Featured Image: Matt Berglund
When I first started skiing Crested Butte some 35 years ago it was waayyyyy off the beaten path. And there were some gnarly old T-bars keeping most of the snowboarders off some of the steepest terrain. We used to head down from Fort Collins for opening week and camp up around Spring Creek. Today, it’s easier to get to, has way more lodging options available and remains one of the most breathtaking and authentic “resort” towns in Colorado. Last, but certainly not least, the terrain is second-to-none. So, if you’re deciding where to go this winter, here are eight reasons that Crested Butte should be at the top of your list.
1. Legendary Resort Terrain
Crested Butte Mountain Resort is home to some of the most challenging inbounds terrain in Colorado, and even the country. Of the 1,500+ skiable acres, 37% is considered expert level and 25% advanced—yet the mountain has plenty of options for the whole family. Up top, expert skiers will find their playground in areas like the North Face and Headwall, which offer steep, technical descents and endless stashes. If you’re willing to put in a bit more effort, the Teocalli Bowl and Extreme Limits reward you with wide open powder fields and a plethora of features.
Mid-mountain, you’ll find Rambo—the steepest lift-served, tree cut trail in the country, with an average pitch of 55-degrees. On the lower mountain, the wide-open intermediate runs off Prospect and Gold Link lifts offer great cruising while the approachable glades of East River provide an assortment of terrain that your whole group can lap together. Finally, a jib park and progression park ensure plenty of options for the freestyle-minded skiers.
2. Powder For Days
Good terrain isn’t much without the fluffy white stuff on top of it and Crested Butte is renowned for some of the best snow in the state. Consistent temperatures throughout the winter, combined with mostly north-facing terrain, keeps the snow in perfect condition. Furthermore, the lack of crowds means that a lot of challenging terrain doesn’t get skied off as fast as other places, so you can keep hitting it long after a storm has passed. Whether you’re shredding mid-mountain glades or navigating some of the steepest in-bounds terrain in the state, the consistency and quality of the snow in CB is almost unmatched.
3. Iconic Ski Town Vibes
The town of Crested Butte is steeped in history, with a charming, old-school vibe that remains firmly intact. Along the colorful main drag—Elk Avenue—is an array of locally-owned boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafés, restaurants and watering holes. When the lifts stop spinning, you can ride a free bus downtown and grab some artisanal cocktails at the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin, or catch some laid back vibes and cold beers at the Public House. Be sure to check the latter’s calendar as you might be lucky enough to catch a show in the intimate venue downstairs.
Two new restaurants worth checking out are Brühaus—a modern take on a beer hall, with a delicious menu to boot—and Two Twelve—an upscale dining experience, crafted from local and sustainable ingredients. The Secret Stash is a must for pizza-lovers and visitors can also level up to the new sushi and sake bar, Yukihaha, where insane attention to detail provides a next-level dining experience. Finish off your night with a local bar hop, but beware of the ‘Bermuda Triangle,’ as the locals call it. The Eldo Brewery, Kochevars Saloon and Talk of the Town have a reputation for stealing that first-chair-motivation from you.
4. Uley’s Cabin Ice Bar
You’ll find no shortage of on-mountain food and beverage options, but my favorite is Uley’s Cabin. This joint offers full-service dining with indoor/outdoor seating and a one-of-a-kind ice bar to keep your cocktails cool. For a super unique dining experience, Uley’s offers cat-accessed sleigh rides to a refined five-course dinner; an absolute must-do for the whole family.
5. Mt. Crested Butte Village
There are several advantages to staying at the base of the mountain—primarily the walking distance to the chairlifts. But perhaps one of my favorite parts of Mount Crested Butte is the Coffee Lab. Located in the center of the village, it’s known locally-roasted coffee and is a great place to grab a pocket burrito for the lift.
For a different kind of après experience, check out the Matchstick Productions Lounge inside the Elevation Hotel & Spa. Lined with ski movie memorabilia, the lounge boasts a laid-back atmosphere, pool table, darts, a full menu and craft cocktails. Whether you’re grabbing a quick beer or sitting down to enjoy a signature Matchstick Margarita, the lounge is a great place to recap the day’s adventures.
6. Winter Events & Concerts
CB comes alive with events throughout the winter season. From on-hill extreme and amateur ski competitions, to endurance sporting events and live music, there really is no such thing as a dull moment in the valley. This season, the Fat Bike Worlds returns to its birthplace, January 24-26, 2025. This unique event features 14.7-mile and 24.5-mile fat bike races for the ultimate bragging rights. If ski-mo is your thing, the Grand Traverse is certainly worth a look. The 40-mile race begins in Crested Butte on March 29th, with skiers traversing the breathtaking Elk Mountain range to the finish line in Aspen.
The recently remodeled Center for the Arts always has a full calendar—from concerts and workshops, to culinary events and more. This winter, the entertainment hub hosts shows like Cool Cool Cool + Eddie Roberts and the Lucky Strokes on New Year’s Eve, as well as The Infamous Stringdusters on January 8th. For a more laid-back vibe, check out the Crested Butte Film Festival, which showcases outdoor adventure and mountain culture films in conjunction with awesome après film gatherings. No matter when you find yourself in the Butte, there’s sure to be something cooking.
7. Ski-in/Ski-out Lodging
There’s nothing like the convenience and the experience of ski-in/ski-out access and Crested Butte Mountain Resort delivers in spades. Whether you’re staying at the Elevation Hotel & Spa or renting a slopeside cabin, you’ll be steps away from the lifts, enabling maximum time on the ski hill. Accommodations up at the mountain are as unique as the town itself, with cozy lodges and luxurious hotel rooms offering snowy mountain views in every direction. And of course, hot tubs galore!
8. Off-Resort Activities
Beyond the resort, Crested Butte offers superb backcountry access across a variety of terrain—including a mellow tour up Snodgrass Mountain or a scenic mission up to Mount Emmons’ Red Lady Bowl. If your crew is looking to cover more exciting terrain, a cat-skiing day with Irwin Guides is a great option. Or, if you’re new to the backcountry, consider signing up for an avalanche safety course with Irwin Guides’ AIARE-certified instructors.
If you’re looking for something that doesn’t involve ski boots, the Big Mine Ice Arena offers open skate sessions and plays host to rowdy Town League games throughout the winter. League play happens throughout the week (between 6:45pm and 10pm) and each team is sponsored by a local business. If you’re looking for an authentic local experience, this is where you’ll find it. Finally, if you just need a little pampering after all that skiing, book a massage at the Elevation Hotel and Spa or head down to Native Nectar on Elk Ave where you’ll find house-made, natural beauty products, a sauna and a variety of other treatments available.
Crested Butte is, hands down, one of the greatest mountain towns in the Rocky Mountain West. Even by global standards, it’s one of my absolute favorite places to ski. From world-class terrain to world-class sushi and one of the most cherished backcountry scenes in the country, it’s an authentic mountain town experience that’s difficult to replicate anywhere on the planet. Whether you’re seeking steep and deep lines, an vibrant après scene or something cozier, Crested Butte delivers the goods. Start planning your trip today but be careful—you might become a lifelong addict like me.
