In the heart of winter, when snow cloaks the mountains and pines stand tall under a blanket of white, there’s nothing quite like the experience of gliding silently on skis or snowshoes toward a cozy wood-stove–heated yurt. That’s exactly what Crested Butte Nordic Center offers with its enchanting Magic Meadows Yurt Dinner. Visitors gather at the Nordic Center, gear up, and embark on a one-mile groomed trek from the Peanut Lake Trailhead — through snow-covered trails lit by soft lights and surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Crested Butte. Once you arrive, the yurt welcomes you with warmth, a roaring fire, and the promise of a night to remember.
Inside that cozy yurt awaits a gourmet five-course meal crafted by renowned chef Tim Egelhoff — a culinary experience that marries local, seasonal ingredients with European-inspired technique. Guests savor fine beverages like wines, beers, and signature cocktails from local distilleries, all prepared and served by your guides. Add to that the soft glow of a wood stove, live music, and the quiet magic of snow-covered forest under starlight — and you have a dining experience as much about ambiance and adventure as it is about food.
For those interested, here are the practical details for 2025–2026 Yurt Dinners:
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Price: US $185 per person (includes trail passes, equipment rentals, transportation, guides, the five-course dinner, drinks, and gratuity)
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Dates:
- Saturday, December 20;
- Sunday, December 21;
- Monday, December 22;
- Tuesday, December 23 (sold out);
- Friday, December 26;
- Saturday, December 27;
- Monday, December 29 (sold out);
- Wednesday, December 31 (live music).
- Also available through January, February, and March on select weekends.
- Schedule (typical evening):
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- 4:15–4:30 PM — arrive at Nordic Center for equipment fitting (if needed)
- 5:00 PM — meet guides, carpool to trailhead
- 5:20 PM — ski or snowshoe out to the yurt
- 6:00 PM — doors open for cocktails and appetizers
- 6:30 PM — dinner begins; expect a relaxed, multi-hour meal under the stars
Whether you’re looking for romance, a memorable winter evening with friends, or simply a way to experience the snowy mountains in style, the Magic Meadows Yurt Dinner delivers an unforgettable blend of adventure, ambiance, and fine dining.