Tucked into Colorado’s Elk Mountains, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is known for its remote location, challenging terrain, and low-key mountain town atmosphere. In winter, the ski resort draws experienced skiers looking for steep lines and fewer crowds.
But Crested Butte isn’t just a winter destination. The same rugged landscape that delivers deep snow also offers high-alpine hiking, biking, and wildflower-filled meadows once the snow melts. Whether you’re planning a ski trip or a summer escape, Crested Butte delivers year-round.
Crested Butte Ski Mountain Resort
Crested Butte Mountain Resort boasts a vertical drop of 3,062 ft (933 m) and offers 1,547 acres of terrain to explore. Its base sits at 9,375 ft (2,858 m), and the peak soars above 12,000 ft (3,658 m). The ski resort averages about 20 ft (6 m) of snow at the base annually and is open from the end of November to early April.
A total of 121 ski runs add up to 75 mi (121 km) of ski slopes, and 15 ski lifts support extremely efficient movement around the resort. At the base of the resort, you’ll find a quaint ski village dotted with accommodations, shops, and restaurants.
Crested Butte’s ski terrain is quite varied yet notably caters to advanced and expert skiers and boarders. A staggering 62% of the ski terrain is rated advanced or above, and you’ll notice from the ski map EX zones pop up all around the mountain. The “Extreme Limits”, which include 50-degree pitches and sizable cliff bands, are the next step beyond double diamonds. These are not for the faint of heart and require considerable skill to safely enjoy.
On the subject of safety, elevation sickness can be an unwelcome variable to consider at Crested Butte. Things like hydration, carb loading, ski pace, limiting alcohol and adding daily electrolytes can help combat this.
Each chairlift offers a different zone to explore and enjoy. It’s best to study the ski map prior to your visit to plan your route across the resort. Breaking the map into lower and upper mountain simplifies things further.
Lower Mountain
The lower mountain consists of terrain around or below the Red Lady Express. The gentler fall line caters more to beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders. Here, you’ll find the learning area, lots of green and blue groomed runs with a few easy gladed options. You’ll also find a few terrain parks and all of the on-mountain eateries.
Families with smaller children should stick to the lower mountain as the terrain is more suited to learning and there’s several dedicated slow zones. Red Lady Express, Teocalli Lift and Paradise Express are the perfect zones to explore.
Upper Mountain
There’s no way to sugarcoat the steepness up here. Once you take Silver Queen and High Lift to the top, you’re in for a real treat. The ski resort has labelled several zones up here as “Extremes”. The frontside Extremes, seen below the peak, can be accessed by either hiking to the peak or traversing across the Banana High Entrance. These runs are more open rock paths that funnel guests down through trees near the bottoms.
The Extremes from the High Lift will introduce you to the resort’s steepest and most enticing terrain. Teocalli 1, 2, Headwall, and Paradise Bowl are the main zones here, all dotted with chutes, cliff band entrances, and the first two have fifteen-minute hikes out. The majority of the terrain here is wide open, big mountain bowl skiing with some steep glades. These zones illustrate why Crested Butte is known for having some of the steepest terrain in North America and is consistently rated as a top extreme ski resort.
Best Runs at Crested Butte
It’s difficult to name off the best runs however this list offers excellent variety for all levels of skiers and boarders.
Roller Coaster - A long flowing green run that twists and turns gradually, offering beginners and intermediates a fun and free-flowing experience.
Keystone - A steep, groomed blue run offering the perfect pitch for sweeping carves and panoramic views of the valley.
Banana - A long chute run formed from avalanche paths that opens up into a mogul field.
Headwall - A classic steep run dropping into Paradise Bowl.
TeoCalli 1 and 2 - Anything in these zones is worth checking out.
Rambo - At 55 degrees, it’s the continent's steepest cleared run.
Things to Do in Crested Butte in Every Season
Crested Butte is best known for skiing and extreme terrain, but there's something to do here in every season. From deep snow and steep ski terrain to high alpine hiking and mountain biking trails, the landscape shifts with the weather, and so do the activities. Colorado has developed into a four-season paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and each season offers a different way to experience the area.
Winter in Crested Butte
Outside of the on-mountain skiing and snowboarding mentioned above, the Crested Butte Nordic Center provides 34 mi (55 km) of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Additionally, you can try sledding, ice skating at the Big Mine Ice Arena, or dog sledding in the surrounding valleys.
Spring in Crested Butte
Longer days, warmer temperatures, and a funky apres scene make for a great Spring skiing experience at Crested Butte. The season peaks around March and April, with fresh snowfall propelling the season right into the closing weekend (typically early April)
As Spring heats up, snowmelt adds massive volumes of water to nearby rivers, making it a hotspot for whitewater rafting and kayaking. You’ll find everything from Class I to Class IV, catering to any level of paddler.
