A bit off the beaten path in Colorado, Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers an excellent blend of extreme, challenging terrain (including steep, rocky chutes and cliffs) and the feel of an authentic, old-school Western town.

With 1,547 acres of skiable terrain, Crested Butte gives skiers plenty of technical, big-mountain thrills as well as the feel of a less commercialized Colorado mountain experience. There’s a reason the resort’s namesake town is often referred to as the ‘last great ski town.’

The most noteworthy terrain:

Peachtree Lift (Green) – this spot is the perfect place for beginners to master the fundamentals and enjoy mellow trails like Augusta, High Tide, and lower Rustler’s Gulch.

Red Lady Express (Green) – this lift offers access to long, wide, and gently sloped green runs including Houston and Peanut.

Forest Queen (Blue) – located in Paradise Bowl, this run offers the perfect groomed terrain for confident intermediates to hone their skills.

Ruby Chief (Blue) – this one a little more challenging, as it is a bit bumpier than Forest Queen, making it perfect those looking for a challenge.

The Headwall ( Double Black) – this classic area within the North Face includes steep and rocky chutes and glades, with iconic features like Box Rock.

Rambo (Double Black) – this run is famously steep and tree-cut, with massive moguls and cliffs.

Spellbound and Third Bowl (Double Black) – this bowl area requires some traverses and hikes, and features steep terrain with cliffs, rocks, and pillows.

North Face Glades (Double Black) – these runs offer dense tree skiing and require tight turns for technical challenges.

Banana (Double Black) – Crested Butte’s front side also offers extreme runs that require steep chutes and rocky lines.

Where to park:

Parking is available at the Main Lot at Crested Butte’s base area at 32 Emmons Road. Skiers can also opt to park in the Mountaineer Square Parking Garage. There is also parking available in town with access to the mountain via the Mountain Express and RTA bus service.

Where to eat on mountain:

Paradise Warming House – this slopeside restaurant has been remodeled to include outdoor grilling.

Uley’s Cabin – this restaurant offers fine dining at the Twister lift base.

Butte 66 BBQ Roadhouse – this restaurant at the mountain base offers BBQ, milkshakes, and a lively apres ski scene at the base of Red Lady lift.

Where to eat in the town:

Secret Stash Pizza – this is an iconic and popular pizza place in downtown Crested Butte.

The Hideout – this is an Asian fusion spot that serves tacos, kimchi pasta, and more.

Where to stay

The Lodge at Mountaineer Square – this hotel offers rooms and condos and is family-friendly.

The Grand Lodge – this resort offers pools, breakfast, and great access to the slopes.

Elevation Hotel & Spa – this hotel is modern and luxurious, and offers a spa, hot tubs, and ski-in/ski-out access.

WestWall Lodge – this is another good ski-in/ski-out lodge option.

Events going on at Crested Butte this winter:

Chili & Beer Festival – skiers can enjoy craft brews and chili tasting with live music at the base of Crested Butte mountain.

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