As a teenager born and raised in the Gunnison Valley, I have shared those thoughts many, many times and it took my leaving the valley for several months to realize how great Crested Butte and Gunnison really are. We, as teenagers, have so many resources at our disposal in this great community. It's all a matter of taking advantage of what we have. Below are a few of the things that I feel lucky to have so close to my front door.

And remember, because our home is so remote and small, never feel embarrassed to ask a local your same age about the Valley. Everyone I know is happy to brag about how great our playground is, and are even better at being tour guides who can show you a real teenage look at Gunnison County. This colorful and vivacious community truly is a great place to be during your teen years.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Everyone loves a great powder day on our mountain, especially the teenage crowd. Slopes are packed with young riders aspiring to be incredible athletes. Most teens are found hanging at The Colorado Boarder, Flatiron Sports Ski Shop, or the Rafters deck for a break between runs.

Crested Butte Nordic Center. If you've never tried Nordic skiing, after one day on these light, fast skies, you'll probably be hooked. Nordic has recently become huge in the Valley. We have turned out more than one Olympic racer in the sport. Take a day lesson and try it. Not into it? Both the Gunnison Ice Rink and Crested Butte Nordic Center offer skate rentals as well as public skate time. Call the Centers (Crested Butte 970-349-1707 and Gunnison 970-641-8061) to ask about public skate hours.

Hockey. The Gunnison Valley is very hockey-driven. My personal favorites are the high school club teams. The Crested Butte Wolfpack and Gunnison Blades have been rivals for as long as anyone can remember, and their freezing Friday night games always boast huge crowds and lots of noise. Games are a great way to meet local teens and have a fun night of cheering and watching some great hockey. Schedules to games are at the Gunnison and Crested Butte Ice Rinks.

Local Shops and Eateries. Gunnison and Crested Butte are home to a range of funky, hip, traditional and quirky businesses. Elk Ave. in Crested Butte can offer an afternoon of fun window-shopping and exploring, as well as dining at great local restaurants. Local teens can always be found hanging at 3rd and Elk, or carousing down the mellow street. In Gunnison, North Main St. has shops of all sorts of great shops and eateries.

Sledding. An all time personal favorite of mine, sledding is a great way to pass a day. The Crested Butte Nordic Center rents sleds for $5/day and a great hill is just a short walk away on the other side of the the Ice Rink. In Gunnison, the Western State College practice football field offers a steep incline open for public use at any time.

Festivals and Events. If you're lucky enough to be in the Gunnison area during one of our famous events or festivals, you'll have a great time. Winter Carnival is celebrated in Crested Butte and Gunnison with outdoor events to get out and enjoy the cold. The Crested Butte Mountain Resort is home to the U.S. Extremes Nationals, as well as many other mountain competitions. Crested Butte Mountain Theater puts on a great Mardi Gras parade if you're in town on Fat Tuesday, and a locally born tradition named Flaushink takes place at the end of the ski season to flush out the old year.

Come out and participate in all the things that this beautiful valley has to offer. And don't be shy! Ask locals what's going on in town. I guarantee that you will find something unique and enjoyable!