February 13, 2005 – A new event for seniors,
ages 50 and older, is being introduced by The Gray Hares in Crested
Butte, Colorado. The Crested Butte Senior Winter Games, March 16 – 18,
will feature ski tours on groomed trails and in backcountry areas, races,
snow relays, a barbeque, and a St. Patrick’s Day party.

“The Gray Hares are a group of 35 individuals who are known for their
interest in staying in shape, their love of Nordic skiing, and their desire
to meet other people and have fun in the prime of their lives. They
combine this zest for life with activities that are designed to give back
to the community,” says Bonnie O’Donnell, director of Crested Butte
Nordic Center.

– Wednesday, March 16
12:30 p.m. – Ski the Crested Butte Nordic Trails With a Local

The Gray Hares will ski the groomed trail system with out-of-town guests
participating in the Senior Winter Games. Interested participants should
meet at 12:30 p.m. at Crested Butte Nordic Center, where small groups will
be formed based on equipment (classic or skate skis) and ability. This
will be a 1-1/2 to 2 hour social event with slow-paced skiing. The terrain
also will be used for Thursday’s races. Racers will be able to study the
race course, while recreational skiers will enjoy a more social tour.

2:30 p.m. – Evening Free Time for Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

– Thursday, March 17 – St. Patrick s Day
10:00 a.m. – Nordic Races

The Gray Hares and Crested Butte Nordic Center will run a series of Senior
Nordic Races beginning at 10 a.m. on the center s groomed trails. Awards
will be given for the first three finishers, broken out by gender and age
with five-year increments (50-54, 55-59, etc.).

11:30 a.m. – Barbeque Grilled Lunch

A barbeque lunch will be provided for racers at Crested Butte Nordic
Center. The public is invited to purchase lunch and socialize with the
racers.

2:00 p.m. – St. Patty’s Snow Play Relays

Fun snow play relays, featuring a St. Patrick s Day theme, will involve
teams of locals and guests at Crested Butte Nordic Center. Creativity and
team work will lead to special recognition for our young-at-heart seniors.

5:00 p.m. – St. Patty’s Cocktail Party and Awards Ceremony

A St. Patty’s Cocktail Party and awards ceremony featuring appetizers
provided by the famous Gray Hare Chefs will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the
Depot. Racers and their guests will be treated to food, beverages and a
chance to show off race awards. Other festival participants can buy their
way in.

Friday, March 18
10:00 a.m. – Back Country Guided Tours

Crested Butte Nordic Center staff and The Gray Hares will guide a half-day
tour of Crested Butte’s famous backcountry. Skiers and snowshoers of all
abilities are welcome. Participants will travel to the trailhead by auto
and van, leaving the Nordic Center at 10 a.m.

The cost for the Senior Winter Games is $50, which entitles the participant
to any or all of the above activities. For more information, contact
Crested Butte Nordic Center at (970) 349-1707 or visit
<http://www.cbnordic.org/>www.cbnordic.org.