I went on a mission to find the best ski and snowboard vacation experience in the USA. During my trip, I visited Crested Butte, and then compiled what I learned into this micro guide.
The video above contains lots of useful information, but, if you want to carry have this information on the hill where it will really come in handy, bookmark this guide on your phone.
Crested Butte Micro Guide Part 1: The Hill
Whenever I show up at a hill, I never know where to go. The map doesn’t tell you enough. So, we’re created annotated maps of each hill explaining the terrain, so that you know where to go. Here’s our annotated map of Crested Butte.
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Here are the highlights:
For the hardcore:
Crested Butte was made for you. It’s hard to choose one single highlight for thrill-seekers. This mountain has a higher-proportion of double-black diamond terrain than I’ve ever seen anywhere else. It’s a big-mountain dream. The north face is is a great place to go looking for cliffs and steep pitches, the Headwall has several serious chutes, and the Teocalli Bowl is magnificent.
For bragging rights you must do Rambo at least once, so you can tell your friends you slayed the steepest man-made run in North America.
For the park rats:
Unfortunately, although there are several parks for people of different abilities, there’s no central park area on Crested Butte where they can all hang out. Those looking for big features will want to hit spend their time in the DC Superpipe and DC Terrain Park off the Paradise Express Chair. Skiers and riders looking for something a bit smaller will want to visit the Smith Hill Terrain Park and Jib Park accessed by the Red Lady Express, and the youngsters can fool around in the Kids’ Park off the Painter Boy lift.
For the groomer cruisers:
If you’re looking to make your eyes water and lay some nice carves into well-groomed corduroy, you can’t beat International (accessed by the Silver Queen Express), Ruby Chief off of the Paradise Express, and the all the runs around the Gold Link Lift.
For the snowplowers:
Both the Peach Tree Lift and the Red Lady Express access nothing but nice rolling green runs, perfect for learning.
Crested Butte Micro Guide Part II: Where to Eat
The following restaurants came highly recommended by the locals we spoke to:
Uley’s Cabin
Named after a famous local bootlegger, this elegant restaurant located just off the International run serves signature cocktails, has an ice bar, and even offers a sleigh ride dinner.
Off the International Run
Crested Butte, CO 81224
(970) 349-2275
Django’s
This restaurant and wine bar prides itself on it’s southern European influence and fresh ingredients. Intimate, romantic, and great for dates.
Mountaineer Square Courtyard
620 Gothic Road C-130 (courier)
Mt. Crested Butte, CO 81224
970-349-7574
Secret Stash
Like the name suggests, a great local secret with pizza and wings that have been voted the best in the city every year since it opened.
21 Elk Ave
Crested Butte, CO 81224
(970) 349-6245
Ginger Cafe
If you’re looking for curry, there’s nowhere better in town than than the Ginger Cafe, which specializes in both of the main varieties of the dish: Indian and Thai.
425 Elk Ave
Crested Butte, CO 81224
(970) 349-7291
Avalanche Bar and Grill
A true ski bar, this is truly THE place for après drinks on the hill.
15 Emmons Rd
Crested Butte, CO 81225
(970) 349-7195
Maxwell’s
The best choice in downtown Crested Butte for upscale pasta and steak.
226 Elk Ave
Crested Butte, CO 81224
(970) 349-1221
9380 Prime
With outdoor fireplaces, an extensive wine list, and refined menu this is the classy apres-ski alternative.
Elevation Hotel & Spa
500 Gothic Rd
Crested Butte, CO 81225
(970) 251-3030
Crested Butte Micro Guide Part III: What to do Off the Hill
Crested Butte is heralded as “the last great Colorado ski town”. As such, one of the main attractions is simply the atmosphere. It’s just a great place to be. The Nordic Center has an ice skating rink and many miles of cross-country ski runs. There are also numerous festivals throughout the year.
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Sitting here in Baqueira / Beret, España (which may be the ‘World’s’ best) ; CB is my old home town stomping grounds. Nice write up, and wish all my old friends well… and yes, the ‘Avalanche’ is one of the spots the ‘locals’ hang after hanging it out all day ~ well played xpatmatt
Thank you sir. Glad you enjoyed it. Contender for world’s best in Span, eh? I never thought of it. I’m living in Asia now and been surfing more, but really want to hit up Japan and Gulmarg in India.
The Ginger Cafe is permanently closed 🙁
For Curries and other delicious dishes: Sherpa Cafe in Crested Butte (town) Is great Nepalese/Himalayan/Indian food, and Ryce is an Asian Bistro. Then Lil’s Sushi Bar & Grill has sushi too!