Slowing down, getting back to yourself and nature and enjoying the simple things—like a snow-covered mountain vista—is really what a ski vacation is all about. We live in an era fraught with constant pressure to make everything bigger and better, and it can be exhausting. Taking a break and escaping the madness for at least a couple days has never been more important.

Crested Butte often refers to itself as “the last great Colorado ski town,” and for good reason. The Colorado ski resort is one of the few places left that pays homage to a bygone way of mountain life that’s centered on skiing and outdoor recreation, community and historic and environmental preservation. Consider Crested Butte for your next mountain getaway. This down-to-earth town and ski resort provide the perfect setting for getting back to the important things in life.

Learn more about what makes CB “the last great Colorado ski town.”

Downtown Crested Butte is a U.S. National Historic Landmark District

Criteria to qualify as a U.S. National Historic Landmark District includes “characterizing a way of life.” A jaunt down Elk Avenue, downtown Crested Butte’s main thoroughfare and the heart of the historic district, is an idyllic experience—the past blends beautifully into a modern, thriving community. Elk Avenue is lined with colorful, well-preserved mining-era homes, saloons and shops, which now serve as locally owned and operated boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, book stores, toy stores, bars and even a local distillery. Other ski towns, like Aspen, Breckenridge, Telluride and Park City, have certainly done a fabulous job of preserving their mining past, but what sets Crested Butte apart is that even the residential areas that surround Elk Avenue are also well-preserved. You won’t find any grandiose, modern-looking ski homes in downtown Crested Butte.

Downtown Crested Butte is a U.S. National Historic District. pc: Chris Segal/CBMR
Elk Avenue has retained a good deal of its original look and feel, which dates back to the Western mining era. pc: CBMR
Even residential areas in downtown Crested Butte have been well-preserved. pc: CBMR

A Crested Butte ski vacation is affordable and provides great value

When compared to similarly rated properties at comparable ski resorts that are within 250 yards from the slopes, Crested Butte lodging tends to be about $50 less per night. The good news: nearly all of Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s base village accommodations are considered slopeside or less than 250 yards from the lifts. The complimentary shuttle back and forth from the base village to downtown Crested Butte ensures that there’s no need for a rental car and the extra incurred cost.

Crested Butte’s base village lodging is $50 cheaper per night on average than similiarly rated accomodations at comparable resorts. pc: CBMR
The free downtown bus provides skiers easy access to and from downtown Crested Butte and the resort base village.
Providing affordable rates and incredible value, most Crested Butte base village lodging is within less than 250 yards from the lifts. pc: CBMR

 Crested Butte’s slopes are crowd-free

We have previously mentioned this, but we have a sneaking suspicion that Crested Butte residents and return vacationers are doing their best to keep Crested Butte a secret. It’s possible that said locals and vacationers are more than OK with letting misconceptions go that Crested Butte is a challenging destination to get to, as the resort enjoys uncrowded slopes and minimal lift lines. In fact, Crested Butte is quite easy to access from several major U.S. cities, including Denver, Newark, Houston, Dallas and Chicago. Crested Butte is just a 35-minute drive from Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport and a 1.5-hour drive from Montrose Regional Airport.

Crested Butte’s crowd-free slopes allow for arching big, beautiful turns.. pc: Nathan Bilow/CBMR

Development in Crested Butte has been intentionally limited

The Crested Butte base village has everything you need on a ski vacation: a great coffee shop, a kid-friendly adventure zone and ice rink, a handful of unforgettable après-ski spots and restaurants and several great ski in, ski out hotels and condominiums. If you’re looking for designer boutiques, fur coat shops and other big city-esque amenities, you won’t find it in Crested Butte. Crested Butte Mountain Resort and the Town of Crested Butte have intentionally limited development and the presence of designer and chain shops to ensure their West Elk Mountain refuge is not just a great place for future generations to live, but a truly unique experience for visitors.

Crested Butte has worked to limit development and support locally owned enterprise. pc: Chris Segal/CBMR

Crested Butte locals are part of a tight-knit community

Some Crested Butte locals have lived in the area for generations, dating back as far as the original mining days. Many of these locals are—or have been— highly active in the town and local environment’s preservation. Whether residents have lived in Crested Butte for one ski season or 50, the community stays close via their stacked events calendar. The town and resort host several annual recreational and professional alpine, ski mountaineering, cross-country and mountain biking competitions, as well as fun races, the fall Vinotok harvest festival and plenty of other year-round holiday parades.

Crested Butte locals take advantage of any excuse to dress up, especially on Mardi Gras. pc: CBMR
Crested Butte locals share a common love of the outdoors and the town’s uniqueness. pc: Alex Fenlon/CBMR
Elk Avenue is transformed into a giant huck fest for the annual Big Air on Elk freestyle event. pc: Trent Bona/CBMR

Experience the last great Colorado ski town this winter and start planning your Crested Butte ski vacation now! Our Mountain Travel Experts can help you customize and book your flights, rental cars, lodging and more on your Crested Butte ski vacation. You can also customize and book your vacation with our online booking services or request a quote here.