Enjoying convenient proximity to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport and Montrose Regional Airport, but ideal distance from the well-visited I-70 ski resorts, Crested Butte provides the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. In addition to its end-of-the-road location, Crested Butte’s downtown charm, breathtaking scenery and lack of ski-resort crowds has a way of making couples feel as if they’re the only ones there.
>>>Enter to win a Crested Butte trip>>>
Crested Butte’s on- and off-mountain experiences provide cozy sleigh rides and cross-country ski excursions through snowy fields and beneath star-illuminated skies. Plus, Crested Butte’s stacked list of one-of-a-kind restaurants make dining with your sweetheart even sweeter, and atmospheric bars and nightlife spots provide optimal settings to clink to your love.
To help you capitalize on the most romantic activities and attractions Crested Butte has to offer, we comprised a list of the top 7 experiences.
1. XC ski or snowshoe to dinner at Magic Meadows Yurt
Nothing says romance like a moonlit jaunt through white fields to a cozy yurt, where your dinner awaits. The Magic Meadows Yurt Dinner Experience is all that and more. The evening includes ski or snowshoe equipment rentals, guides, a five-course dinner, live music and libations. Prior to dinner, you meet your guides at the Crested Butte Nordic Center, who who will help you select the proper equipment, depending on your preference or prior experience.
After being transported to the trailhead, which is a quick five-minute drive, it’s time to start the first leg of the adventure. The guides are on-hand to escort you to the yurt, but the groomed trail is easy to follow and is only about a mile long, so you and your darling can make the journey on your own and enjoy some alone time in this winter wonderland. After about 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll see the glow of the warm yurt, which is powered by solar energy and heated by a wood-burning stove.
Once inside the toasty Magic Meadows Yurt, you’ll be welcomed with specialty cocktails from Crested Butte’s Montanya Distillery, wine selections, specialty non-alcoholic drinks and beer from Elevation Beer Company. A complete delight of the senses, the meal, which is prepared by Chef Josephine Kellet, of Creative Catering, is accompanied by live music, performed by local musicians.
When dessert is over, it’s time to head back. Whether you enjoyed great conversation with your special someone, the wonderful wine, beer or libations, or the delicious food, you’ll both feel like you’re on cloud nine after a dinner at Magic Meadows. The gorgeous return trip will only enhance that feeling of well being. Whether it’s snowing, starlit or moonlit, you’ll be treated to spectacular evening view of the surrounding valley and forest.
2. Sleigh Ride Dinner
One of winter’s most romantic pastimes—a sleigh ride—can also be enjoyed in Crested Butte. To Uley’s Cabin, you’ll go—via a snowcat-powered sleigh! Named after the historic bootlegger, Uley’s Cabin is an on-resort restaurant with cozy Alpine-chalet ambiance. Here, you can enjoy an unforgettable bottle of wine and a five-course gourmet dinner. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Note: you can also experience a romantic on-mountain lunch at Uley’s.
3. A hand-in-hand ArtWalk
Crested Butte’s renown as a funky bastion in Colorado’s Elk Mountains ensures there’s a bevy of local artists and craftsmen and craftswomen. You can experience the many local creations in Elk Avenue’s art galleries and boutique shops on your own or with the organized evening ArtWalk, held on select Saturdays throughout the winter. Take in the local works hand-in-hand, and enjoy some appetizers and wine—the perfect warm up to a romantic dinner.
4. Dinner for two in downtown Crested Butte
Downtown Crested Butte is home about 60 eateries, all of which are set in historic buildings and provide idyllic ambiance.
For unmatched romance, head to Soupçon, a French-American bistro housed in one of the historic town’s most charming mining-era cabin. Here, you can savor classics like foie gras, escargot, filet mignon and crème brûlée. A favorite date spot among locals, Lil’s Sushi Bar & Grill features traditional sushi, sashimi and rolls and Robata, a delicious Japanese grilling method.
5. Pottery painting
If you’re feeling inspired by Crested Butte’s artsy roots, channel your creative side at the Art Studio at Crested Butte’s Center for the Arts, located on Elk Avenue. Partake into the open, weekly painting sessions, or schedule an appointment for you and your beloved. On Wednesdays, things get hot; the kiln is fired up to complete your pottery piece.
6. Full-moon party
If your romantic retreat aligns with the full moon, don’t miss out on the monthly on-mountain celebrations. Enjoy the bright moonlight on the snowy mountain peaks via self-guided snowshoe or uphill ski tour. Make your way up the resort, with the help of ski mountaineer equipment or snowshoes, to Uley’s Ice Bar for a bonfire, a beer (or two) and a bowl of hot chili. Snowshoes and ski mountaineer equipment, i.e. skins, touring skis, boots and bindings, are available for rent at the Rental and Demo Center in the Treasury Building. Tickets are required and the proceeds are donated to local non-profit organizations.
7. Horseback trail ride
Imagine you and your honey dearest taking in the winter scenery atop trusty steeds. Sounds picturesque, right? This classic romantic Western experience isn’t just reserved for summer. Out on the trail, in the quiet of the snowy backcountry and under a blue-bird sky, you’ll see a different side of Crested Butte. You may even sight wildlife, like elk, mule deer, big horn sheep and bald eagles.
If a unique, romantic winter escape like Crested Butte sounds like something you and your dear are looking for, book your trip today! Our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts can help you customize and book your flights, rental cars, lodging and more. They’re standing by at 800-610-8911. You can also get started by filling out a form for a free custom quote.
You must be logged in to post a comment.