the backcountry beckons - View this location on map 'head out with a guide from the crested butte nordic center (970-349-1707; www.cbnordic.org) for a half-day ski or snowshoe tour in the nearby gunnison national forest ($50 a person, including rental equipment and transportation). you might kick and glide up washington gulch, once a gold-mining hotbed, or take a longer trip to visit the former silver mining town of gothic (winter population: 5), with its stunning views of the high peaks that rise sentrylike over the valley. if you prefer to explore solo, the nordic center grooms 50 kilometers (31 miles) of winding trails just a snowball's throw from town ($12 to $20 for rental snowshoes or skis; $14 for a trail pass). relive childhood olympic dreams at the center's free outdoor skating rink (skate rental, $6) or experience the thrill of flying face first through the snow on the groomed sledding hill (sled rental, $5).'' New York Times 620 second street, Crested Butte, CO Active,

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