A to Z Guide to Crested Butte Lingo
A- Al Johnson- This Colorado costume event is as much fun to watch as it is to participate. In tribute to a rugged 19th century mailman, competitors in wacky costumes climb 660 vertical feet, then descend 1200 feet down double-black diamond steeps some having never telemarked at all! Prizes for best times, best costumes, and best fall. The race can be tag-team or individual, or enjoyed as a spectator with access to the venue by an intermediate run.
B- Betty and Bubba- The two white bear mascots of Crested Butte. They can be spotted at big events and skiing though out the resort. Sometimes they even greet incoming guests at the airport!
C- Chute- A steep and narrow gully, often times surrounded by rocks. Almost certainly an expert-only run!
D- Dump- When it snows and snows and never stops! We love big dumps!
E- East River- A section of intermediate to advanced terrain at Crested Butte serviced by the East River Lift. This area is characterized by its advanced blues and intermediate blacks; East River has some of the best tree skiing on the mountain.
F- Freestyle- A style of skiing that has become more and more popular throughout the years. It is characterized by aerials, moguls, cross, half-pipe and slopestyle.
G- Groms- Originally a surfing term this word has been adapted to describe all the little shredders out there. Young kids who are exceptionally good at skiing or snowboarding are often referred to as groms.
H- Hot Dogger- This sounds like tubular lunch meat served in the lodge, but it is an old-time ski term that refers to the person performing tricks on skis.
I- Ice Bar- Ulley’s Ice Bar right below the Twister Lift off the Lower Twister Trail. This is the perfect place to grab your favorite cocktail with one of the best views.
J- Jib- To grind across a metal or wooden rail, usually located in the Terrain Parks.
K- Kicker- A jump of some kind in which you may try to do some kind of trick.
L- LMS – The Lodge at Mountaineer Square is often referred to as LMS. Located in the heart of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area – just steps from the ski lifts, hiking and biking as well as shopping, ski area services and restaurants – Mountaineer Square is an excellent “base camp” for your winter ski vacation or summer mountain getaway.
M- Montanyas- Montanyas is the local slang for Montanya Distillery, the local watering hole for the best local rum around.
N- NFL- The North Face Lift is commonly referred to as the NFL . It provides access to some of the most extreme terrain that Crested Butte has to offer.
O- Olympians- Once an Olympian always an Olympian! Crested Butte is home to many Olympians such as Aaron Blunck, Wendy Fisher and David Chodunsky. Aaron represented the U.S. at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games in 2014 and finished seventh in the half pipe skiing competition. Chodunsky also made his Olympic debut in Sochi. Fisher was a member of the U.S. Ski Team, competed at the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France, won the 1991 U.S. Nationals overall, in addition to taking home two Extreme Freeskiing world titles.
P- Peak- The top of the beautiful mountain that makes Crested Butte so unique. The very top has an elevation of 12,162 feet (3,707 meters). Check out our Peak Photo Fridays on Instagram and Facebook!
Q- Qualifiers- There are 2 star and 4 star World qualifying events held at Crested Butte every year. Check out the 4 Star Freeride World Qualifier event held on March 18 – 21.
R- Rambo- The Rambo trail, at a slope of 55 degrees, it is the steepest-cut run in North America. This is an extreme run for experts only off of the North Face Lift.
S- Skimo- Ski mountaineering is a timed racing event that follows an established trail through challenging winter alpine terrain while passing through a series of checkpoints.
T- T-bar- A T-bar is a lift that goes behind the riders knees and pulls them up the hill. Crested Butte is home to two T-bars that give access to the famous in bound extremes.
U- Uley- Uley’s Cabin is named after local bootlegger and historical figure Uley Scheer. He was well-known as a provider of both food and moonshine and is the inspiration for the restaurant. Uley was unusual for his generation, and instead of having the burly image of a mountain man he was a tall, elegant man with a trimmed beard and long, clean, white hair. Uley Scheer was an excellent cook and supplied the local community with their spirits. Unfortunately, he unknowingly supplied a local policeman with moonshine, which led to his detention at the Gunnison County Jail. He’s a legendary character that is commemorated in one of the most eclectic dining destinations in Crested Butte.
V- Vertical Drop: Ski area measurement of elevation change from the summit to the base. Crested Butte has a vertical drop of 3,062 feet (933 meters) from Peak to Base.
W- White Room- Forget your gloves or just trying to keep up on the latest fashions? For trendy, stylish and affordable gear visit the White Room for apparel and accessories for the whole family. This fun and unique shop features lines from Dakine, 686, Bonfire, Smith and Sorel. Come check out the White Room to get your steeze and the total awesome experience.
X- X-games- Did you know the X-games were held in Crested Butte in 1998 and 1999?
Y- Yard sale- Sounds like a flea market of used ski equipment, and in a way it is – only the items are not for sale – merely misplaced by the owner following a fall. A huge wipeout, wreck, or crash that causes all your ski belongings, boards, poles, hat and goggles, to be scattered about the slopes is jokingly referred to as a yard sale. It’s funniest when you are the voyeur not the victim.
Z- Ziggy- One of Crested Butte’s favorite dedicated avalanche dogs!
