Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Ski the steeps

Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is located just a few miles north of Crested Butte, Colorado. This epic skiing destination has some of the steepest in-bounds skiing in Colorado. Experience the thrill of this steep terrain, or get some turns in on a more mellow run. Either way, head to Elk Avenue after for some après.

Skiing Crested Butte

What is the skiing at CBMR like?

CBMR shines in its steep and extreme terrain. It is considered one of the birthplaces of freeskiing. CBMR is also home to Rambo, the steepest cut tree run in North America. The extreme terrain at CBMR draws skiers from all over the world. These legendary runs have trained Olympians, hosted International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association events and are the training grounds for Mountain Sports athletes from Western Colorado University. Other steep runs include the Headwall, Teocalli Bowl, the Glades, Spellbound/Phoenix Bowl and Third Bowl. Expert skiers can challenge their skills and experience the thrill of skiing the steeps on the extreme terrain.

If you’re not an expert skier, don’t worry. Beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers also have plenty to explore. Brand new and beginner skiers can take advantage of the Ski and Ride School in a private or group lesson to hone their skills with an instructor. The Peachtree and Red Lady lifts have runs for beginners. Intermediate skiers can get in some laps on the blue runs at East River and Paradise Bowl. Check out East River for glade skiing as well. Advanced skiers can find black and double-black runs off the Silver Queen Lift and the two T-bar lifts, the High Lift and the North Face Lift.

CBMR has unique tree skiing as well. The tree runs here tend to be technical. Most of the trees at CBMR are aspen trees. With few low-hanging branches, aspens allow you to ski through them with better visibility and fewer obstacles than glades made up of other types of trees. Beginner tree skiers can practice on the wide-spaced green tree runs accessible from the Red Lady and Painter Boy lifts.

Ski CB

Crested Butte Mountain Resort Stats

What is the terrain like at CBMR?

CBMR has 1,547 skiable acres. 14% of the terrain is beginner, 24% is intermediate, 25% is advanced and 37% is expert. The elevation at the base area is 9,375 ft. The elevation at the summit is 12,162 ft. The average snowfall at CBMR is 236″. The resort has 121 trails and 15 lifts. Many of the runs at CBMR are groomed. Use the lift and terrain status page on the CBMR website for updates on when runs have been groomed. This page can also tell you which trails and lifts are open. The resort is surrounded by the Elk Mountains. The views of these surrounding peaks are stunning. A few of the mountains you can see from CBMR include Teocalli Mountain, Gothic Mountain, Mineral Point, Mt. Emmons and Purple Mountain. Whether you’re riding a lift or skiing make sure to (safely) take in the view.

A person on skis glides down a snowy slope

Where is Crested Butte Mountain Resort?

CMBR is located at 12 Snowmass Rd, Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81225. Mt. Crested Butte is a small community about four miles north of the town of Crested Butte. It was a mining town before it was a ski town. Many of the buildings downtown are left over from the mining days. Nowadays it’s a quirky mountain town. Some call it a surf town in the mountains. Others know it as “Colorado’s last great ski town.” Whatever you call it there’s no denying that skiing at CBMR lets you experience the charm of this unique and historic place.

When is Crested Butte Mountain Resort open?

CBMR usually opens the week of Thanksgiving and closes in April. Opening day depends on weather conditions and snowmaking operations. In the summer CBMR is a downhill mountain bike park. The bike park has 30+ miles of lift-served singletrack. It is usually open from June to September

What pass is Crested Butte Mountain Resort on?

Is CBMR or Ikon pass?

CBMR is on the Epic Pass. You can purchase a season Epic Pass or Epic Day Pass. CBMR has no blackout dates on any Epic Pass.

A skier rides down a steep slope with trees and mountain peaks in the background.

APRÈS at Crested Butte

Dinner, drinks and more

There are a few places around the base area to head to for après. Elk Avenue, the main drag in Crested Butte, however, is the heart of the après scene. Here you’ll find most of the options for drinks and places to eat. You can find pizza, burritos, French cuisine, fried chicken, sushi and more for food. The bars in town serve everything from local beer and rum to craft cocktails. Many of these bars also double as live music venues. Check out the events calendar to find a show.

Other things to do in Crested Butte

Mountain biking, Nordic skiing and more

The Gunnison Valley is a year-round Colorado destination with many things to do. After some skiing, check out the Nordic Center skiing trails or give fat biking a try. There are also trails with snowmobile access. In summer you can get out and enjoy the two million acres of public lands in the area. Take a hike, go on a bike ride, gaze at the wildflowers, go fishing and more. CMBR becomes a downhill bike park in the summer. Hoping to see some wildflowers? Use this wildflower guide on a hike to identify the different flowers. Fall is another beautiful season in the Gunnison Valley. Enjoy the fall leaves on a scenic drive, hike or mountain bike ride. Fall is typically an especially nice season for mountain biking due to the mild weather and beautiful views. Head south to Gunnison for some mellow turns at Cranor Hill or check out the Nordic skiing. When you’re ready for a break from your outdoor adventures head to Elk Avenue. Downtown is where you can find drinks and tasty meals. While you’re downtown you can also shop for souvenirs or pop into a gallery to see some local art. There is also a museum on Elk Avenue. The Arts Center hosts classes, and performances that include music, readings, and theatre, and has a gallery with art for sale.