Crested Butte Ski Resort Guide
Crested Butte, United States
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| Recommended For | Expert Skiers, Snowboarders, Snowfall and Apres-Ski! |
|---|---|
| Highest Lift | 3,620m 11,877ft |
| Resort Height | 2,860m 9,383ft |
| Nearest Airports | Gunnison-Crested Butte and Montrose |
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a charming ski resort in Colorado. Known for its diverse terrain and vibrant town atmosphere, it offers an unforgettable skiing experience.
Summary
With over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, Crested Butte caters to all skill levels. Its stunning mountain views and unique character make it a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
The ski area of Crested Butte is at an altitude of 2,860m 9,383ft .
Crested Butte has direct access to 85 marked pistes, served by a total of 15 ski lifts.
The ski resort itself is at 2,860m 9,383ft , so skiing or boarding back to the resort is usually possible. With ski lifts as high as 3,620m 11,877ft , skiing and snowboarding is assured throughout the season.
Notable Ski Runs
The longest possible descent in Crested Butte is 4km 2 miles long and the most difficult run is the 'Rambo 56 Degree, 500ft vertical.'.
Partner Offers
Snow and Weather
Crested Butte typically enjoys reliable snow conditions, with an average snowfall of 300 inches annually. Snow depths can range from 50 to 100 inches mid-season, making it essential to check the latest snow reports on J2Ski for current conditions.
When will it snow in Crested Butte?
The next notable snow forecast is 2cm 1in , expected on 17 December.
See our long-range Snow Forecast for the latest update.
Snow this week
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow to base | Snow to base |
Ski Area Stats
Crested Butte Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 32 | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 34 | |
| Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 12 | |
| Green Pistes Beginner Runs | 22 | |
| Cross Country Total Length | 100km 62 miles | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 15 | |
Crested Butte Altitudes
| Highest Lift | 3,620m 11,877ft |
|---|---|
| Resort Altitude (Crested Butte) | 2,860m 9,383ft |
| Lowest Piste | 2,770m 9,088ft |
| Max Vertical | 850m 2,789ft |
Ratings & Suitability
| Expert Skiers | |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Skiers | |
| Snowboarding | |
| Snow | |
| Apres-Ski |
Skiing
Crested Butte features the Elk Mountains, with an elevation reaching 12,162 feet. The resort offers a variety of ski areas, including the famous Paradise Bowl and the challenging Headwall, accessible via lifts such as the Silver Queen and Teocalli. Notable pistes include the steep and scenic 'The Glades' and the family-friendly 'Pioneer.'
There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.
Ski Lessons in Crested Butte
To choose a Ski School, and book Group Ski Lessons or a Private Instructor, see Crested Butte Ski Schools and Crested Butte Ski Instructors.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding at Crested Butte is enhanced by several terrain parks, including the popular 'Evolution Park' and 'The Alley.' These parks provide features for all skill levels, making it a great spot for snowboarders to hone their skills.
Location and Map
Where is Crested Butte?
This ski resort is in Pend Oreille, Colorado, United States.
Map
Tap 
for Full-Screen, or see J2Ski's Resort map, showing Hotels and Ski Shops.
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to Crested Butte is Gunnison-Crested Butte, 42 minutes drive away.
Montrose airport is also within three hours drive.
Gunnison-Crested Butte is just one hours drive away, in good driving conditions, so you can be on the piste quickly.
To reach Crested Butte, fly into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), approximately 30 minutes away. Alternatively, drive from Denver, which is about a 4-hour journey, taking US-285 and CO-135.
Infrastructure
Ski Lift Capacity
The 15 ski lifts are able to uplift 17,500 skiers and snowboarders every hour.
Snow Making
Snow-making is available, with 40 snow cannons.
Season Dates
When is Crested Butte open?
We don't currently have confirmed season dates, but hope to soon.
Usual opening is late November, and usual closing is Early April.
NOTE:- Ski area, lift and piste opening is subject to Current Snow Conditions.
Aprés Ski
After skiing, enjoy the vibrant après-ski scene at bars like 'The Last Steep' and 'The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin.' Dining options include local favorites such as 'Uley's Cabin & Ice Bar' and 'Secret Stash,' offering a variety of cuisines.
