Crested Butte Local History

In the old days, Crested Butte was a mining town. The coal, however, was exhausted in the 1950's and a new source of revenue had to be found to sustain the town. This was when attention was turned to the steep powder slopes of the town and skiers started arriving. Today the old mining town feel still exists thanks to careful zoning laws.

Crested Butte Ski Resort

• Nearest town: Crested Butte (3 miles)
• Resort Altitude (metres): 3,707 m
• Ski Season: November to April
• Mountain Range: Elk Mountain Range.
• Number of Lifts: 14
• Highest Lift (metres): 3562.5 m
• Lowest Lift (metres): 2,774 m
• Number of Slopes: 85
• Snowboarding: Length - 370 ft/ 112 m Width - 45 ft/ 13.7 m (beginning of season) 51 ft/ 15.5 m (end of season) Tranny vert - 85 degrees Located next to the Bushwacker / Teocalli Lift
• Cross Country (km): 30 km

Crested Butte Ski Information

General information

Summer brings scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, through the indigenous wildflowers that are ablaze with colour at this time of the year. The Crested Butte Art Festival is also held over August, and displays works by local and national artists, and the US Extreme Skiing and Snowboard Championships, is held in Crested Butte annually. If you tire of skiing take a stroll around the unspoiled country town of Mt. Crested Butte, located only three miles away, which is one of Colorado's largest National Historic Districts, and originally settled in the 1880s as a mining supply camp. Also available are Child Care, Sports Center, Indoor Pool, and a Health Club

• Languages: English
• Driving: Drive on the right hand side of the road.
• Emergency contact numbers: All Emergencies 911
• Population: 707
• Religion: Christian
• Check the weather

Apres-ski

With restaurants and bars, clubs and breweries, the little mountain town of Mt Crested Butte lights up after dark and offers great apres ski opportunities. With menus that offer differing cuisines from French, German, Asian or Mexican to good old American, any visitor will find something special for their taste. Whether dining on the slopes of the mountains, 10,000 feet high, after a ride in an open sleigh pulled by a snowcat up the mountain to Paradise Warming House, or in the historic town you are assured of a great experience.

Overview

Considered "the best adventure skiing in the Rockies", skiers can find some of the steepest lift-served ski terrain in America at Crested Butte. The 550 acres of Extreme Limits offer expert-only skiing with steep and deep slopes.The ungroomed area is avalanche controlled. There is also skiing for every level from beginner to expert, with Beginner - 145 acres, Intermediate - 340 acres, and Advanced - 125 acres. The modern ski village in the resort base area of Mt. Crested Butte is three miles from the Colorado mountain town, Crested Butte, which is set amid soaring mountain peaks, and surrounded by three wilderness areas. A free shuttle bus connects the resort and the town.

Crested Butte Attractions

Crested Butte Shopping

There are many fine small shops in the town where you will be able to buy gifts, candles, local artwork, body care products and a host of sporting goods.

Crested Butte Activities

Big Mine Skating Park If your children are into skating they will love this place with facilities for in-line skating, skate boarding, ramps, bowls and grinding rails.

Crested Butte Restaurants and Bars

Crested Butte Restaurants

Buffalo Grille & Saloon - 6th street - The steaks in this restaurant come directly from the family ranch in Montana and the place is extremely popular with meat lovers. The wine list is extensive and there are daily specials.

The Swiss Chalet - Gothic Road. This restaurant is some free and recreates the feel of a Swiss or German mountain tavern. The atmosphere is warm and cozy with Swiss beer on tap.

Casey's Restaurant - A popular restaurant because it has good food, live entertainment and a happy hour.

Crested Butte Bars & Clubs

Crested Butte Brewery - A lively microbrewery with live entertainment and dancing on weekends.

Rafters - This centrally located pub is really popular. It is a good place for dancing and meeting people.

Princess Wine Bar - This is the place to come for a nightcap with a fine selection of wine by the glass, scotches, cognacs and ports. It also has a tempting desert menu.

Crested Butte children's activities

Big Mine Skating Park If your children are into skating they will love this place with facilities for in-line skating, skate boarding, ramps, bowls and grinding rails.