Crested Butte vs. Purgatory

Tucked into the heart of western Colorado, Crested Butte and Purgatory deliver unforgettable ski experiences. While the two resorts both offer stunning Rocky Mountain views and fun mountain towns nearby, the similarities end there. This article compares ski terrain, culture, neighboring towns and transportation in Crested Butte vs. Purgatory. Keep reading to learn which resort fits your style.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort vs. Purgatory Resort

Size

Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Purgatory are both medium-sized ski areas. The two resorts are nearly identical in terms of skiable acres, but significantly more runs are tucked into Crested Butte’s many nooks and crannies.

Altitude

Crested Butte sits at a significantly higher elevation than Purgatory and features a larger vertical drop from peak to base. Crested Butte’s higher elevation and cold temperatures preserve snow longer.

Terrain and ski culture

The double-black-diamond ski terrain at Crested Butte, which is its claim to fame, positions the resort as a destination for adventure-seeking skiers. Extreme terrain comprises 37% of the resort. Freeskiing traces its origins to Crested Butte in the ‘80s, and today’s culture reflects those roots. On any given winter day, you’ll see skiers hucking cliffs and shredding technical lines down the steep, rocky terrain. Of course, beginner and intermediate skiers can easily find terrain suited to their abilities, too. For more info, check out our guide to skiing and snowboarding in Crested Butte.

Purgatory’s mellow slopes and fun, lighthearted culture draw skiers from near and far. Skiers of all ages explore the slopes together. A vibrant base area culture provides a meeting spot for families and friends to convene for a lunch break or après.

Both resorts feature whimsical annual events—costumes required. Crowds gather to watch intrepid skiers try to stay afloat at pond skim competitions each spring. Crested Butte hosts the Al Johnson telemark race and one of the world’s largest “Santa ski” events each year.

Downtown Crested Butte

Crested Butte vs. Durango

The town of Crested Butte lies four miles down the hill from Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The former mining community has retained its small-town charm through the years. Brightly painted wooden buildings lining Elk Avenue, the main drag. Casual, homey restaurants and a vibrant arts culture add to the town scene. A 40-minute drive down Highway 135 transports you to Gunnison, a college town surrounded by public lands and summer trails.

Getting to Durango requires a 27-mile drive south from Purgatory. With a population of nearly 20,000 (in comparison to Crested Butte’s 1,600), the city of Durango provides a larger town experience. Famous as a railroad stop, Durango’s downtown businesses often adopt a train theme. Restaurants and bars stay open late into the night.

Lodging prices in the two destinations are similar. Both resorts feature slopeside hotels and condos with direct access to the slopes.

Crested Butte is about a four-hour drive from Denver. Driving from Denver to Durango takes about 6.5 hours. It’s about 3.5 hours by car from Albuquerque to Durango.

Nearest airport

Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport offers nonstop flights from Denver, Texas and Chicago. Rent a car or hire an affordable airport shuttle to transport you from the airport in Gunnison to your lodging. Find flights and more transportation info in our guide to getting to the Gunnison Valley.

Fifteen miles from the city of Durango is Durango-La Plata County Airport. Catch a flight from Phoenix, Dallas or Denver.

Public transportation for Crested Butte vs. Purgatory

Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley are home to a robust public bus system. The Mountain Express shuttle runs between Crested Butte and the ski area, and the RTA bus transports people throughout the valley, from Gunnison to Mt. Crested Butte. All buses are free. In addition, skiers staying in Mt. Crested Butte may call the FirstTracks microtransit service for transportation around the mountain.

Public transportation in Durango is much more limited. Pay a fee to ride buses or trolleys around town during the day, or catch the DuranGo! microtransit service after hours.

Western Colorado University in Gunnison

College towns

Universities add vibrance and boost the economies in the cities of Durango and Gunnison. Fort Lewis College educates about 3,500 students in Durango and is known for its tuition waiver for Native American students. In Gunnison, Western Colorado University facilitates personalized, hands-on education to approximately the same number of students at the campus in Gunnison. The university’s unique partnership with CU Boulder offers engineering students the opportunity to study in a state-of-the-art engineering building at Western for their first two years.

Summer

Both Crested Butte and Durango feature hundreds of miles of nearby mountain biking and hiking trails. Public lands surround both destinations.

Nearby mountain ranges

Mountain ranges surround the Gunnison Valley, from the Sawatch range east of Gunnison, to the Elk Mountains north of Crested Butte. The Ruby Range stretches west of Crested Butte, and the West Elk mountains loom west of Gunnison. Mt. Emmons, also known as the Red Lady, shelters the town of Crested Butte.

The San Juan Mountains provide a picturesque background for any outdoor adventure near Durango. The Needles Range towers northeast of town, and the La Plata Mountains flank the west side of the city. It’s impossible to miss the iconic peak of Engineer Mountain when driving south into town on Highway 550.

FAQs

Should I choose Crested Butte or Purgatory for my ski vacation this year?

It depends on who you are! Adventurers and aggressive skiers may prefer Crested Butte for its steep expert terrain. Families or sightseers may opt for Purgatory with its beginner-friendly slopes and robust après scene.

Is Crested Butte or Durango more expensive?

A vacation to either destinations comes in at about the same price point. Both ski areas shift lift ticket prices to match demand. Lodging and dining costs are comparable. One major difference may be transportation costs. Skiers staying in Durango will need to rent a car to get to the resort, whereas anyone staying in the Gunnison Valley can simply hop on a free bus to the ski area.

Is Crested Butte or Purgatory better for kids?

Both mountains are suitable for kids. Kids who are expert skiers will have a blast exploring Crested Butte’s double-black-diamond ski terrain. For kids who are still learning to ski, there are plenty of green and blue runs as well. Most of Purgatory’s ski runs are safe for kids who ski at any level. Both mountains offer kids ski lessons.

Is Crested Butte or Durango more fun?

This IS the Gunnison and Crested Butte tourism website, so of course we’re biased towards Crested Butte, but at the end of the day it’s an apples-to-oranges comparison! Crested Butte features small-town charm, a picturesque downtown and small, cozy bars and restaurants. Durango is a much larger city and thus hosts a wider array of dining and nightlife options.

Comparisons to other ski resorts

Looking for your next ski destination? Check out these comparisons of Crested Butte to other mountains.

• Crested Butte vs. Monarch Mountain
• Crested Butte vs. Wolf Creek
• Crested Butte vs. Aspen