Ski!

Three towns with skiing, sightseeing, shopping and so much more. Let your winter vacation planning begin now. 

Tammie Dooley, Tulsa People

A winter vacation spot is about more than downhill skiing. As a matter of fact, the frozen white stuff provides a backdrop that can just as easily facilitate doing nothing as any Caribbean beach. And similar to a beach, options abound for various activity levels - from sitting next to a fireplace with a great read to a blast downhill at 100 mph. Here are three winter destinations with history, beauty and attractions to spare.

Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colo.

Reasons to go:

It's remote, small and bountiful in recreational possibilities during all seasons of the year. But come the first snowfall, spandex and Wranglers mix harmoniously in a laid-back clash of people pursuing the same thing - a great time.

2009 Crested Butte - "Top 10 Family Ski Resorts" by Sherman's Travel
2008 Crested Butte - "Top 20 Ski Towns" by SKI Magazine
2008 Crested Butte - "America's Best Small Ski Towns" by Travel + Leisure magazine
2007 Gunnison - "50 Best Adventure Towns" by National Geographic Adventure magazine

Gunnison's elevation is 7,775 feet; Crested Butte's elevation is 8,885 feet, with the ski base area at 9,380. The lift-served vertical drop on the mountain is 2,775 feet from a summit of 12,162 feet. There are 121 trails, with the longest run at 2.6 miles. Average snowfall is 300 inches per year. For the mountain PowCam, visit www.skicb.com. For more information, visit www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com.

How to get there:

The Gunnison-Crested Butte area is approximately 228 miles southwest of Denver. Crested Butte is 28 miles north of Gunnison.

United, American Airlines and Continental service Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) in Gunnison in the winter.

Where to eat/drink:

Camp 4 Coffee. You can't ski the entire day without it. The best coffee in Colorado, according to the Denver Post. Four locations in the Crested Butte area. http://www.camp4coffee.com/

Gunnisack Cowboy Bistro. People's Choice winner for the best burgers and chicken-fried steak. 142 N. Main St., Gunnison;
970-641-5445

Lil's Sushi Bar & Grill. More than just sushi - beef and seafood entrées as well. 321 Elk Ave., Crested Butte; 970-349-5457

Soupçon. Small, romantic, hole in the wall. The best meal experience in Crested Butte. Two seatings a night. 127 Elk Ave., Suite A, Crested Butte; 970-349-5448; http://www.soupconcrestedbutte.com/

Where to stay:

Crested Butte Mountain Resort. An all-inclusive great time. From lessons to guided treks on the mountain to a sleigh ride dinner by moonlight, this resort is the area's hub. 12 Snowmass Road, Crested Butte; 800-810-7669; http://www.skicb.com/

The Ruby of Crested Butte. Ranked the No. 1 Colorado Bed & Breakfast by TripAdvisor.com and recommended by numerous travel magazines. 624 Gothic Ave., Crested Butte; 800-390-1338; http://www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com/

Elk Mountain Lodge. Built in 1919 as a miner's hotel. In Crested Butte's historic district. 129 Gothic Ave.; 970-349-7533;
http://www.elkmountainlodge.com/

Where to shop:

Treads N' Threads. Outdoor/casual clothing and footwear. 113 N. Main St., Gunnison; 970-641-1551

Corner Cupboard. Voted best home décor in 2008. Kitchen gadgets to gourmet Colorado food. 101 N. Main St., Gunnison;
970-641-0313

Lavish. Unique artisan accessories. 234 Elk Ave., Crested Butte; 970-349-1077; http://www.lavishcb.com/

What to see/do:

Dog sledding. What's not to love about learning to mush on your vacation? Short rides of two hours to all-day trips. Cosmic Cruisers Sled Dog Tours: 970-641-0529, www.gunnisonsleddogs.com. Lucky Cat Dog Farm: 970-641-1636, http://www.luckycatdogfarm.com/

Ice fishing. The Iola Basin of Blue Mesa Reservoir (in the Curecanti National Recreation Area) offers the best ice fishing. You'll need a Colorado state fishing license. Outfitters available. 800-814-7988

Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Crested Butte is one of the places where people claim mountain biking started. 122 Tecocalli Road, Crested Butte; 970-349-6817; http://www.mtnbikehalloffame.com/

Just for the vibe:

Last Steep Bar & Grill. Excellent chips and salsa, pulled pork sandwich. 208 Elk Ave., Crested Butte; 970-349-7007;
http://www.thelaststeep.com/

Note: Also included a sections about Sante Fe & Taos, N.M.