CRESTED BUTTE
Crested Butte is often referred to as the best kept secret in ski country, and frankly we agree. The town is picturesque, lined with Victorian-funky homes, cozy shops and inviting restaurants. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is rowdy, it’s known for its steep lines and expert terrain. However, the mountain has a soft side as well and is extremely family-friendly. CB has had an incredible winter with record-breaking snowfall. Here’s everything you need to plan your next ski vacation to Crested Butte, Colorado.
Where to Ski
CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT
The town of Crested Butte might be a sleepy secret in the Colorado ski town scene, but the resort is as rowdy as the big names (like Jackson Hole and Telluride) and for good reason. The “Extreme Limits” are the backbone to the ski area and within this area SpellBound and Phoenix Bowl offer steep technical options. To get to these zones, there is a short side-step from the top of the North Face Lift, which is actually a T-Bar. The main north face of the resort has a variety of short technical runs to keep you on your toes. The west side of the mountain has long, narrow runs such as Banana and Funnel which are easily accessed from the Silver Queen Express Lift. This zone is great in the afternoon sun, especially during spring slush bumps.
It’s a powder day? Head to the Sock-It-To-Me-Ridge, Staircase, or Dead Bobs and you won’t be disappointed. If you hit the resort on a powder day and subsequently on the weekend, the lift lines will likely start to fill up with locals. You can still hike out to the glades, get in multiple laps and rarely wait in a line. SpellBound Bowl is hike-to terrain while Teocalli Bowl is hike-out terrain, because there is hiking involved, both of these zones see fewer skiers.
Here are a two local’s tips: Avoid the North Face Lift (NFL) by hiking up to the glades. Use the High Lift to access SpellBound when the NFL is super long (it will get you in the back door a little quicker).