Crested Butte ski resort guide Apres-ski, ski area, things to see & do at Crested Butte
Overview
Crested Butte ski resort is nestled in the Elk Mountain Range within the Gunnison National Forest of southwest Colorado, one of Colorado's largest National Historic Districts. Known to many as “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town”, CB is famed for being friendly, down to earth and great skiing. Crested Butte is largely untouched and is what the glitzy ski resorts along the I-70, such as Aspen, used to be like before the developers moved in.
Après-ski
When the lifts close for the day, the vibrant nightlife in Crested Butte kicks in to action. The main draw is the traditional après-ski scene along the multi-coloured bars and restaurants in Elk Avenue in the town.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 2774m |
| Top lift | 3620m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 1547 |
| Longest run | 4 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 55 km |
| Season | Nov - April |
| Snowboard parks | 5 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✔ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Lively & Fun |
Crested Butte ski area guide
If you think you could go skiing or snowboarding in Crested Butte and cover every trail and piste in a week then think again - the skiable terrain on Crested Butte mountain is a massive 1,547 acres. There are 121 groomed trails with over half the mountain geared to intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders. With a centrally located base area with around 30 beginners trails, it is a great place for families and those taking their first lessons on the snow. For the more adventurous skiers and snowboarders Crested Butte is a dream with some of the best lift-served extreme terrain in the nation. Home to first winter X games, the longest extreme skiing competition in the world, Crested Butte is a place you want to add to your skiing and snowboarding bucket list.
Beginners
Some gentle slopes at the base of the mountain is where beginners first learn the basics before progressing further afield where there are many long and wide cruising blue runs.
Intermediate
There's no issue regarding getting bored and skiing the same run twice at Crested Butte. There is literally miles and miles of fabulously long intermediate runs around the entire mountain.
Advanced
There are many double diamond runs but the best and most challenging terrain is in the back-country with cliffs, couloirs and deep powder especially in the bowls such as Teocalli.
Snowboard
Away from the excellent terrain parks, Crested Butte is a great mountain for snowboarders with long cruising runs in every direction. For the more advanced, the back-country bowls are not to be missed.
Crested Butte lodging
Mt.Crested Butte ski resort has a good selection of on-slope lodging with easy and quick access to the ski lifts and apres-ski shops, bars and restaurants making it a firm favourite for family holidays. From luxury lodges to more affordable condominiums, Crested Butte caters for all budgets. Just 3 miles away is Crested Butte town which more self catering accommodation.
See all rentalsSpa & Wellness
Crested Butte has two spas conveniently located on the mountain. The Wildflower Spa is located in the Grand Lodge Hotel and the Elevation Hotel is host to the Elevation Spa. Both spas offer pool and hot tub access and a full range of massages and treatments.
Children
For younger children, Crested Butte offers a nursery located at the base station. From 2 months to 3 years old, there is a Baby Bear program staffed with qualified carers. Cuddly Bears (16 months to 3 years) is for non-skiing toddlers. Each day includes organised activities, arts & crafts, games, music, lunch, snacks and quiet/nap time. The Snowy Bears programme is for children aged 2 to 3 years who want to learn to ski.
Things to see & do at Crested Butte
Off the slopes, there are plenty of other activities to keep children and adults entertained and not to be missed is the Adventure Park.
- Ski bikes
- Snowmobile tours
- Tobogganing
- Snow tubing
- Guided snowshoeing
- Fat Biking
- Sleigh rides
- Winter adventure park
Mychaletfinder's view on Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a ski resort for everyone to enjoy on and off the slopes. In a nutshell, its great fun, family friendly, offers superb skiing with lively apres-ski.
