Crested Butte doesn’t cater to the mainstream—it calls to the bold. Known as Colorado’s “Last Great Ski Town,” this remote gem sits at the end of the road and feels worlds away from the corporate resorts of I-70. What you’ll find here is raw beauty, big terrain, and a community that still feels like skiing’s golden age. Steep, soulful, and spectacularly scenic, Crested Butte is where legends are born and locals never leave.

Quick Stats

• Location: Crested Butte, Colorado (Gunnison County)

• Elevation: 9,115 ft base / 12,162 ft summit

• Vertical Drop: 3,062 ft

• Skiable Terrain: 1,547 acres

• Annual Snowfall: ~300 inches

• Number of Runs: 121

• Lifts: 15

• Vibe Check: Rugged, charming, and fearlessly authentic

The Vibe

Crested Butte feels like skiing with a heartbeat. The historic downtown is full of colorful Victorian buildings, funky bars, and an easy smile around every corner. On the mountain, it’s an entirely different story—some of the steepest inbounds terrain in North America, from chutes to cliffs to double blacks that have humbled pros. But the duality is what makes Crested Butte magic: wild adventure above, warm community below. There’s nothing polished about it, and that’s exactly the point.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Houston – wide, gentle slope perfect for beginners and families.
• Keystone – scenic, easy run with sweeping valley views.

🟦 Blues

• Peanut – a local favorite that winds through trees and mellow rollers.
• Paradise Bowl – classic blue run with perfect snow and open turns.
• International – long cruiser from the top with just enough challenge.

♦︎ Blacks

• Rambo – North America’s steepest lift-served run at 55 degrees.
• Headwall – iconic face that defines Crested Butte’s extreme terrain.
• Third Bowl – hike-to powder paradise for experts who like it deep and technical.

Après + Town Stays

Crested Butte après has character in spades—think mountain dives, creative cocktails, and locals swapping stories over whiskey and chili.

• The Last Steep – CB classic for burgers, beer, and that old-school Colorado feel.
• The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin – craft cocktails in a rustic cabin tucked off Main Street.
• Secret Stash – legendary pizza joint with wild toppings and wilder energy.
• Bonez Tequila Bar & Grill – tacos and tequila with a laid-back mountain twist.
• Public House – gastropub meets live music venue, perfect for post-ski hangs.
• Elevation Hotel & Spa – ski-in luxury at the base area with spa and slope views.
• Scarp Ridge Lodge – boutique five-star stay blending adventure and elegance.

Travel Tips

Fly into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC)—just 30 minutes from town—or connect through Montrose for more options. The drive from Denver is long but stunning, winding through the Rockies with mountain passes and elk sightings along the way. Once you arrive, you won’t need a car—the free town shuttle runs constantly between downtown and the mountain base. Late January to early March brings Crested Butte’s best snow, while April delivers epic spring corn skiing.

Fun Facts

• Rambo is the steepest cut run in North America—55 degrees of pure fear.
• Crested Butte was one of the birthplaces of extreme skiing in the U.S.
• The town was designated a National Historic District for its 1800s mining charm.
• The resort hosts the U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships every year.
• Locals affectionately call it “Crusty Butt”—a nickname they wear with pride.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Crested Butte made the list because it’s pure Colorado soul. It’s wild, welcoming, and utterly unlike anywhere else. You come for the steeps and stay for the spirit—a perfect mix of grit and grace. In a world of polished resorts, Crested Butte remains gloriously raw.