Summer Safety

Enjoying yourself in the mountains is about having a great adventure and returning home safely.  The mountains of Crested Butte can be a very unforgiving environment if taken lightly.  Here are some tips to make sure you your adventure ends without any drama.


Being Prepared
Elevation
There is about 50% more ultraviolet radiation at 10,000 feet than at sea level. Always wear sunglasses and sunblock.  There is also a third of the oxygen here than there is at sea level.  Please take this into account when planning activities.

Water
Keeping hydrated is the best way to deal with high altitude.  Drink plenty of water when hiking and biking.  Do not drink from streams.

Adequate Clothing
The weather here can change very quickly.  There is usually at least a 10 degree temperature difference from the bottom to the top of the mountain.  Biking and hiking shoes are advised.  A waterproof jacket is also highly recommended.

Environment
Please leave wildflowers for others to enjoy.  Stay on designated hiking and biking trails and give the fragile ecosystem a chance to thrive.  Please don't be a meadow stomper.

On-Mountain Traffic
Crested Butte Mountain see a good deal of on-mountain maintenance and improvements during the summer months.  Vehicles and work crews may be encountered anywhere, at any time, on the mountain.  PLEASE USE CAUTION.


Wildlife
Please be aware that many wild animals share our mountain with us.  Wildlife may be encountered anywhere, at any time, including in developed areas.  PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE WILDLIFE.


Lightning and Thunderstorms
Summer storms are frequently accompanied by lightning.  If you get caught in an electrical storm, head for the top of either the Sivler Queen or Red Lady Express lifts or the base area, which ever is closer.  If you cannot make it to shelter, follow these rules:

• Stop riding and seperate yourself from your bike.
• Stay away from water, including streams, small ponds and large mud puddles.
• Avoid high ground or the highest object in an area.
• Avoid hilltops, open spaces, wire fences, powerlines and chairlifts.
  

Warning
Mountain biking and hiking are outdoor sports that challenge the human spirit.  While efforts have been made to provide for your bicycling pleasure, you are in a mountain environment that requires alertness, common sense and caution.  Changing weather conditions, variations or steepness of terrain, natural and man-made obstacles, and other dangers or conditions that be encountered are inhereent risks that are part of the challenges of bicylcling and hiking.  You must ride and hike within your own ability.  You are using the premises at your own risk.  Biking and hiking are potentially dangerous.  Helmets are required while biking within Crested Butte Mountain Resort boundaries.  If you become lost, you may be held responsible for the cost of search and rescue.  Anyone who is under the influence of drugs and or alcohol may be prohibited from the use of the premises.


In Case of Accident
Report accidents at the base of the SIlver Queen Lift or at anyy of our designated on-mountain emergency telephones.  Dial ext. 2317.  Cell phones dial 970.349.2317.  After lift hours call 911.