This state’s mountain towns all share recreation-inspired lifestyles, accompanied by their own beauty and unique culture. They are not all cut from the same cloth, however. “Crested Butte was founded ...

Mount Crested Butte owes its existence to a massive volcanic episode that roiled Colorado 30 million years ago. —Photo by Terri Cook The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado.

Once during a visit to Crested Butte, we had pen and notebook in hand, ready to relay in this newspaper whatever locals had to say about their town. “It’s not even a postcard. It’s surreal,” one said.

I’m just back from my second ski trip to Crested Butte Mountain Resort in as many years, and I’ve also had the pleasure of visiting in the summer, when residents go mad for mountain biking and all ...