Originally published in the Winter + Spring 2018 issue. 

Sometimes the journey is the highlight to an exploration. In Crested Butte, that’s certainly the case, right up until you take the first bite. Check out these three out-of-the-ordinary dining options sure to leave you with a happy belly and a lasting memory.

BY SLEIGH

Set the course for a romantic evening at Uley’s Cabin, a fine dining experience with a mountain adventure as the first course. On Wednesday through Sunday evenings, guests meet at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square for departure: a snow-cat driven sleigh is your steed for the evening ride. Arriving at the cabin, a five-course feast will warm you almost as much as the crackling fireplace and conversation.

The price is $110 per person, which includes the prix fixe dinner and the scenic sleigh ride; alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity are additional. Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners are $125 per guest. New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day Dinners are $150 per guest; both evenings include a special menu and champagne. Reservations are required for the Sleigh Ride Dinners and are recommended for lunch. Reservations can be made online via Open Table or by calling 970-349-2275 (winter only).

BY FULL MOON SKIN OR SNOWSHOE

When the moon is full, gather at The Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks with old and new friends alike to rejoice in the spirit of the mountains. Located at the top of the Painter Boy Lift, the Umbrella Bar features exceptional views of the resort, the peak and the mountains beyond, though it’s the stars that are likely to steal the show. The Full Moon parties allow participants to work for their wine, skinning or snowshoeing up the mountain before enjoying a buffet dinner, including appetizers, salad, soup or chili, bratwurst with pretzels and dessert. A complimentary glass of wine or beer is included in the ticket price and additional beverages are available to purchase. This season, the parties are set for Jan. 1 and 31, March 1 and 31, 2018 (subject to change).  Tickets are $40 per person and may be purchased at the Adventure Center or online at www.skicb.com at least three days in advance. For reservations within three days of the event please call 970-349-2211or visit the Adventure Center.

BY CROSS COUNTRY SKI OR SNOWSHOE

There’s nothing like a nice cross-country ski or snowshoe to awaken your appetite. That’s the spirit behind the Magic Meadows Yurt Dinner Experience. Crested Butte Nordic Center guides will outfit you in the correct equipment and then guide you along a one-mile rolling route to dinner at the warm and welcoming yurt. Enjoy live music while you sip on a glass of vino, a local specialty cocktail made with Montanya Distillery rum or a beer from Elevation Beer Company. Tuck into a five-course meal that includes entrée options like beef tenderloin, roasted boneless quail, olive oil-seared salmon or scallopine Portobello mushroom, all prepared by noted chef Tim Egelhoff.  The cost is $135 for adults or $85 for children and includes trail passes, equipment rentals, guides, a five-course dinner, live music and libations. A special New Year’s Eve dinner is $195 and open to adults only. Visit https://cbnordic.org/ for a list of available dates and to make a reservation.

Photo courtesy of Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

As the owner of SkyWrite Communications & Content, Caramie Petrowsky crafts messages that resonate. She spent 12 years working as a journalist, including eight as the Vail Daily A&E Editor, before starting her own company, which focuses on strategic content creation and public relations.