There’s nothing quite like walking around Crested Butte at night when town is bedecked in a blanket of soft, fluffy snow. You can feel the excitement in the air while you wet your whistle in one of the many eclectic bars on Elk Avenue packed with friendly, interesting locals. The promise of a powder day sets the whole town abuzz, and, weather dependent, you could be a part of it.

 

Crested Butte attracts a certain kind of ski vacationer: someone looking to travel further, go deeper and ski harder. Acclaimed as “the last great Colorado ski town,” Crested Butte exudes a spunky individualism that makes a truly one-of-akind ski vacation. It’s all in the details, from the local history to the idyllic Victorian town and unique ski terrain.

 

While it’s known for its technical, steep “extreme” skiing, the vast majority of Crested Butte’s terrain is intermediate to advanced intermediate. The top half of the mountain is a challenge-seeker’s delight, while the bottom half levels out to wide-open, ideal beginner and intermediate skiing. Just off the Red Lady Express, the frontside of the mountain offers gentle beginner trails, while runs off Prospect and Gold Link lifts let intermediates enjoy quick laps. More advanced intermediates have tons of options off Paradise and East River lifts, and experts can indulge their need for extreme off the North Face Lift and gate-accessed Teocalli Bowl and Paradise area. Few resorts can boast such varied, world-class terrain.