Crested Butte Winter Vacation

Discover the (Un)Natural in Crested Butte and Gunnison, Colorado

Legendary ski slopes. Unreal views. Magical mountain towns.

In the Gunnison Valley, you’ll find adventure around every corner, whether it’s on the slopes of Crested Butte Mountain Resort or in the quirky and cool towns of Crested Butte and Gunnison. Here in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, natural beauty blends with mountain magic to create the winter vacation of a lifetime. Start planning your winter trip now!

Search lodging

Cozy cabins, historic bed-and-breakfasts, slopeside hotels—take your pick! With more affordable lodging than similar mountain destinations, you won’t over-pay, but you might choose to over-stay!

Find flights

Spend less time traveling and more time on the slopes when you fly to Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport (GUC). With expanded flight service, it’s now easier than ever to fly to the Gunnison Valley!

Fly from Chicago (NEW!)

Fly nonstop from Chicago to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. More flights added this winter!

Fly from Chicago on United

Fly from Denver

Skip the four-hour drive from Denver and catch a flight to Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport instead. Flights run multiple times a day for easy connections.

Fly from Denver on United

Fly from Texas

Save time with nonstop flights from Texas to Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport this winter. 

Fly from Houston on United
Fly from Dallas on American

Buy Your Epic Pass Before It’s Too Late

Crested Butte is on the Epic Pass. The earlier you buy, the more you save. Hurry, passes go off sale in December.

Get an Epic Pass

Buy lift tickets early and save

Save by buying day passes online four or more weeks in advance!

Buy Crested Butte day passes

Hot events for cold days

From torchlight parades to holiday festivals, winter in Gunnison and Crested Butte is one long celebration of snow. 

See winter events

Your winter game plan

Flying into Gunnison? Road-tripping from Denver? Either way, the Gunnison Valley is closer than you think. Here’s when to come, how to pack, and where to stay. 

Plan your winter trip

Small towns, big flavors

Whether it’s tacos after last chair or a fireside hot chocolate while listening to live music, Gunnison and Crested Butte keep the stoke alive after the lifts close.

Explore dining

THE INSIDE SCOOP ON GUNNISON AND CRESTED BUTTE

Don’t just ski it—live it! Check out these articles for trip tips, behind-the-scenes stories and wisdom you won’t find in a guidebook. 

Crested Butte Après Scene

Read about where to après-ski after a day skiing and riding in Crested Butte: Crested Butte’s après-ski scene is as vibrant as its slopes, blending mountain charm with laid-back fun. […]

Crested Butte vs. Purgatory

Deciding between Crested Butte and Purgatory for a Colorado ski trip? This guide breaks down the differences between the ski areas: Crested Butte and Purgatory both offer stunning Rocky Mountain […]

Crested Butte ski gear guide

Prepare for your ski trip to Crested Butte with this ski gear packing guide:  All the gear involved with skiing can make getting into the sport intimidating. This guide has […]

A guide to the terrain off the Silver Queen Express Lift at Crested Butte

Learn everything you need to know about skiing off the Silver Queen Express Lift at Crested Butte: The Silver Queen Express Lift is the backbone of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, […]

12 Reasons to Spend the Holidays in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Read about why spending the holidays in the Gunnison Valley can make the holiday season even more magical: Spending the holidays in Crested Butte and Gunnison means snowy mountain scenery, […]

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

Discover everything you need to ski the front-side extremes at Crested Butte: Crested Butte’s front-side extreme terrain delivers some of the mountain’s most accessible and most challenging double-black skiing. Located […]

    Glide into winter: Cross-country skiing

    With scenic trails and easy access, it’s no wonder Crested Butte is known as the “Nordic skiing capital of Colorado.”

    Explore Cross-country ski trails

    BRING THE CREW

    From weddings to work retreats, Crested Butte sets the stage with mountain views, small-town charm and adventure for all.

    Plan your group event

    Take care of the mountains. Take care of yourself.

    Crested Butte Avalanche Center

    Check the avalanche forecast before heading out into the backcountry this winter.

    Learn more about CBAC

    Winter vs. summer trail use

    Some of your favorite summer trails in Crested Butte close during winter. Please stick to open trails!

    Winter trail closures
    People chat and shake hands at The Hub, a shared warehouse and office space in Gunnison.

    Business in the Gunnison Valley

    Root your company in the mountains

    The Gunnison Valley is a fast-growing nucleus of outdoor industry small businesses. ICELab staff works one-on-one with local companies and entrepreneurs to raise funds and grow revenues. This year they introduced The Hub, a shared warehouse and office space in Gunnison for local product-exporting companies. Learn more about the benefits of anchoring your business in Gunnison or Crested Butte.

    Learn more

    Western Colorado University

    Study and shred

    Follow your passion for outdoor sports while pursuing your academic studies at Western Colorado University in Gunnison. With small classes and hands-on learning experiences, Western can help you discover and grow your pursuits both in and out of the classroom. 

    Learn more about Western

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