!
