Winter in the Mountains and Mesas Region

A Guide to Colorado Winter in Crested Butte & Gunnison

A Colorado Winter in Crested Butte and Gunnison has so much to offer. From skiing the steeps at Crested Butte Mountain Resort to fat biking in Gunnison, with snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, cozy lodging and more in-between, winter in the valley doesn’t disappoint.

Mountain Manners

Practice Safe and Responsibly Travel

Gunnison Valley is a beautiful place to recreate. We value our trails and outdoor spaces and wish to keep them safe and useable for years to come. Please practice all Leave No Trace principles on the trail and keep trail etiquette in mind.

Recommended activities for any winter trip

Skiing and Snowboarding

Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is known for its steep and expert terrain. 32% of the terrain on the mountain is rated as ‘expert’. Not an expert? Don’t worry! With 18% of the runs being beginner, 29% intermediate, and 21% advanced, there is plenty of terrain for every ability level. There is something for every skier and snowboarder at CBMR. There are several gear rental shops in the valley as well.

Fat Biking

Biking in the snow? You bet! Fat biking has really taken off in Gunnison Crested Butte. It’s another way to explore the winter trail systems around the Gunnison Valley. Fat bike rentals are available at several shops in Gunnison and Crested Butte and fat biking is permitted on many Nordic trails, including Hartman Rocks. Always make sure a trail allows fat biking before heading out.

Snowshoeing

If you enjoy hiking or trail running in the warmer months you might enjoy snowshoeing, which is permitted on many of Gunnison Valley’s 1,200+ miles of trails. It’s a quiet and low-impact activity that may allow you to spot some wildlife that are more elusive. Snowshoe rentals are available in Gunnison and Crested Butte. Mill Creek in Gunnison and the Crested Butte Nordic Center are two good options for snowshoeing.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a fast and efficient way to see a lot. With a snowmobile, aka sled, you can get places it would take days to reach on foot. Gunnison County Sno Trackers is your best resource for regulations and trail information. There are several guide services for snowmobiling in the valley as well.

Nordic Skiing

Crested Butte has been dubbed the Nordic ski capital of Colorado. Found right in town, Crested Butte Nordic Center grooms 50 kilometers of ski tracks every winter, and Gunnison Nordic grooms a network at Hartman Rocks in Gunnison and around town. Backcountry skiing is also a popular activity in Crested Butte. There are several gear rental shops in the valley as well.