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Outside Magazine, March 2005

Dispatches: Spring Break
Ménage à Quatre
Let Cancún have the crowds. Four spots that lend style to spring debauchery.

By Michael Behar

Crested Butte | Joshua Tree National Park | Tulum | Cabarete


	Ski the Light Fantastic (courtesy, Colorado Tourism)

Crested Butte, Colorado
Why It Beats Cancún » There's a reason Crested Butte hosts the national extreme-skiing, -snowboarding, and -teleskiing championships: More than 40 percent of the mountain's 1,073 acres is designated double-black-diamond terrain. Added bonus: The resort's new owners have shined up the mountain's sagging infrastructure.

Where the Action Is » Down a post-powder pint at the mountainside Butte 66 Roadhouse BBQ, then grab a shuttle to Crested Butte proper for steak and martinis at the Wooden Nickel.

There's More » Crested Butte Mountain Guides (970-349-5430, www.crestedbutteguides.com) will lead you on a four-day Spring Break Blast into the backcountry, where you'll spend nights in a spacious alpine hut. Or book a dogsled tour with Lucky Cat Dog Farm (970-641-1636, www.luckycatdogfarm.com), in nearby Gunnison.

Where to Stay » The Grand Lodge (doubles, $231; 888-823-4446, www.grandlodgecrestedbutte.com), just 200 yards from the lifts, has a full spa, gym, and pool. Or consider Club Med Crested Butte (doubles from $960, three nights all-inclusive; 800-258-2633, www.clubmed.com), at the base of the Red Lady Express lift.

Next Page: Joshua Tree National Park, California

Crested Butte | Joshua Tree National Park | Tulum | Cabarete

MICHAEL BEHAR, a former editor at Wired and National Geographic, wrote about the Seychelles Islands in December.

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