General Information:  Crested Butte: 970-349-2211.

Crested Butte is near Gunnison in western Colorado, served by the Gunnison airport with flights from Denver, Chicago, Dallas and other cities. It is known for its extensive, expert-terrain areas in backcountry Colorado, far from the crowds at big resorts. It is also known for spectacular bowls and such a steep North Face chute that, according to locals, the ski patrol never has to do any work. They just wait at the bottom with body bags.

Because of its out-of-the-way location, Crested Butte entices skiers with some of the best deals in Colorado. It offers absolutely free skiing from just after Thanksgiving until mid-December, with no minimum stays or other requirements. It also offers low-cost family packages and reasonable child care services. This is a rural area, and the resort appeals mainly to skiers seeking a genuine Western atmosphere. Crested Butte was once a mining town during Colorado’s gold-rush days, and its historic Victorian buildings appeal to many visitors. In fact, the entire town has been designated a National Historic District.

It has 85 trails and over 1,100 skiable acres (57% advanced, 30% intermediate, 13 beginner). Its highest lift goes to 11,875 feet, and its longest run is nearly three miles. Snowboarding and Nordic skiing are available. A local mountain guide offers unusual backcountry hut and snowshoe tours, plus peak climbs and ski-downs. Child care and children’s lessons are available.

The best lodging includes the Crested Butte Club with suites, fireplaces, fitness club, pool, racquetball, hot tubs, piano bar and lounge. The Grande Butte Hotel has 260 rooms with wet bars, two restaurants, lounges, pool, fitness center, hot tub and sauna.

Good restaurants include Le Bosquet, Giovanni’s Grande Cafe, Penelope’s, Soupcon and a horse-drawn sleigh ride dinner to the Lazy F Bar. Night spots that usually have music or dancing, mainly on weekends, include the Crested Butte Club, Rafters, Swiss Chalet Bierstube, and the Idle Spur.

No related posts.