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Crested Butte Ski Resort

Crested Butte is home to one of Colorado’s most authentic wild west towns, whilst the mountain above it has something for everyone – including some fantastic steep terrain.

Although there are some great, easy trails for beginners off the Red Lady Express chair, most people come to Crested Butte for its steeper skiing and snowboarding – of which it possesses some of the finest in Colorado. In the form of Teocalli Bowl and the Extreme Limits, the ski resort has seriously steep in-bounds runs to rival any resort.

Add to this bountiful snowfall averaging more than 7.5m per winter and it's easy to see why this is a highly popular result.

Our Crested Butte Resort Ratings

  • Beginner ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
  • Intermediate ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
  • Advanced ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
  • Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
  • Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
  • Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
  • Après ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
  • Value ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Pros

Some of Colorado’s – if not the USA’s – best steep skiing

Really good snow record and the powder here is very dry

Town of Crested Butte is traditional and a nice change from most US resorts

Cons

Best steep terrain can close in bad weather

Ski area a short trip from town, but you can stay at the base too

Local area of slopes a bit limited for keen piste skiers

Crested Butte Skiing and Snowboarding

As with many of Colorado’s ski hills, the best beginner terrain sits at the base. First timers have access to a good nursery area right next to the base, served by two magic carpets and a short chairlift. From here progression on to the longer greens beneath the Red Lady Express is excellent. Intermediates will then enjoy the long blues in Paradise Bowl and down to the East River Express – check the morning’s grooming map to see where to find the best corduroy.

Crested Butte really comes alive for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. There are some tough groomed blacks beneath the Silver Queen Express but it is the off piste that draws most people here. In good snow, the upper mountain is a huge playground for powderhounds, just make sure you enter through the gates and don’t duck any ropes. Teocalli Bowl, accessed by the new Teocalli four seater chairlift, is the highlight after fresh snowfall, just be prepared for the 10-15 minute bootpack back out.

  • Total Pistes: 1547 acres
  • Beginner: 26%
  • Intermediate: 57%
  • Advanced: 14%
  • Expert: 3% (this does not include ungroomed terrain)
  • Lifts: 15
  • Altitude: 2774m – 3707m

Crested Butte Piste Map

The local area map can be downloaded here.

Crested Butte Resort

The ski area is located only two and a half miles to the north of the town of Crested Butte. Whilst there is accommodation at the lifts, it is made up of large condo blocks and you could be anywhere in the USA. Stay in the main town for an authentic experience amongst colourful wooden buildings and the buzz of Elk Street, the main thoroughfare.

Locals here are really friendly so don’t be afraid to strike up conversation during happy hour at one of the popular bars in town – you may find yourself a ski buddy for the next day or pick up some great tips for your next turns on the hill.

Season Dates

27th November 2019 - 12th April 2020

How to get to Crested Butte

Crested Butte is around a four and a half hour drive from Denver. Alternatively, local flights to Gunnison are available daily via Denver, Houston or Dallas and the drive from here is only half an hour.

  • Gunnison airport: 0.5 hours
  • Denver airport: 4.5 hours

Crested Butte Contact Details

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