Attracting guests for early season skiing and holiday shopping through December 19

MT. CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. – NOV. 1 – Crested Butte Mountain Resort is already gearing up for Ski Free on Opening Day, whereby on November 21, 2012, all guests will ski for free at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, no strings attached. With a desire to continue the Ski Free promotion, the community has teamed up with the resort to offer Ski Free with Lodging, as well as offering their Butte Bucks program to entice local holiday shopping.

“Opening Day at Crested Butte Mountain Resort is almost a rite of passage, one that deserves to be shared with as many skiers and snowboarders as possible,” explains Scott Clarkson, vice president of sales and marketing. “Everyone loves free skiing which has been synonymous with CBMR since the early 1990’s. To further the tradition after Opening Day guests can ski for free with a lodging stay through Dec.19 at participating lodging properties in Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte and throughout the Gunnison Valley. We welcome everyone to come and enjoy.”

To tempt the early season traveler, the resort and the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce has aligned the Ski Free with Lodging promotion with Butte Bucks, a program that promotes shopping locally for the holidays to take place over the same time period. From November 21 through December 19, 2012, guests visiting the area can also shop in the local stores and eat at local restaurants at a twenty percent discount, when pre-purchasing Butte Bucks.

Butte Bucks is a program coordinated by the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce, where shoppers buy minted coins with a $10 value for $8 each. The coins or “Butte Bucks” can then be used, dollar for dollar, throughout town at participating shops and restaurants, giving the buyer a twenty percent discount off all purchases. The idea is to get locals and guests to shop for the holidays locally. What better way to welcome guests to Crested Butte than to offer them free skiing and deals on shopping?

“We are very excited to extend our popular Butte Bucks program this season to our visiting guests and locals alike,” says, Daniel Marshall, executive director of the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce.”We offer a tremendous number of shopping opportunities in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. This program allows our visitors to bring some of the Butte back home at a discounted price.”

About Crested Butte:

Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is committed to preserving the pristine landscape and mountain lifestyle. With vibrant Victorian store fronts and expressive local characters, the small historic town remains true to its heritage and radiates an unparalleled welcoming and inviting spirit that celebrates a simpler life and time. Thanks to a widely diverse landscape, outdoor enthusiasts of all levels will find a new challenge with each visit. From world-class mountain biking, to legendary skiing and snowboarding, to a secluded fly-fishing experience, Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. www.skicb.com

For more information about Crested Butte’s lodging, conference, meeting facilities, and special packages, call Crested Butte Vacations, (800) 600-2803 or visit the web site at www.skicb.com.