Springtime is also quieter in the area, making it an ideal destination for those looking for breathtaking views on two wheels. Road cycling is very popular during this time. Mountain biking trails will begin to open up depending on how the “mud season” progresses. Sure, you’ll start to find some good trails in May; however, the majority of them open up in late Spring and early Summer
Summer in Crested Butte
Crested Butte in Summer is renowned for an extensive mountain biking network with over 30 mi (50 km) of lift-serviced trails. Additionally, the Gunnison Valley offers a staggering 800 mi (1287 km) of mountain bike trails to explore. Outside of Coastal British Columbia, Canada, this area is arguably home to some of the best mountain biking on the planet.
Crested Butte also has some of the best hiking in the country. Alpine Lakes, rugged peaks, waterfalls, wildflower meadows, hot springs, and backcountry camping trails offer extreme variety and breathtaking views. A hundred or so trails of all lengths and difficulties wind their way through the dozens of surrounding valleys and peaks of the Elk Mountains.
For families with kids, the Summer Adventure Park at the Crested Butte base area provides climbing structures, bungee trampolines, rock climbing and more to wear the kids out before dinner.
Finally, July brings the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival to town, which celebrates the area’s rich floral diversity. This 10-day event highlights over 100 workshops, guided hikes, art and culinary classes, birding, and more.
Fall in Crested Butte
Autumn paints Crested Butte and the surrounding area in hues of gold and amber, making it one of the most stunning times of the year for photographers. The cooler days and quieter atmosphere are also perfect for enjoying the last few weeks of hiking and biking before snow falls and locals set their sights on winter.
Where to Stay in Crested Butte
With Crested Butte retaining a lot of its small town charm and bohemian spirit, accommodations and lodges include rustic looking European structures with modern charm inside.
The grandeur Lodge at Mountaineer Square boasts the best location right in the heart of the Mountain Square and a short one-minute walk to the ski base. Luxurious one, two, and three-bedroom condos, studios, or hotel rooms cater to your overnight needs. The heated outdoor pools, sauna, hot tub, and steam room offer the perfect place to unwind and rest your muscles.
Why Stay at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square
- Only 100 yards from the Red Lady Lift
- Ski valet and storage
- Health and wellness amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a sauna
Axtel Condos is the best family-friendly accommodation boasting ski-in-ski-out, hot tub, village shuttle and an unbeatable location at the base of Silver Queen Chairlift. One and two bedroom units are available.
Why Stay at Axtel Condos
- Central location at the base of the Silver Queen Lift
- Ski-in / ski-out access
- Close to ski school, children's centre, shops
Another great ski-in-ski-out spot is Gateway Condominiums. Located by Peachtree Lift, it’s a quieter location still with easy access to the village stroll. One, two, and three-bedroom units are available with a communal hot tub and sauna.
Why Stay at Gateway Condominiums
- Ski-in/ ski-out access
- Private balconies overlook Banna and Peel
- Common areas for BBQing and a hot tub
Dining and Après-Ski in Crested Butte
Although Crested Butte is a small resort, the culinary offerings here are plentiful. You’ll find several on-mountain eateries and an impressive level of choice in the town. Crested Butte offers North American and international cuisine, including steak, seafood, Japanese, French, Mexican, and Italian.
On-Mountain Dining
Uley’s Cabin - Serving gourmet Colorado-inspired lunches with regional ingredients in a rustic alpine lodge. Reservations recommended.
Paradise Warming House - Offering traditional pub fare with warm soups and chilis.
Butte 66 - Given its expansive deck and great views, this is a favorite après-ski spot with live music, hearty meals, and lots of drink specials.
Umbrella Bar - A smaller spot to enjoy sausages, soups, and chili. This spot is especially popular in the spring due to its vistas and patio.
In-Town Dining
Soupcon - The town's most intimate fine dining experience, creating seasonally inspired multi-course tasting menus.
Montanya Distillers - A more upscale après experience that specialises in creating innovative cocktails with locally distilled spirits
Ready to Chase Adventure in Crested Butte?
The combination of challenging yet diverse terrain, family-friendly offerings, and minimal crowds makes Crested Butte a fantastic place to visit in winter. But don’t overlook a trip to this beautiful corner of the Rockies throughout the year. When powder gives way to wildflowers in spring and summer, and mild temperatures keep hikers and bikers active until fall, there really is no "off-season" at Crested Butte.
Originally from Northern Ontario, Anthony now calls Whistler, Canada home. As an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for science and tourism writing, he chases excitement and communicates his experiences through his work. Anthony holds CASI 2 and CSIA 1 certifications. He has over eight years of teaching and coaching experience as a snowsports instructor and 20+ seasons of skiing and snowboarding under his belt.
When away from the office, Anthony spends much of his free time immersed in mountain culture. Skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking take up his free time, often complimented by sailing and the occasional backpacking adventure.
Photo Credits: Vail Resorts Crested Butte