Save the Date: Crested Butte’s Spring Event Lineup
Springtime means longer days, bluebird skies and copious powder. Express yourself and party like a local with these Crested Butte spring traditions.
Sunset Soiree at Umbrella Bar
March 10, 2020 & March 17, 2020
Guests meet at Trackers Bar and Lounge in Mountaineer Square at 5:15 PM where you will meet the host. From there, they will take you to your sleigh ride adventure to the Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks. Tickets are $60 and must be purchased in advance online. Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres, one glass of house wine or draft beer, dessert and the sleigh ride from the base area to the Umbrella Bar and back.
Al Johnson Memorial Telemark Race
March 21, 2020
Climb up, ski down and do it with wacky flair at this time honored tradition. The 46th annual Al Johnson Uphill/Downhill Telemark Ski Race—dubbed “The AJ” by locals—is an ode to 1800s postman Al Johnson who trudged through treacherous winter canyons to deliver valley mail by skis. Johnson and fellow high country legends would meet and race for cash prizes, pioneering a famously hardcore skiing circuit. Today, The AJ lures hundreds of costumed telemark racers to climb up and free-heel down double black diamond steeps. Join the race or spectate from the sidelines in your most Crested Butte worthy costumes and flair.
Ski Town Breakdown with Ghostland Observatory
March 21, 2020
Marking its ninth season, the biggest party of the year brings locals and visitors to the base of the mountain for live tunes, cold drinks and good vibes. Rip some sweet spring laps on the mountain and then join the dance party near the Red Lady Express Lift at a rocking and FREE spring concert by Ghostland Observatory. This is a high-energy, big smiles, dance-in-your-ski-boots kind of day.
Flauschink
Closing Week
Celebrate the flushing out of winter and welcoming of spring with this Crested Butte custom dating back to 1969. George Sibley founded Flauschink to usher in the spring thaw and show appreciation for our off-beat mountain community. Today, the oldest festival in Crested Butte unfolds across a full week of historic talks and storytelling, a coronation ball, polka music, a colorful Elk Avenue parade and classic spring skiing. The annual party marks a significant page in Crested Butte history and keeps our roots grounded through art, entertainment, costumes and most importantly, spring skiing.
April 11, 2020
Gather around the pond to send off another fantastic ski season in style! Register to compete and show off your skills—and wild costume—as you skim across a 90-foot stretch of water on skis or a snowboard. Wow the judges with style and steeze and do your best to remain upright and dry. Chilly water wipeouts are best viewed from the Butte 66 deck with beverage in hand alongside the throngs of rowdy spectators.