Dedicated snowcat skiers and backcountry adventurers may remember the apparition of what was once ordained as Colorado’s pre-eminent snowcat skiing destination. But after a couple of ill-fated incarnations, the Irwin Lodge just outside of Crested Butte never quite lived up to its destiny.
Fortunately, Mother Nature never abandoned hope. And neither did Alan Bernholtz.
“The original Irwin offered incredible terrain and incredible snow, but it was sort of the original ‘no frills, all thrills’ operation,” said Bernholtz, mountain operations director for the recently opened snowcat skiing outfit known as CS Irwin. “That’s something we’re trying to stay away from. We want to offer good quality, comfort and the same great terrain without a sacrifice of customer service.”
With that in mind, CS Irwin — the “CS” can stand for everything from ‘Cat Skiing and Cold Smoke snow to Colorado Summer after it melts — is aiming at higher-end clientele who will appreciate a new, custom-built snowcat complete with glove driers, a flat-screen television and a giant bubble window for those who prefer to watch the scenic Elk Mountains roll by.
Another custom-built people mover treats guests to a 40-inch flat screen, a state-of-the-art sound system and a functional kitchenette where breakfast is prepared during the 40-minute ride to CS Irwin’s staging area known as the Movie Cabin (complete with wireless Internet).
“It’s really over the top,” Bernholtz said.
But where it really gets deep is outside the cabin doors, where CS Irwin’s 1,000-acre permit area regularly receives more than 600 annual inches of snow. In 2007-08, Irwin was buried in more than 1,000 inches of powder.
“That’s what’s so nice about Irwin. We get snow,” said Bernholtz, a career guide of 20 years and the former mayor of Crested Butte. “The other thing that makes us different is the seclusion. It’s just so remote back there that there’s no one else around. It’s just really good skiing, and a lot of it.”
CS Irwin
What: Guided snowcat skiing and snowboarding
Where: Based in Crested Butte with skiing on 1,000 acres of National Forest surrounding the nearby mining town of Irwin
Who: Up to 10 skiers/snowboarders per day
Cost: $450 per person (private snowcat $4,000)
Includes: Guided backcountry skiing access for eight to 10 runs (12,000 vertical feet); breakfast, lunch and après drinks at Movie Cabin; Wagner Custom powder skis or Winterstick Snowboard demos; avalanche safety equipment; transport
Contact: , 866-479-4677 or info@csirwin.com
