COLORADO Crested Butte Crested Butte Mountain Resort is known for gnarly terrain parks, lots of expert-level runs and some of the steepest tree-cut trails in North America. This is the place to go if you want to step up your ski game, but there are also plenty of easy routes for beginners. Remember to wander downtown Crested Butte to discover work by local artists. And for dinner, you’ll thank yourself for making a reservation at Izakaya Cabin for craft cocktails and fresh sushi rolls. Adaptive Ski Programs After losing his leg, training for adaptive skiing helped Drees through the difficult transition. At the time, his teenage sons were getting excited about winter sports, so he made it a goal to get out on the mountain with them. TRANSITION-EXPERT TONY DREES; CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT “It’s liberating. It helps you gain a sense of independence. It helps you gain a sense of community and for me, it gave me a purpose. I wanted to ski with my sons.” While Drees teaches all forms of skiing, one-third of his year is dedicated to adaptive lessons through Challenge Aspen, where he instructs and skis alongside people with disabilities. And he notes that there are adaptive programs throughout Colorado that can accommodate people with various forms of adaptive equipment. “What I love about adaptive and what I love about skiing, in general, is that regardless of your ability level, there’s something for you.” Crested Butte Mountain Resort COLORADO . COM 57
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2025: Page 57
