Crested Butte isn’t the flashy ski town that Aspen is – but it does offer a great skiing experience. It’s also a fun place to stay.
When Vail Resorts took over Crested Butte last fall, locals and skiers were apprehensive about how the corporate behemoth would change the resort. But despite being the birthplace of in-bounds extreme terrain, Crested Butte has managed to retain its charm.
Ski-In/Ski-Out lodging
If you want a true ski town experience, Crested Butte is one of the best options. It’s a small town that lacks chain stores, but offers tons of charm.
In the winter, you can get to the slopes quickly if you stay at one of the resort’s hotels. These hotels are a great choice for families, as they’re close to the skiing and other activities.
During the summer, the town also has a number of family-friendly activities. There are bike trails, river rafting, fishing and hiking to enjoy.
Despite the mountain’s relatively small size, it’s packed with steep and challenging terrain for expert skiers. It also offers an array of glades, so it’s possible to find your favorite off-piste route here.
Accessible lodging
There are a variety of options for lodging in Crested Butte, from small lodges and inns to bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals. For a more upscale experience, you can stay in one of the many mountain ski-in/ski-out resorts, or cozy up at one of the historic hotels downtown.
Although it does not boast the amenities of its Colorado competitors, Crested Butte is a great choice for a budget-friendly ski getaway. Its ticket prices are 20-25% cheaper than those at other Front Range mountains, and it also attracts fewer crowds, thereby freeing up its lift infrastructure.
During the winter, skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular activities at Crested Butte. However, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy too. For example, in the summer, Crested Butte offers excellent hiking and mountain biking trails. It’s also an excellent base for rafting, horseback riding and rock climbing.
Romance getaways
Crested Butte is a fun alpine town with loads of charm and never-ending mountain views. It’s a great place to spend time as a couple or with friends, and there are plenty of hotels for all budgets.
In addition to a plethora of lodging options, this historic, funky ski town boasts a thriving slate-art scene. You can also enjoy a romantic dinner with your sweetheart at one of the many restaurants located along Elk Avenue.
A sleigh ride through the mountains is another classic romantic activity. If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to get out of the town, try skiing down Mt. Butte with a snowcat-powered sleigh.
If you’re traveling with your kids, don’t miss the option to stay in a family cabin rental. This cozy retreat offers great views, a hot tub and more, so you can make your trip as comfortable as possible.
Family vacations
A family ski trip to Crested Butte Mountain Resort can be an incredible experience. It’s a small and intimate ski area with a wide variety of terrain that will satisfy both experts and beginners.
This ski resort is one of the least crowded Colorado ski towns, which makes it great for kids to get their feet wet and learn new skills. It also offers a great ski school, an abundance of kid-appeasing activities and ski deals during non-holiday weeks.
The family-friendly resort has a lot to offer for parents and kids alike, including an Adventure Park with snow tubing, a zero-gravity jump bag, an outdoor enclosed Flying Gopher mini-golf, bungee trampolines, rock climbing and zip lining. It also offers a Snowcat Driving Experience, which is something that you don’t see at many ski resorts. You can book this adventure through the resort website.