Erica Mueller of Crested Butte Mountain Resort on Colorado.FM – The Colorado Podcast

 

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Crested Butte is a real favorite here in Colorado among the Colorado ski, snowboard and mountain biking crowd, hikers, leaf chasers, dog walkers whoever.  It’s just an amazing place to visit at any time of year, both the town and the mountain itself..

So for this podcast episode I made it out to Crested Butte to visit Erica Mueller, who is currently Vice President of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, but more interestingly daughter to Tim and Diane Mueller who began buying ski resorts in the 1980s.

Now, we’ll talk about this more in our conversation, but the Mueller family began their journey in the ski industry with the purchase of Okemo mountain in Vermont, where I’ve actually spent tons of time, in the early 80s.  Erica was just one year old at the time, so she’s literally been in the ski business her whole life and she offers some interesting perspective on what that was like growing up.

After realizing some success there they were able to purchase Crested Butte Mountain Resort in 2004.

We talk a bit about how Erica transitioned from professional snowboarding to joining the family business, addressing the challenges of being in such a high profile position in the Crested Butte community, new changes for this season as well as 5 year plan on growth.

Of course, I’m always picking my guests brains for great local tips and insight – favorite spots, stuff like that and Erica offers some great local knowledge.

Online, you can find Crested Butte Resort at skicb.com and on instagram @skicrestedbutte.

And, of course, we’ll be sure to put any relevant links to find references we talk about in the show notes.

Alright, so here we go, my conversation with Erica Mueller of Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

 

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Show Notes

[03:30] A lifetime in the ski industry

[06:00] Turnaround stories, a focus on client service

[11:30] Not quite ready for the family business

[15:30] Ok, now I’m ready…

[17:45] First season as VP

[20:30] Explaining the recent change in ownership

[25:20] Maintaining a constructive, open relationship with the community

[30:15] Exciting changes, 5 year expansion plan

[33:30] Favorite ski runs and rides

[37:45] Who would Erica like to hear on the podcast – Karen Hoskin of Montanya Distillers

 

Selected Links from the Episode

Connect with Crested Butte Mountain Resort:

On the Web: skicb.com

On Facebook or Instagram @skicrestedbutte.

 

Other References:

Evolution Bike Park

Teocalli Ridge Trail

Doctor Park Trail