CRESTED BUTTE, Colorado—Crested Butte Nordic, one of Colorado’s premier nordic ski and snowshoe centers, announces an opening for a new Executive Director. Current Director Christie Hicks is stepping down after 5 years of successfully leading this thriving nonprofit through a global pandemic and a capital campaign. Hicks said, “I have loved every minute of these last five years and am exceptionally proud of what the organization has accomplished. While it is time for my family to be the number one priority, this departure is definitely bittersweet.”
Founded in 1987, Crested Butte Nordic is a nonprofit nordic center that maintains 50 kilometers of trails, hosts world-class events like the Alley Loop and the Grand Traverse, and runs programs for skiers ages 3 to 103. They support over 90,000 skier-days each year and are a vital part of the economy in this small town, located at 9,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies.
“Christie saw the organization through a period of tremendous growth during a tumultuous time,” recounted Board President Martin Catmur. “From low snow to epic snow to global pandemic, Christie has been steadfast, positive, and visionary. In countless ways, she has helped our Board of Directors and staff reach our full potential. She will be greatly missed.”
Hicks will continue to work half-time as the Board of Directors develops a search committee and fills the position. She will then remain on staff through the new ED's start date, sometime this summer, to ensure a smooth transition. Per the board’s request, she also plans to stay on as Project Manager for the new Outpost facility. “When we hired Christie 5 years ago, expanding our facilities to match the growth in our programs was our number one priority,” noted Catmur. “We’re pleased and proud that Christie is going to see this project through.”
Catmur continued, “CB Nordic is stronger than ever, thanks to Christie’s adept leadership: we are excited to continue providing the amazing programs, events, and services Crested Butte has come to love and excited for all the new possibilities that come with a change in leadership.”
Crested Butte Nordic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that maintains 50 kilometers of scenic cross-country ski and snowshoe trails around the Town of Crested Butte. Its mission is to provide individuals of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn, enjoy, and improve in the sports of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. CB Nordic fulfills this mission through groomed trails, equipment rentals, lessons, tours, programs, gourmet backcountry dining, and events, like the Alley Loop Nordic Marathon.