Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Famous steeps above a colorful old mining town.

Crested Butte is known for the Extremes, some of the steepest lift-served terrain in North America, with a mellower groomer side for everyone else. The base village sits 3 miles above the brightly painted town of Crested Butte, linked by a free bus. Remote, laid-back and on the Epic Pass.

The mountain

Vertical drop

2,787 ft

Summit

12,162 ft

Skiable terrain

1,547 acres

Trails

165

Lifts

15

Average snowfall

236″ a year

Longest run

2.6 mi

Snowmaking

19% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 14%
• Intermediate 24%
• Advanced 62%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Fat biking
• Cat skiing
• Snowmobiling
• Ice skating
• Spa
• Nightlife
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasSat, Dec 19, 10:30 am

  Santa Ski Day

  Skiers in Santa suits meet atop Red Lady Express for a group photo, then parade down Lower Twister to the base at 11 am.

• ChristmasThu, Dec 24, 3:30–5 pm

  Santa on the Patio

  Santa skis down to Butte 66 for photos, plus free hot chocolate and cookies on the deck at the base.

• New Year’sThu, Dec 31, 5:30 pm

  New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade

  Ski and ride school torchlight parade and fireworks at the base, then parties at the base and in town.

• Opening dayNov 25

  Opening Day

  First day of the 2026-27 season.

• RaceJan 30, 2027

  Alley Loop Nordic Marathon

  The 41st running of the costumed nordic race that winds through Crested Butte’s back alleys.

• RaceMar 28, 2027

  Grand Traverse

  Backcountry ski race from Crested Butte over the Elk Mountains to Aspen, starting at midnight.

Where to stay

• slopesideElevation Hotel & Spa

  Big slopeside hotel at the base with a spa, hot tubs, José’s Mexican kitchen and two bars.

  Slopeside
• base villageThe Lodge at Mountaineer Square

  Resort-run rooms and condos right on the base plaza.

  Slopeside
• condoThe Grand Lodge

  Large condo-hotel at the base area with units rented through Crested Butte Lodging.

  Base area
• innOld Town Inn

  Good-value inn a couple of blocks from Elk Avenue, with a big continental breakfast, hot tub and the free bus to the mountain.

  In town
• b&bNordic Inn

  Family-run inn from the resort’s first year (1963), with continental breakfast, a hot tub and a shuttle into town.

  400 yards from the lifts
• b&bElk Mountain Lodge

  Historic inn a block off Elk Avenue with a full breakfast, steps from the free ski bus.

  In town

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Crested Butte Nordic · In town

  Groomed classic and skate trails right from town, plus rentals and lessons.

• Magic Meadows Yurt dinners · In town

  Ski or snowshoe to a yurt in the pines for a five-course dinner by a private chef.

• Fat biking

  Crested Butte Nordic grooms routes for fat bikes; rent one in town.

• Irwin cat skiing · West of town

  Eleven runs snowcat skiing on 1,000+ private acres at Irwin, which gets 450+ inches a year.

• Montanya Distillers · In town

  Craft rum distillery with a tasting room and cocktail bar.

• Secret Stash · In town

  Pizza and wings voted best in Crested Butte every year since it opened.

• Big Mine Park ice rink · In town

  The town’s ice rink, for public skating and hockey.

Après and nightlife

• Elevation’s bars

  billy barr bar and the Matchstick Lounge at the base, steps off the snow.

• The Eldo

  Long-running Elk Avenue brewery and live-music bar.

• Montanya Distillers

  Rum cocktails in town after skiing.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Gunnison–Crested Butte Regional (GUC) · about 40 min drive
• Denver · about 4.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps