A guide to the front-side extreme terrain at Crested Butte

Directly below the peak lies the Crested Butte extreme terrain on the front-side. This cluster of precipitous, double-black-diamond ski runs hugs the west end of the ski area. These chutes are the easiest-to-access double-black runs on the mountain. They’re certainly not easy to ski, though—only experienced skiers should venture into this zone.

The unusual geology of this zone sets it apart from the rest of Crested Butte’s extremes. The front-side runs are steep, narrow chutes partitioned by craggy ridges. About halfway down, the chutes widen, giving way to dense glades. It’s a unique corner of the mountain, and one well worth exploring—especially on a powder day.

This guide includes:

• Directions for getting around Crested Butte’s front-side extreme terrain
• A map of the runs
• Detailed descriptions of each run, written by a local

Where are the front-side extreme runs at Crested Butte?

The front-side extremes are some of the only expert terrain at Crested Butte that is visible from the base area of the resort. From the bottom of the Red Lady or Silver Queen lifts, look up at the peak. The front-side extreme runs are the chutes under the peak. Banana, the narrow, curved run directly below the peak, is the easiest to spot.

Banana and the other front-side extreme runs at Crested Butte lie below the peak, as seen in this photo taken from the base area of the mountain. 

Front-side extremes map

The map below shows the west side of the ski area. View the full winter trail map on Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s website.

How to get there, and how to get out

There are several ways to get to the front-side extreme terrain at Crested Butte. One way is to ride up the High Lift and access them from below the peak. A quicker but shorter option is to enter at the gate just below the top station of the Silver Queen on skier’s left. The runs are listed below in the order you’ll ski over them as you traverse west.

Forest, Peel and Flatiron end at Luge, a cat track that takes you back to the base area of the resort. Banana and Funnel terminate at the Banana exit, another road back to the base.

Peel

Front-side extremes at Crested Butte

Forest

The name gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect on this run. Get ready to make some tight turns through the woods. Stands of conifers give way to dense aspen groves as you descend. Stay right to tack on Hot Rocks at the end of the run.

Peel

Peel is the widest and perhaps friendliest of the front-side extremes. On this run, a wide field of boulders tapers into a narrow chute.

Flatiron

Flatiron is the rocky ridge between Peel and Banana. Pick your way carefully between boulders on the way down this sheer spine.

Banana

Banana is a chute formed by an avalanche path. (No need to worry about slides on the resort—Crested Butte Ski Patrol mitigates avalanche danger on the mountain using carefully controlled explosives.) The run starts wide and tightens through the middle before opening up into a mogul field called Hockey Rink.

An area known as Total Recall lies between Banana and Funnel, below the rock fin.

Banana

Funnel

Funnel is another front-side extreme run at Crested Butte with a self-explanatory name. A huge rock wall on skier’s right casts a shadow over this steep run. The wall also frames a scenic bird’s-eye view of the town of Crested Butte below.

Sunset Ridge

The resort’s westernmost run, Sunset Ridge is the last place the sun touches on the ski area each evening. The traverse becomes rather technical at this point—use caution during early season. Start by picking your way down a rock-strewn ridge, then enter a long glade. Don’t forget to take a break and check out the view!

Hot Rocks

Although Hot Rocks is not rated double black diamond (it’s a single black diamond), it’s worthy of mentioning in this guide. Enter Hot Rocks from Lower Forest or via the gate on skier’s left of International. Geothermal heat melts patches of snow here, exposing rocks that give the run its name. Avoid the exposed rocks and explore a variety of small drops in the open face above the aspen grove. Enjoy a jaunt through the trees on your way back to the base.

Crested Butte Ski Patrol

Need medical help on the mountain? Call ski patrol at 970-349-2236. Save the number in your phone so you can call quickly if the need arises.

Other areas of Crested Butte Mountain Resort

More extreme terrain guides

• Hike the Peak, or ski Headwall and the dreamy Teocalli Bowls from High Lift
• Explore the Glades, Rambo and Sock-It-To-Me Ridge in the North Face
• Peruse a collection of the best double-black runs across the resort

Other zones

• Head to East River for short, steep glades and moguls
• Ski long blue runs in Paradise
• Stick to easy terrain with this guide to Crested Butte’s beginner runs