History of Snowsports in the Butte

Core Exhibit

Winter came hard in the Gunnison Valley. Early residents said that “This is God’s Country but He doesn’t live here in the winter.”

For those who did, skis were the only reliable means of transportation for several months of the year.

As silver mining, coal mining, and ranching drove the economy of the Gunnison Valley, smaller industries popped up to support them. Logging and milling provided the beams for the mining tunnels. Nearby trees were felled to build the many structures of the silver camps and coal mines. Everyone turned to snowshoes and sleighs in the winter for transport. In the mid-1900s, cars were put up onto blocks for the winter season.

The Snowsports in Crested Butte exhibit begins in the early days of skiing in the Gunnison Valley, following mail carriers and miners as they race around the mountains. You’ll learn about rebirth of Telemark skiing, the pinnacle of Gelande jumping, how to celebrate the end of a ski season, and more.

 

Plan your Visit
View All Exhibits
331 Elk Avenue
Crested Butte, CO 81224
At the corner of 4th and Elk
in Downtown Crested Butte
Mailing Address:
PO Box 2480
Crested Butte, CO 81224

THANK YOU

This site is dedicated to the staff of the Crested Butte Museum and to the memory of Ferdinand and Leola Yaklich, 88 year residents of Crested Butte. Ferd and Leola spent 59 amazing years together, raising their family under the watchful eye of these beautiful mountains. They were here as horses on Elk Avenue turned to men on the moon and a small, unknown coal town turned into a world reknowned ski town. Ferd & Leola were a driving force in building the Crested Butte community and bridged the history of those of 19th century Crested Butte and those of 21st century Crested Butte.

Dedicated by their Children & Grandchildren:
Trudy Yaklich, Fritz Yaklich, Mari Yaklich Ettlinger, Cindi Yaklich, Zeb Yaklich, Zach Yaklich, Ian Yaklich & Collin Harrison

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