Winter nonstop Chicago Flight to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport

United has doubled the number of flights from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport (GUC) in winter 2025-2026! Skiers from Chicago, the Midwest and even the East Coast can avoid the hassle of layovers and long drives by flying nonstop from O’Hare to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. Make the most of your Colorado ski trip this winter—hop on the new nonstop flight from Chicago to Gunnison.

Chicago to Gunnison flight schedule

United’s nonstop route from Chicago to Gunnison, which debuted last winter, will have twice as many flights this year. The flight arrives in Gunnison on Friday and Saturday, and departs from Gunnison on Saturday and Sunday. This schedule allows travelers to travel on the weekends and spend a full week in the Gunnison Valley. The flight will be offered from December 19, 2025 to March 29, 2026.

Connecting flights from the East Coast

The Chicago-Gunnison flight makes it easy for Midwest and East Coast Epic Pass holders to get to the Gunnison Valley. United connects through Chicago O’Hare from New York City (LGA), Washington DC (IAD), Kansas City (MCI), Cleveland (CLE) and other cities.

Why fly to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport?

Taking the nonstop Chicago flight to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is the fastest and easiest way to get to the Gunnison Valley from the Midwest or East Coast. Flight time from ORD to GUC is around 3 hours and 10 minutes. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is an easy 40-minute drive from GUC.

Skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte Mountain Resort is known for its thrilling extreme terrain. February and March are typically the best time to ski this terrain because it is filled in with snow. Book your flights now so you don’t miss out!

Other winter activities in the Gunnison Valley

Crested Butte is often described as a snow globe in the winter, for good reason. After a snowfall, the colorful Victorian buildings on Elk Avenue look like they’re straight out of a Hallmark movie. Town is surrounded by dozens of pristine Nordic skiing trails. Other ways to enjoy the winter scenery include fat biking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Places to stay in the Gunnison Valley

Dreaming of a ski chalet or cozy cabin for your ski trip? Crested Butte has both – and more! Crested Butte lodging options range from ski-in/ski-out resorts and slope-side condos to quaint inns and rustic vacation rentals. Use the direct booking tool on our website to find the perfect place to stay. Browse options by dates, budget, desired amenities (hot tub, anyone?) and more! Book early to get the best rate!

Transportation in the Gunnison Valley

Avis, Budget and Hertz all rent cars out of Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. Airport shuttles are also available.

If you don’t have a car, no worries. There are two free public transportation options. The Gunnison Valley RTA bus runs between Gunnison and Crested Butte. If you’re staying in Gunnison, you can bring your skis on the bus and get dropped off right at the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

The Mountain Express shuttle runs in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. It also stops right at the base area. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes in the winter.

Please note that these transportation options are not equipped to carry luggage (ski equipment is OK). Neither bus stops at the airport.

Winter events in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Find other events and activities in our winter guide. Events that line up with the nonstop Chicago flight to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport include the Gothic Mountain Tour, Western Colorado University Alumni Ski Weekend and the Winter Songwriter Shuffle. Learn more and check out other activities in the guide.

Plan your trip

This winter, it’s easier than ever to get to the Gunnison Valley. Book the Colorado ski trip of your dreams with the nonstop Chicago flight to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport! Get started with our trip planning guide.

Other winter nonstop flights to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport

• Denver (DEN) via United Airlines
• Houston (IAH) via United Airlines
• Dallas (DFW) via American Airlines
• Dallas (DAL) via JSX hop-on jet service

View complete flight schedules on the getting here page.