Being a ski patroller in Crested Butte is probably unlike being a patroller in most resorts. We have some very difficult terrain, and their job is to not only make sure it's safe to ski, but also to help those who get injured while skiing. It makes for some amusing signs, that should absolutely be heeded. In the above picture (that's me on the right) not only do the regular signs say experts only and cliff area, but there needs to be additional signage specifying the danger and telling people to not take their skis off. Good advice and this area shouldn't be skied by anyone who isn't confident enough to ski past the signs. I can't enumerate how many times I have been in an expert area and someone asks for the easy way down. I know signs are easy to overlook, but they really should be read and considered. And usually, there is no easy way down!

As I meet people in town, on the bus or on chair lifts, I am seeing a shift from our usual Texas/Oklahoma visitors, to clientele that includes more Front Range visitors. This is a fairly new demographic for us, and one that is interesting for many reasons. For one,they can get here for a 2 day or 3 day weekend. I think once they come, quite a few of them become enamored with our little town, the high quality of the public school, and the quality of life up here in the mountains. We see a number of them looking at second homes, and a smaller subset then looking to relocate here. 

This phenomenon has kept our ski mountain (and the trails in the summer) busier and local businesses more sustainable. I still love our Texas and Oklahoma folks, but I think diversification creates a healthier business environment. Especially when their spring breaks don't overlap. I'm always just glad to see more people enjoying doing some of the things I've gotten to do here over the years. Don't hesitate to reach out to me for suggestions on activities or recommendations of restaurants. 

No matter where you are from, Crested Butte is a pretty special place to come visit. 

Short term rentals (STRs) in the town of Crested Butte have gotten a lot of attention lately, with the town council endlessly debating whether or not to put any restrictions on homeowners. They have finally come to a consensus about passing an ordinance, albeit one without any limits to the number of rental nights or number of properties able to short term rent. They have said they will have further discussions on those matters in the near future. 

The Ordinance that has been passed incorporates the following restrictions: 
The current zoning restrictions will remain
There will be a cost for a rental license, as yet undetermined
The license will be for a period of 2 years and there will be property inspections every other year
Rental of a portion of your property requires a representative staying on site
An STR license doesn't transfer in a sale of the property
All neighbors within 100 feet of the property must be notified of the STR license
A contact person must be available to respond to an issue at the property within 1 hour
There is a maximum number of people (10) who may occupy the rental, unless issued a variance

The passed ordinance is generally being viewed as relatively mild considering the more draconian discussions that were taking place. Those included as few as 90 days of rentals possible, and/or restricting the overall number of licences granted. Fortunately the more severe parts have not yet been decided, and are hopefully forgotten forever. The mayor and another council member recused themselves because they both have STR licenses in areas of town for which short term rentals are not allowed (!) Of the remaining 5 council members, 3 don't have STR licenses, 2 because their property is also in an area restricted from STRs, the other because he doesn't own a house. I think this whole discussion is just a supreme conflict of interests and will probably result in a lawsuit if more measures are voted in.

The fact is that our town has become popular and there aren't enough hotels in town. Ironically, the lack of hotels is mostly due to town council's previous forays into changing the local laws and making commercial building (including hotels) financially nonviable due to insane fees.My hope is that council members look down the road at what will result from their actions and let the market determine the outcome, as it does. Too much meddling will result in the exact result they are trying to avoid. 

This has been a stellar ski season, and President's weekend should be no different. We have a tremendous base, pretty much all of the rocks are covered up. With another 6" last night and another foot or so expected today, we should be set up nicely for the next week or so. So if you are able to make it out here for a long weekend or week, make it out and make sure you get up on the mountain.