Crested Butte: A Quaint Mountain Town with Incredible Skiing
Crested Butte Mountain Resort: A Colorado Favorite
Looking for an uncrowded ski resort in Colorado? Enter Crested Butte – a true hidden gem among the Epic Pass mountains. When my family and I planned our ski trip, we wanted somewhere with great terrain but without the packed slopes of the larger resorts. Crested Butte Mountain Resort, tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, delivered exactly that with incredible skiing, a laid-back vibe, and a charming, story-book town.
Thrilling Expert Terrain
The variety of terrain offered was perfect for our family; we all found something to love on the mountain. The thrill-seeker in our group, my brother, took on some of the resort’s double blacks – like Rambo, North America’s steepest cut trail with a spine-chilling 55-degree pitch. However, he preferred Hard Slab and North Face, accessible via the North Face T-bar. These runs offered steep, technical terrain that flowed into glades, making for a more enjoyable challenge. If you’re used to skiing on the East Coast, keep in mind that Western mountains grade their runs more lenient – meaning a black at Crested Butte may feel more like a double black back home. Regardless of your skill level, it’s always best to tackle extreme terrain with a buddy.
Rolling Greens and Scenic Blues
For those who prefer groomed runs, Crested Butte has plenty of options for you! Beginners will love the long, pleasant greens off Red Lady Express Lift, while intermediate skiers can take Painter Boy Lift to Gold Link Lift for short, scenic cruising. Cascade was a family favorite in that area of the mountain. For a lunch break, be sure to stop by the Paradise Warming House – it was the perfect mid-mountain spot to relax and refuel. We also enjoyed the blue runs off Paradise Express Lift, though they tended to attract more people. If you’re looking for quieter trails, head to East River Express Lift where you’ll find rolling blues and the black run, Resurrection, perfect for practicing moguls. On the other side of the mountain, we found some additional favorites. Keystone and International, off Silver Queen Express Lift, are great for those who love fast, steep slopes with incredible views.
Crested Butte makes a Short Ski Trip Memorable
Crested Butte is smaller than major resorts like Vail or Breckenridge, but for us that was a plus. It was easy to navigate and learn the mountain in just a few days, making it an excellent choice for those who want a mix of terrain without feeling overwhelmed. We skied for four and a half days and would have loved to stay longer, but even if you’re planning a 2-3 day ski trip, Crested Butte is still one of the best destinations to consider. It’s easy to get around and maximize your ski time – whether you stay near the base or in town. And the best part? The lack of lift lines—it's definitely a place we’re excited to return to.
Eat & Unwind: Exploring Elk Avenue
After a full day on the slopes, the colorful, historic buildings along Crested Butte’s main street, Elk Avenue, provided the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a great meal. It truly feels like a scene from a postcard of the last great Colorado ski town. Located just down the road from the mountain base, parking was free, and the town’s bus system was also super convenient and reliable. We loved the unique pizza options at Secret Stash, but our favorite spot ended up being Bonez, a quirky Mexican restaurant with a great staff and delicious food. While my family and I were usually too tired after a full day of skiing to partake in après-ski, the lively sounds coming from the bars we passed made it clear that the nightlife was buzzing.
Bring Home the Memories
Crested Butte is a rare find – a town that still feels undiscovered. If you’re looking for a ski destination with great terrain, fewer crowds, and a charming vibe, this is it. From family-friendly ski runs to some of the best expert terrain in Colorado, Crested Butte Mountain has something for everyone. One of my favorite parts of traveling is bringing home memories. To help capture the magic of Crested Butte, I’ve designed a special collection of T-shirts inspired by our trip. If you love collecting meaningful souvenirs, check them out below!
