330 Belleview, Irwin (12 mi west of Crested Butte), 866-479-4677,
Why try this now: Getting into the backcountry takes time and effort, and by the time you get there, you might be too tired to actually enjoy it. Instead, let the snowcats do the gettin’ there so you can spend more time on the fun part — the downhill. CS Irwin’s cats take you to the top — in a heated, comfortable, fairly quiet machine, no less — unload your gear and then meet you back down at the bottom, so that you can get in eight-12 runs a day in pristine terrain picked for your ability. Cost: $450 per person in high season, which includes your seat, a light breakfast, beverages, a full lunch in the cabin, skis/snowboard, safety equipment rental and a carbon-emissions offset.
Stay: Head back to Mount Crested Butte for the night at The Lodge at Mountaineer Square (620 Gothic Road, 800-810-7669, ). You can’t beat the Mountain Village location for positioning you for more time on the hill. Comfortable, mountain-style one- and two-bedroom condo units have fireplaces and fully stocked kitchens; things like free bottled water, microwave popcorn and coffee are constantly replenished; and there’s a small outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. Winter rates start at $219 a night for one bedroom.
Dine: Breakfast and lunch are covered, so for a filling, reasonably priced dinner, check out the casual, friendly Donita’s Cantina (330 Elk Ave., Crested Butte, 970-349-6674, ), which serves up traditional Mexican dishes (great fajitas) as well as innovative items with a twist (sushi-grade ahi with jalapeño mayo). The margaritas are solid, and the inviting bar often sports a regular or two who might be willing to steer you toward a favorite powder stash. Kyle Wagner
