With record-breaking snowfall amounts already this season plus a top of the line Nordic trail system, Crested Butte is a great winter destination for outdoor adventurers–especially snowshoers. And, its central location just a four hour drive from Denver makes it a great weekend getaway. Here are some tips to enjoy a great Crested Butte snowshoe vacation.

Crested Butte’s Main Street hosts a quaint collection of restaurants, bars, shops as well as giant snowdrifts thanks to epic early season snowstorms.

Hoskin will talk about the importance of coming together as an industry amid tremendous growth.

Karen Hoskin, president and co-founder of Montanya Distillers, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s American Distilling Institute (ADI) Craft Spirits Conference. This marks the first time a woman has been named the keynote since the conference’s inception in 2003.

The driving force behind Colorado’s robust craft distilling scene — now 80-plus strong — is whiskey. Sparked by the mash-recycling moonshiners at Stranahan’s who forged Colorado’s first microdistillery more than 13 years ago, Colorado has become the birthplace of Rocky Mountain Whiskey, a hand-crafted movement injecting youthful vigor into the centuries-old whiskey business.

Karen Hoskin is co-founder of Montanya Distillers, a Green America certified craft rum distillery located in Crested Butte, CO. She's a catalyst in promoting sustainability, diversity and equal opportunities in the distilled spirits industry. An in-demand wine adviser and educator, Marika Vida is Wine Director at The Ritz-Carlton Central Park in NYC. 

Listen to the podcast here: https://www.iheart.com/show/209-The-Connected-Table-Live/?episode_id=28046468

A winding four-hour drive from downtown Denver, the ski town of Crested Butte is among the Rocky Mountains’ most elusive little enclaves. Local businesses of all colors line the streets—historic preservation guidelines prevent chain stores from settling in—and further expansion of the town is limited by local conservationist efforts. The resulting charm is less cookie-cutter than quirky, and for snowbirds who enjoy a side of culture with some of the steepest runs in North America, there’s no more idyllic adventure town in the west.

On March 8, women and men across the world have joined to celebrate International Women’s Day. On a day meant to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, we’re participating by sharing a list of woman-owned or led food businesses in Denver and beyond.

Karen Hoskin, president and co-founder of Montanya Distillers, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s American Distilling Institute (ADI) Craft Spirits Conference. This marks the first time a woman has been named the keynote since the conference’s inception in 2003.

“ADI has been a consistent source of support and education since I founded Montanya nearly a decade ago. It is an honor to provide the address, especially amid the pivotal growth the industry is experiencing,” says Karen Hoskin, president and co-founder of Montanya.

Drinking and ski culture undoubtedly go hand-in-hand. As any seasoned skier or snowboarder knows, the après ski scene is almost as important as the snow conditions.

But it’s no longer enough to swing by the pub closest to the ski lift and order a Bud Light. A major trend in skin towns over the past few years has been the establishment of local and artisanal craft breweries and distilleries. From rare beers, to whiskey, vodka, schnaps, and more, visiting these spots makes for the perfect “off-mountain” activity.

Here, we pulled together a quick guide to where to go and what to order at these après ski destinations. Next time you visit make sure you swing by. Tell them Mr. Luxury Ski sent you…

There are many great Colorado mountains, yet few ski resorts engender the loyalty that Crested Butte does.

Off the beaten track, Crested Butte looms large in the imagination.

Ask any skier or snowboard who has been there and prepare for a glowing report.

Here’s why.

Congratulations to Montanya Rum in Crested Butte, Colorado for winning the New-To-Export Award. Montanya Rum in true entrepreneurial spirit has been innovative in finding a way to get their product marketed in Europe. They overcame obstacles to doing trade in a market that is logistically challenging, and this new export opportunity is making them highly competitive. - See more at: https://www.morningagclips.com/companies-honored-for-ag-exports/#sthash.XNIOZQBd.dpuf

The small mountain town of Crested Butte, Colorado is the place to be this winter. In the first two weeks of January 2017, the historic ski town has recorded 112 inches of snowfall, up from 31 inches of snowfall recorded during the entire month of January in 2016. A former coal mining town, Crested Butte is touted for being “the last great ski town” with roots in the skiing industry dating back to the 1960s. Today, Crested Butte’s authentic small town charm and gusto is about as alluring as it gets for visitors looking to explore the great outdoors, and enjoy a relaxing weekend filled with world-class scenery, delicious food, and locally-made libations. With snow continuing to blanket Crested Butte, and more importantly, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, we’ve put together our tips for how to eat, sleep, and play in this charming ski town.

Voted Best Cocktail, 3rd year running!

I can’t tell you how many times I have walked past Montanya Distillers Tasting Room on Elk Avenue and dismissed eating there because I thought all they had was rum. It’s true that they have rum, really good rum and lots of it! But they also serve great food, the kind of bites you crave a few days later after a hike, bike, or ski. We went in for the first time last summer and keep returning for the noshes as much as the sips.