Crested Butte Ski Resort
Summit elevation
Skiable acres
Base Elevation
Total runs
Crested Butte Ski Resort Overview
Crested Butte Ski Resort is located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and is best known for having one of the most difficult terrain in North America.
Ski Terrain
Resort Trail Map
Crested Butte Ski Resort Lift Tickets
Crested Butte has several lift pass options including day lift tickets and Epic Passes. Below is a breakdown of the lift passes and the key differences between the passes.
The day lift ticket can be purchased at the ticket office and online. If purchased online, you will need to pick up the lift ticket at Crested Butte ticket offices.
- Mountain Access: This ticket will give you lift access to Breckenridge only.
- Cost: Price varies from day to day, but is often the most expensive option. Ranges from $99-$149 for a 1-day adult ticket (prices subject to change).
- Days Valid at Crested Butte: Valid for the set days you’ve purchased the ticket.
- Available for Purchase: After early December when EPIC passes go off sale.
- Ideal for: Unplanned ski vacation or last minute day trip to Crested Butte.
The Epic day passes (limited) range from 1 to 7 days with the option for restricted or unrestricted access. Restricted passes cannot be used on blackout dates, while unrestricted passes can.
- Mountain Access: This pass gives you access to selected 38 resorts owned by Vail Resorts, including Crested Butte.
- Cost: The cost of the limited pass depends on whether it is restricted or unrestricted, with restricted passes being cheaper. The cost also depends on when you purchase the pass. Prices increase around September and November. Prices start at $87/day.
- Days Valid at Crested Butte: The number of ski days on the passes are valid throughout the entire season, except on blackout dates if a restricted pass is purchased.
- Available for Purchase: Usually available for purchase around April until late November to early December.
- Ideal for: When you are certain that you will be going skiing before the ski season.
The Epic Local Pass gives you unlimited and unrestricted access to 29 resorts, including Breckenridge and Keystone, plus restricted access to 8 other resorts with some access limitations.
- Days Valid at Crested Butte: This pass gives you unlimited and unrestricted access to Crested Butte throughout the ski season.
- Available for Purchase: This goes off sale around late November to early December.
- Ideal for: If you are planning to ski more than 7 days at Crested Butte, or a lot at other Vail-owned ski resorts with flexible ski dates depending on the resort access restrictions.
This is the flagship Epic product. It gives you access to all 38 Vail-owned resorts and is valid for the entire ski season with unlimited days of skiing. It is the most flexible and cheapest option if you are planning to ski more than 7 days.
- Available for Purchase: This goes off sale around late November to early December.
- Additional Benefits: You can purchase discounted day lift tickets.
- Ideal for: If you are planning to ski a lot at Crested Butte (or other Vail-owned ski resorts).
- Gives limited access to a number of partner resorts.
Crested Butte Ski and Snowboard Lessons
Crested Butte Ski and Snowboard School offers group and private lessons and ski programs.
- Group Lesson: Adults lessons start at Silver Queen and Red Lady lifts, whereas child lessons begin at the Magic Carpets.
- Private Lesson: Customized lessons for up to 6 people. You can also get a private lesson with Wendy Fisher, a free skiing world champion.
- Ski Programs: For aged 7-17, there is an 11-week Mountain Adventures program or 3-day camp for more casual skiers or riders. For those who want to enter the competitive field, there is the Mountain Sports Team for ages 7 and above.
Some important things to note:
- Lessons do not include lift tickets or rentals; however, you can add them at a discount when booking group lessons only.
- Lesson spots are limited so it is recommended that you book early. Bookings open in the fall.
- The prices of the lessons can vary depending on the dates, the most expensive being holiday dates.
Nearest Town to Crested Butte Ski Resort
Crested Butte Ski Resort has a ski village at the base of the mountain but it is also only a short 2.9 miles drive away from the town of Crested Butte. Crested Butte is known to be a pedestrian-friendly ski town with a nice view of Mt. Crested Butte and plenty of dining and shopping options. The town is also 104 miles drive from Aspen Snowmass (mileage is based off the route going over Kebler pass, which is closed during the winter) and 157 miles drive from Telluride Ski Resort.
Crested Butte Ski Resort Lodging
Crested Butte Ski Resort has a number of lodging options at the base village and in the town of Crested Butte.
- Base Village: To maximize your time on the slopes, stay at one of the ski-in-ski-out or short walk-to-lift hotels at the Crested Butte base village. For more information, see Crested Butte ski-in-ski-out lodgings.
- Crested Butte Town: There is more budget-friendly lodging in town than in the base village. Stay here to experience the lively Victorian main street, Elk Avenue, with plenty of dining and shopping options.
On Mountain Dining
Crested Butte has several on-mountain dining options.
Umbrella Bar
Located at the top of Painter Boy Lift, this bar serves hot chocolate, pretzels and more.
Opening hours (subject to change): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Mon-Sun)
Paradise Warming House
Located at the base of Paradise Express Lift, this restaurant serves as a good lunch rest stop with burgers, sandwiches, drinks, and more. There is also a free water bottle refill spot.
Opening hours (subject to change): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Mon-Sun)
Uley’s Cabin
Located at the base of Twister Lfit, this bar has drinks and a grill menu.
Opening hours (subject to change): 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (Wed-Sun)
Book ski lodging in Crested Butte with SnowPak
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are ski vacation packages available for Crested Butte Ski Resort. SnowPak is a mountain travel company specializing in ski vacations to ensure you will have the right ski products for your ski trip. See Crested Butte ski packages for more information.
Mid-January to mid-March is the best time to go Crested Butte. This is when there is an abundance of snow, low to moderate crowd levels and the highest chance of bluebird days. Note to avoid the public holidays like President’s Day and Martin Luther King Day.
Crested Butte Ski Resort has a few amenities including restaurants, a rental shop, and some retail shops.
Sport ski/snowboard package costs $58 per day for adults and $48 per day for children. Helmet rentals are an additional $14 per day. Please note the prices are subject to change.