Color slide of Crested Butte, Colo. and the gondola ski lift taken on March 21, 1964 by Ray V. Frost (1907-2003). The slide depicts the colorful Gondola's moving up or down Mt. Crested Butte as well as skiers traversing down the slopes in the distance. Crested Butte, Colorado is located in Southwest Colorado, 28 miles North of Gunnison in the East River Valley. It has an elevation of 8,885 feet and was originally home to the Ute people. In 1880 the town was incorporated and in 1881 the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad arrived. In 1893 all the silver mines in the area closed, but Crested Butte survived because of coal mining and coke production (coke is used in steel production). In 1955 the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad removed its tracks and the population and economy of Crested Butte declined. The year 1962-1963 a ski area was built in Crested Butte with one of Colorado's first Gondolas. The Gondola was replaced in 1973 by the "Silver Queen" bubble top double chair, and the original Gondola cars are collectors items today. Ray Vermillion Frost was a resident of Golden, Colo. and worked as a master brewer at Coors Brewing Company. He was also an avid photographer, traveler, skier, and mountaineer who photographed his road-trips, skiing, and hiking and climbing adventures throughout Colorado between circa 1930-1982.