Gunnison-Crested Butte, CO— A flurry of snowshoeing opportunities are happening this winter in Gunnison-Crested Butte, located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains in southwest Colorado.  Not only can snowshoeing be learned quickly by all ages, it’s a terrific option for accessing outstanding subject matter for photographers and dining opportunities for gourmands and seeing the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Gourmet Dining on Snowshoes

Hop on a pair of snowshoes (or Nordic skis) for an easy trip to a delicious brunch or dinner at the yurt prepared by personal chef Tim Egelhoff.  Brunch at the Nordic Center’s Magic Meadows Yurt is available Feb. 5 and March 18 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and costs $25 for adults and $10 for kids under age 12 (ski passes and rentals are extra).  Moonlight Yurt Dinner Tours are scheduled for Feb. 7, 14, 19 and March 8 and 17.  Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $65 for adults and $30 for children under age 12 (includes a trail pass and equipment rental but not gratuity or alcohol).  Go to www.cbnordic.org or call (970) 349-1707 for reservations, the menus and all the details.

Photography Workshops

Art and snowshoeing do mix, and local professional photographers Xavier Fane and Raynor Czerwinski are out to prove just that with six new photography workshops offered from January through March.  Learn how to photograph winter in a number of ways, accessing subject matter on snowshoes or Nordic skis.  Workshops cost $55 each and include a Nordic pass but not equipment. For times, equipment needed and registration, go to www.crestedbuttearts.org.

• February 19 – Catching the Action (Fane) & Photographing the Earth Shadow (Czerwinski)
• March 18 – Playing With the Stars (Fane) & Winter Landscape Photography (Czerwinski)

Guided Tours for All Levels

During Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s Moonlight Snowshoe Tours on Feb. 7, March 8 and April 6, enjoy the thrill of snowshoeing moonlit mountain trails after being transported by a snowcat. Guided daytime snowshoe tours on ski area trails are offered daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  with snowshoes, poles, water, a light snack and a lift ride included in the cost for the two-mile outing.  Also check out the daily snowshoe tour of Snodgrass Mountain from 1- 4 p.m. that includes transportation.  The cost for all tours is $75 per person.  For information and reservations, call (970) 349-4554 or visit www.skicb.com.

For the first time, the Crested Butte Nordic Center will be offering backcountry snowshoe tours during the 2011/2012 season on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The tours cost $65 per person and will take participants to the beautiful Gothic, Washington Gulch or Slate River areas.  The Nordic Center also plans to introduce a marked snowshoe trails.  Go to www.cbnordic.org or call (970) 349-1707 for reservations.  Crested Butte Mountain Guides also offers backcountry snowshoeing adventures; visit www.crestedbutteguides.com.

Western State College of Colorado’s popular Wednesdays at Western has expanded to include winter.  A Snowshoeing Outing in the Woods led by Karen Immerso will be offered on Jan. 25 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.  First-timers are encouraged to participate as beginner tips will be offered and a gentle pace set for the group. Transportation from WSC’s campus to Gunnnison area trails and a sack lunch are included in the $25 cost but not equipment.  To register, call (800) 876 5309, ext 7.

Popular places to snowshoe in the Gunnison area are Hartman Rocks Multi-Use Recreation area and Mill Creek Trail.  Nearby, at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located between Gunnison and Montrose, park rangers will lead a 2 ½ hour snowshoe tour every Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. from now through March 4.  Snowshoes are available to borrow at no charge.  Call (970) 249-1914, ext. 423 for reservations and more information.

Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages

To find out more about Gunnison County or to book personalized vacation packages, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s toll-free line, (800) 814-8893, or visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com.  Find the Tourism Association on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gcbta or follow us on www.twitter.com/gcbta.

The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is served year-round by United Airlines with flights from Denver and during the winter season by American Airlines and Continental Airlines.