Visit The West Elks
A Crested Butte ski vacation is like no other, which is why it attracts a certain kind of ski vacationer; someone who is willing to travel further, go deeper and ski harder; someone looking for a unique, beautiful experience, not necessarily a convenient break from the “real world.” Crested Butte may lack the convenience of Colorado’s I-70 resorts, but it makes up for it with its spunky individualism, which is how it’s retained its acclaim as “the last great Colorado ski town.” One of the prime ski destinations in Colorado that offers challenging terrain coupled with a welcome community atmosphere, Crested Butte is truly in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Crested Butte is located about 30 miles north of Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), making it easily accessible. The resort can also be reached by a scenic 4.5-hour drive via Denver International Airport (DIA) or a 2-hour drive from Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ).
Crested Butte offers a free shuttle service that runs between the town and the resort, making it easy for visitors to get around without a car. The town is also pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions within walking distance.
There's nothing quite like Crested Butte skiing. While it’s known for its technical, steep “extreme” skiing, the vast majority of Crested Butte’s terrain is intermediate to advanced intermediate. The top half of Mt. Crested Butte is renowned as the ski area's more challenging section, while the bottom half levels out to ideal beginner and intermediate skiing. Few resorts can boast such world-class, varied terrain. The frontside of the mountain, specifically, the trails off of the Red Lady Express, offers incredible, wide-open and relatively uncrowded beginner skiing. Intermediate skiers can enjoy quick laps off of Prospect and Gold Link Lift; while more advanced intermediates have tons of trail options off of Paradise and East River Express Lifts. Expert skiers can get their “extreme” on off the Silver Queen Express Lift, the North Face Lift to access the bowls and gate-accessed Teocalli Bowl from the top of the High Lift.
Despite its storied reputation as an “extreme” mountain, Crested Butte is, in fact, a great place to learn to ski. While the rocky, steep top half of the mountain is an expert skier’s paradise, the bottom portion of the mountain features wide, gentle runs. Beginner skiers can learn in a calm environment, since getting to Crested Butte takes a little more effort than say Keystone or Breckenridge, crowded slopes are far and few between. Between the rich history and funky quaintness of its town and the uncrowded beginner slopes, learning to ski at Crested Butte is a truly enjoyable experience.
Choosing to book a Crested Butte family ski vacation is a no-brainer thanks to its family-friendly terrain, low-key dining scene, historic downtown, wide array of lodging options to suit nearly every family’s style and budget, stacked events calendar and off-mountain activities. Crested Butte is truly brimming with experiences and activities families can enjoy together. Both kids and parents will enjoy perusing up and down historic Elk Avenue, popping in and out of specialty shops and enjoying ice cream. And despite its reputation as an original homestead for extreme skiing, there’s still plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain, allowing the whole family to enjoy a slew of trails together.
14% of Crested Butte’s skiing terrain is designated as beginner (and 24% is intermediate), making it a perfect resort for families looking to ski together. Plus, lifts like the East River Express and Paradise Express are perfect for mixed-ability groups, offering a variety of blue and black runs that funnel back to the same lift. And the mountain is relatively small compared with places like Breckenridge, Snowmass, or Vail, so families can comfortably separate without worrying about being apart all day. Advanced skiers in the family can pop in and out of the woods and find terrain nuggets along the trails, while less advanced skiers can meander down Crested Butte’s well-groomed, wide-open runs.
Families can explore the charming town, enjoy sledding and tubing, or visit the local ice rink. The town also hosts a variety of family-friendly events and festivals throughout the winter season.
Crested Butte is located approximately 230 miles southwest of Denver. It’s about a 4.5-hour drive from the city, depending on traffic and weather conditions. While remote, Crested Butte is well worth the drive for its charming small-town feel and excellent skiing. Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest major airport, making Denver a convenient starting point for those planning a trip to Crested Butte in Colorado.
Crested Butte is famous for being a pioneer in extreme skiing, having hosted some of the earliest extreme skiing competitions in the U.S., which cemented its reputation among thrill-seekers. The town also retains a unique character with its historic Victorian buildings, originally constructed during the mining era.
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