Sponsored by Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism
When people think about skiing in Colorado, many of them probably think of the ski resorts that dot the I-70 corridor. But if you prefer to skip the powder weekend traffic and crowded slopes, and want an authentic ski experience, then look no further than Crested Butte. Often referred to as the “The Last Great Colorado Ski Town,” Crested Butte lives up to its name with the type of ski experience that you won’t just find anywhere. Let us show you why a winter trip to Crested Butte is a Colorado ski trip at its best.
Skiing Crested Butte
For years, Crested Butte Mountain Resort has drawn skiers and riders who crave steeps and challenging terrain. That’s in part due to it being widely recognized as one of the best ski resorts in America for extreme skiing, having hosted numerous U.S. Extreme Skiing Championships in the 90s. Today, Crested Butte’s expert terrain continues to draw advanced skiers from around the world to experience its steep drop-offs, cliffs, chutes, and more. The Headwall, North Face, Staircase, and Big Chute are among the favorites for those who want to challenge themselves on some of Crested Butte’s most technical terrain.
But while Crested Butte Mountain Resort is known for its expert terrain, it has an abundance of terrain for beginners and intermediates, too. Progressing beginners and intermediates will find everything from immaculate easy-going groomers to rolling hills to sheltered bowls and more. A favorite mid-day stop is the Umbrella Bar, located at the top of Painter Boy chairlift, which is one of the main lifts for accessing beginner terrain. The Umbrella Bar is a great spot to grab a snack and drinks while taking in the stunning mountainous views.
First-time skier? Then take advantage of Crested Butte’s award-winning Ski & Ride School, which offers a variety of children and adult group lessons, as well as private lessons. Crested Butte also has a cross-country ski center, home to 55 kilometers of trails for classic and skate skiing. It’s garnered a reputation as the Nordic ski capital of Colorado.
Using Your Epic Pass
While Vail Resorts purchased Crested Butte Mountain Resort in 2019, the resort has remained true to its roots, while upgrading infrastructure, like the Peachtree Lift, which replaced the mountain’s oldest and last remaining two-person chairlift. Epic Pass holders can enjoy unlimited skiing and riding all season long, while guests can also build their own Epic Day Pass for 1-7 days of skiing. Epic Pass holders also receive an exclusive 20% off lodging, 20% off food at select on-mountain locations (including the Umbrella Bar), 20% off rentals, and 20% off group ski or snowboarding lessons.
The Authentic Mountain Town Experience of Crested Butte
The town of Crested Butte is as authentic of a ski town as you’ll find. There are no traffic lights, chain stores, or high-rise buildings in the historic town known for its mining history. Some describe Crested Butte as a surf town in the mountains. After you’ve gotten your fill of skiing, then come back to the town and take a walk down the main drag of Crested Butte, popping in and out of the shops, galleries, and cafes along Elk Avenue.
Dotting the town are great bars and restaurants that elevate après-ski, yet deliver the kind of casual, laid-back vibe that you won’t find at many destination ski resorts. Snag a coveted patio spot at The Eldo Brewery on a sunny day, enjoy craft beer and comfort food at BruHaus, or belly up to the bar of the Dogwood, an old miner’s cabin that’s located just off Elk Avenue. These are just a few of the great restaurants and bars that you’ll find in Crested Butte.
The authentic mountain town experiences continue in nearby Gunnison, the high-desert playground that draws outdoor lovers for its mountain biking and fly-fishing access. Check out the shops and galleries that line Main Street and rub elbows with locals at restaurants and bars like High Alpine Brewing Company.
Getting to Crested Butte
The best, most direct way to get to Crested Butte is by flying into Gunnison – Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC). There are non-stop flights from Denver, Dallas, Houston, and Chicago. It’s then just 40 minutes to Crested Butte. From Denver, it’s a four-hour drive (or a short flight) to Crested Butte. The resort itself is just 10 minutes north of town.
As Crested Butte Mountain Resort enters its 65th winter ski season, there’s never been a better time to plan a winter ski trip to Crested Butte.
Hero image ©Luke Koppa
