7 Unforgettable Winter Activities for Houston Families

Are you one of the many Houston families dreaming of escaping to a winter wonderland? Check out Crested Butte, a snow-globe town set at the end of the road in the heart of Colorado ski country. What is there to do for Houston families in Crested Butte during winter? During a vacation to the Gunnison Valley, you can experience the magic of skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, stroll through the picturesque downtown and cozy up by a fire after a fun day outside. Crested Butte is about 30 miles north of Gunnison, Colorado, a hub of outdoor sports including cross-country skiing, fat biking and ice fishing. Plus, United’s nonstop flight from Houston (IAH) to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) makes travel easy. Read on to start planning a winter trip to Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley. Create lifelong memories and enjoy a taste of winter in the mountains!

1. Ski at Crested Butte Mountain Resort

There’s no downhill skiing in Houston, but there is a run at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) called Houston! This green run is great for beginners to get some practice. After you’ve mastered Houston, move on to intermediate runs like Paradise Bowl and Bushwacker. Advanced and expert skiers will get their own thrills exploring the famous double-black-diamond terrain at Crested Butte Mountain.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort is just a few miles north of the town of Crested Butte. The ski area has 1,547 skiable acres with terrain for skiers of all abilities. There are 121 trails to choose from. Brand-new skiers and those looking to sharpen their skills can take a private or group lesson with the Crested Butte Ski and Ride School. The Peachtree and Red Lady lifts are great beginner lifts for kids and anyone new to the sport. There are also surface lifts around the base area for first-timers.

Skiing at Crested Butte Mountain

2. Check out downtown Crested Butte and downtown Gunnison

Downtown Crested Butte

Downtown Crested Butte is the epicenter of Gunnison Valley dining, shopping and nightlife. Most of the restaurants, shops and art galleries are concentrated on Elk Avenue, the town’s main drag. Buy souvenirs, pick up a sweet treat, or simply window shop.

Many of the buildings on Elk Avenue are historic. Their colorful fronts and Victorian style are leftover from the days when Crested Butte was a mining town. These picturesque buildings are perfect for a family photo op. When evening falls, catch some live music at one of the cozy bars, restaurants and event venues.

Downtown Gunnison

Gunnison is a laid-back college town with a family friendly downtown zone. To get there from Crested Butte, drive south on Highway 135 for 28 miles. Downtown Gunnison features places to eat, shops, art galleries, coffee shops and thrift stores. IOOF park is a must-see for Houston families with kids. The park features a colorful mural depicting local flora and fauna. Scan the QR codes on the mural to learn more about the plants, animals and insects of the Gunnison area.

Historic downtown Crested Butte

3. Cross-country ski through pristine mountain landscapes

Cross-country skiing in Crested Butte

The Crested Butte Nordic Center grooms over 50 km of trails for classic and skate cross-country skiing. The trails are maintained daily, and there are options for skiers of all abilities. All of CB Nordic’s cross-country ski trails are labeled the same way as downhill ski runs: easy trails are green, intermediate trails are blue and difficult trails are black or double black. You must purchase a pass for most Nordic Center trails. The Nordic Center also offers equipment rentals and lessons. Houston families who have never experienced cross-country skiing before might want to start at the Crested Butte Nordic Center.

Cross-country skiing in Gunnison

Cross-country ski through unique rock formations in several spots around Gunnison. Ski for free on groomed trails at Hartman Rocks and Mill Creek. Unlike the Crested Butte Nordic Center trails, the trails in Gunnison are also open to hikers and dogs. Take the pooch out for a romp in the snow!

Cross-country skiing on Crested Butte Nordic Center trails

4. Visit museums and art centers

Looking for indoor activities? Two arts centers and several museums in the Gunnison Valley host classes and events for all ages.

Crested Butte museums and The Center for the Arts

Looking for a bit of culture on your trip? Crested Butte has a children’s museum and a history museum that are open in the winter. The Trailhead Children’s Museum offers programming for kids of all ages and exhibits where kids can experiment with STEM, create crafts, play and more. The Crested Butte Museum has rotating and permanent exhibits about the history of the area. Learn about the history of skiing and mountain biking, get a glimpse into what the town was like in the coal mining days, and view a model from the 1920s when the railroad was still running. The museum also offers talks and historic tours around town.

The Center for the Arts Crested Butte hosts live music, film screenings, kids camps and more, all in a beautiful new space. Check their event calendar for upcoming shows.

The Gunnison Arts Center

The Gunnison Arts Center offers art classes, movement classes and performances. The Gunnison Arts Center also has a monthly art walk to the downtown galleries the first Friday of every month.

The Gunnison Arts Center

4. Go snowmobiling in Crested Butte and Gunnison

For something a little more adventurous, take a snowmobile tour. Bring your own sled (make sure you have all the proper registrations) or go with an outfitter. The Gunnison Valley contains over two million acres of public lands. There are abundant opportunities to get out and explore via snow machines.

With any winter recreation, avalanches are a possibility. Please ensure you have all the proper skills, equipment and knowledge necessary to travel through avalanche terrain.

5. Try fat biking

Want to give the little-known sport of fat biking a try? Hartman Rocks is a premiere fat biking destination, with more than 20 miles of groomed singletrack. In the north end of the valley, an easy and scenic route is to ride the road from Mt. Crested Butte to the ghost town of Gothic. Some of the Gunnison Valley’s bike shops offer daily fat bike rentals.

6. Go sledding in Crested Butte and Gunnison

There is no lack of hills or mountains to sled down in the Gunnison Valley! Houston families will be joined by visitors and locals alike on sledding hills in Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Sledding in Gunnison

The most popular sledding hill in Gunnison is known as the Green Monster. It’s a large hill on the football practice field at Western Colorado University. Climb all the way up it for a thrilling ride down, or sled off a smaller slope on the edge of the field.

Sledding in Crested Butte

The sledding hill in Crested Butte is located between town and Mt. Crested Butte on the east side of the road. There is also a sledding hill behind the Crested Butte Nordic Center. Bring your own sleds, or stop into local hardware stores to purchase some.

7. Ice skate in Gunnison and Crested Butte

Ice skating in Gunnison

Gunnison is the best bet in the valley for Houston families seeking beginner ice skating spots. Jorgensen Ice Rink is located in Gunnison right off Highway 50. The facility has an indoor and outdoor rink and an outdoor frozen pond. Public skating, skate lessons and drop-in hockey are available at the indoor and outdoor rinks. Rent skates on site or bring your own. Skate for free anytime on the frozen pond. The outdoor rink is also free.

Ice skating in Crested Butte

Big Mine Ice Arena is located in Crested Butte next to the Crested Butte Nordic Center. You can rent skates from the Nordic Center or bring your own. The ice in Big Mine Ice Arena uses no refrigeration—it is all-natural!

Ice skating at Blue Mesa Reservoir

If you’re looking for a wilder ice skating experience, check out Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison. Once it freezes over it is another popular ice skating spot. Skating at Blue Mesa immerses you in the beauty of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Please ensure you have the proper skills, equipment and knowledge to stay safe if you plan to skate on “wild ice.”

Plan your winter trip to Crested Butte

Are you ready to experience the magic of winter in Crested Butte and Gunnison? Start planning your winter adventure with this handy trip planning guide! Book a hotel or vacation rental early for the best rate. And don’t forget about the convenient nonstop flight from Houston to Gunnison Airport. Learn more and view flight schedules in our guide to traveling to the Gunnison Valley.