This diehard ski town lies off the beaten path in the heart of the Rockies. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is Gunnison Valley's main winter attraction, but here's a weeklong trip itinerary that includes a lot more than downhill skiing. The nearby towns of Gunnison and Pitkin offer even more activity ideas. Keep reading for tips on planning the perfect Crested Butte winter trip.
Day 1: Travel to Crested Butte
Nestled deep in the mountains of west-central Colorado is the beloved little ski town of Crested Butte. Flying into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is the easiest way to get to Crested Butte and the rest of the Gunnison Valley. Rent a car at the airport or hire an Alpine Express shuttle to whisk you off to your accommodations.
Accommodations
Speaking of accommodations, each town in the Gunnison Valley offers lodging suited to different types of travelers. Book a ski-in/ski-out condo in Mt. Crested Butte, stay in a historical bed-and-breakfast in downtown Crested Butte, find peace and quiet at a riverside cabin in Almont or keep it simple with an unpretentious hotel in Gunnison.
Day 2: Downhill Skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort
After grabbing a morning pick-me-up at Camp 4 Coffee, kick off the trip with Crested Butte’s most popular winter activity — skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Extreme skiers have flocked to Crested Butte’s legendary double-black-diamond runs since the dawn of freeskiing in the 1980s.
If you’re a proficient skier, head straight to the North Face Lift or the High Lift to get your thrills. Not ready to ski the extreme terrain? No worries! Learn from a pro by booking a ski lesson. Your instructor will show you the ropes and help you learn your way around the mountain, too. Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s expert terrain may be famous, but the mountain offers plenty of green and blue runs as well.
Recommended Ski Runs at Crested Butte:
Expert
- Old Pro
- Teocalli Bowl
- The Peak
- Funnel
- Headwall
Intermediate
- Paradise Bowl
- Bushwhacker
- Smith Hill
- Black Eagle
Beginner
- Peanut
- Yellow Brick Road
- Mineral Point
- Twin Bridges
After lifts close, ride the free Mountain Express bus to downtown Crested Butte for a cocktail at The Dogwood and a fire-cooked dinner at Two Twelve. Head back to your accommodations for a good night’s sleep because more outdoor adventures await tomorrow.
Day 3: Cross-Country Skiing
Swap out your downhill skis for a set of cross-country skis for the day.
Cross-Country Skiing at CB Nordic
Crested Butte Nordic meticulously grooms more than 30 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Buy a pass, rent skis and even sign up for a lesson at the Nordic Center, located conveniently on the south side of downtown Crested Butte. Trails begin just a few steps from town, with the most popular CB Nordic trails traversing north into the beauty of the Slate River Valley.
Cross-Country Skiing Elsewhere in the Gunnison Valley
Several roads elsewhere in the valley are also groomed for cross-country skiing. Explore Cement Creek Road, Slate River Road and Spring Creek Road. The south rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is another stellar cross-country skiing destination about an hour’s drive west of Gunnison. Admire the canyon views from South Rim Road, which is closed to motorized traffic and groomed for skiing during winter.
Day 4: Rest & Explore the Gunnison Valley’s Mountain Towns
Take a break and rest your legs while stocking up on souvenirs and art at the shops and galleries in downtown Gunnison and Crested Butte. Find a book that piques your interest at Bookworm or Townie Books.
Check Out Local Museums
Learn about the colorful history of Gunnison and Crested Butte at the Crested Butte Museum. Traveling with little ones? The Trailhead Children’s Museum offers kid-friendly activities.
Relax at the Spa
Book a massage at Creekside Spa in Crested Butte. Head to Gunnison for a mani-pedi at Shear Brilliance.
Arts Centers
Check the events calendars at the Gunnison Arts Center and the Center for the Arts Crested Butte to see what’s on the docket while you’re in town. Catch live music or sign up for activities like pottery painting.
Learn How Rum Is Made
Take a tour of the Montanya rum distillery to see how craft spirits are made in the mountains.
See a Movie
Catch a flick at the Gunnison Valley’s only movie theater, The Majestic. This Crested Butte fixture shows movies and hosts community events. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Day 5: Another Day Skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Return to the mountain for another thrilling day of downhill skiing. Now that you know your way around the mountain, take the opportunity to challenge yourself and ski unfamiliar runs. Maybe today’s the day you finally ride a T-bar lift.
Day 6: Discover Pitkin
The tiny town of Pitkin packs a punch when it comes to winter outdoor recreation. The fluffy snow and lofty peaks of this little town northeast of Gunnison provide epic scenery. Plus, this deceptively remote area is easy to access via more than 30 miles of groomed backcountry roads. Tour the area around Pitkin via snowmobile, fat bike or skis. Don’t forget to learn about Pitkin’s rich mining and railroad history when you return to town from your outdoor adventure.
Day 7: Depart
You’ve skied the steeps at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, glided through the Slate River Valley on cross-country skis, relaxed in the quirky downtown districts of Crested Butte and Gunnison, and ventured into the winter trails around Pitkin. It’s time to head home for now, but it’s never too early to start planning your next trip here.
Want More?
Find more things to do in winter
Explore Gunnison-Crested Butte in summer
