Getting Here
By Car
Crested Butte Mountain Resort is located in southwest Colorado, a 4.5-hour drive from Denver and 2 hours from Montrose. The resort lies in the town of Mt. Crested Butte, two miles from the town of Crested Butte. From Denver, visitors take US-285 south to Buena Vista, turn right onto US-24, take US-50 over Monarch Pass and into Gunnison, turn right at CO-135-N/ Main St. and travel 29 miles to Crested Butte Mountain Resort. From Montrose, visitors take US-50 east for 64 miles to Gunnison, turn left onto CO-135 N/N Main St. and head north for 30 minutes, enjoying the scenery along the way.
By Air
The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport offers direct flights from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), and Chicago (ORD) during the winter months. Service dates and arrival times vary by airport and route. Learn more here.
Parking
Congrats, you made it to the mountain! We’re thrilled to have you here, but we also understand that navigating the local parking scene in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte can be tricky. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the parking policies before heading to town so you can choose the best spot for your needs (as well as avoid any parking tickets or tows). This online resource provides detailed information on the most up-to-date parking policies in both towns to ensure your arrival gets off without a hitch.
For guests staying at CBMR’s Grand Lodge or the Lodge at Mountaineer Square, both properties offer convenient on-site parking. Be sure to review your reservation details to determine the best parking location upon arrival.
Day guests can take advantage of two free parking lots located on Snowmass Road and at the corner of Treasury and Gothic. These first-come, first-served lots are about a third of a mile from the base area and tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends. To increase your chances of securing a spot, aim to arrive early!
For guests who want to take advantage of CBMR’s paid parking lot closest to the lifts, the lot is located at 32 Emmons Road. Turn right on Treasury Road and the entrance is on the right-hand side.
2025/2026 Prices:
- Non-peak Days: $20
- Peak Days: $30
Tickets
Epic Pass Holders
If you purchased a 2025/26 Epic Pass and have the My Epic app (available for both iOS and Android) installed on your phone, you’re ready to hit the slopes! Simply open the app, ensure your mobile pass is enabled, zip your phone in your pocket, and head to the lift line. If you’d prefer a physical pass, head to the Adventure Center, share your pass information with the ticket team, and they’ll print a physical pass* for you.
*Beginning in the 2025/26 season, a $5 fee will be charged to physically print a pass. Some exceptions apply. Visit the Adventure Center to learn more.
Daily Lift Tickets
No pass? No problem! You can purchase lift tickets online here, or in-person at the Adventure Center. If you enjoy yourself so much you’d like to join us all season long next year, you can stack your savings and apply your ticket costs to a 2026/27 eligible Pass product!
Lessons
Hoping to have someone help you learn the ropes? Whether you’re a “never-ever” beginner or you’re an expert looking for a guide to help you explore CBMR’s iconic Steeps, our Ski and Ride School has a program for you! All of our lessons are offered in both full- and half-day formats, and for Epic Pass holders, lessons are discounted by 20%.
Please note that all lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass to participate.
Child Lessons
For kids ages 3-15, there’s no better place to learn that CBMR! While you explore the mountain or town on your own, you can look forward to watching your child’s confidence soar whether they’ve never skied or are hoping to take their first steps into CBMR’s more challenging terrain. Lessons can be booked here.
Children's group lessons meet outside near the Magic Carpets located slopeside of Camp CB. If you are picking up rental gear, please arrive 60 minutes early at the rental shop to pick up your gear before heading to the lesson meeting location. We recommend picking up your rental gear the night before to save time. If you are bringing your own gear please skip this step.
Plan to arrive at your lesson's location 30 minutes ahead of lesson time to allow time for check-in, guest experience support as needed, and meeting your instructor.
Adult Lessons
If you want to explore the best CBMR has to offer with help from a guide, our adult lessons are perfect for those new to skiing and riding as well as those who are looking to take the skills to the next level! Adult lessons are available to those aged 15+, and are grouped based on age and ability level. Lessons can be booked here.
The adult group lessons meeting location is between Silver Queen and Red Lady Lifts. If you are picking up rental gear, please arrive 60 minutes early at the rental shop to pick up your gear before heading to the lesson meeting location. We recommend picking up your rental gear the night before to save time. If you are bringing your own gear please skip this step.
Plan to arrive at your lesson's location 15 minutes ahead of lesson time to allow time for check-in, guest experience support as needed, and meeting your instructor.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a great choice for those hoping to enjoy personalized attention and one-on-one instruction from an experienced guide. This lesson format allows your instructor to tailor your session to your specific goals and areas of the mountain you’d like to explore. Families can also book private lessons to explore the mountain together! Lessons can be booked here.
The private group lesson meeting location is between Silver Queen and Red Lady Lifts. If you are picking up rental gear, please arrive 60 minutes early at the rental shop to pick up your gear before heading to the lesson meeting location. We recommend picking up your rental gear the night before to save time. If you are bringing your own gear please skip this step.
Arrive at your lesson's location 15 minutes ahead of lesson time to allow time for check-in, guest experience support as needed, and meeting your instructor.
Navigating the Mountain (My Epic App)
Planning to explore CBMR on your own? We highly recommend downloading the My Epic app (available for both iOS and Android) to support your adventures. The My Epic app is your one-stop shop for all you need to stay up to date on lift and terrain status, lift wait times, trail maps, where to find groomed trails, how to contact ski patrol, weather conditions, GPS tracking, and more! No to mention, the My Epic app also serves as your digital pass, and can be scanned from your pocket - no physical pass needed.
Rentals and My Epic Gear
Rentals
No matter the terrain you’re hoping to ski, your ability level, or current snow conditions, CBMR’s rental shop has what you need to make the most of your time on the mountain. You can pick up, drop off, and swap equipment at our slopeside location, or we’ll be happy to bring it to you through our complimentary and convenient delivery program! Click here to book your rentals.
My Epic Gear
Returning for the 2025/26 season, My Epic Gear is coming back to Crested Butte! My Epic Gear gives all the benefits of gear ownership, but with more choice, lower cost and no hassle. Members unlock access to more than 60 of the latest ski and snowboard models, and the convenience of in-resort delivery or daily slopeside pick-up and drop-off.
Dining
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to get back out there or a true break from the cold, there are options for skiers and riders everywhere at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Now in its third season, Highlife Crust & Crafts serves pizza and draft brews in The Grand Lodge, offering an ideal base area après and dinner scene. Highlife offers happy hour specials and to-go slices from 3-5 p.m. In the morning, the restaurant serves made-to-order breakfast options for dine-in or take-out, including breakfast burritos, egg scramblers and freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
Guests looking to fuel up before hitting the slopes can also check out Coal Breaker Coffee Co. in the Treasury Center. For lunch in the base area, Rooster Run is a great spot for a quick bite. Butte 66 Bar & Grill offers amazing views and delicious sit-down eats. Swing back by Butte 66 later in the day for happy hour, including drink and appetizer specials.
Guests also have a variety of on-mountain dining options. Uley’s Cabin (open for the season on Dec. 20) will once again offer an upscale, Colorado-inspired menu indoors with reservations recommended through Tock. Outdoors, guests can play games like cornhole and giant Jenga while enjoying creative American-style favorites from the grill. Paradise Warming House will continue to serve up comfort food with a ski lodge experience. The Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks will have quick bites, cocktails, and signature views of the Gunnison Valley. Epic Pass Holders get 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at Paradise and The Umbrella Bar with Epic Mountain Rewards.
Events
CBMR is offering a full lineup of fun events throughout the holiday season! Check out our favorites below, or click here to view our complete events calendar for the season ahead.
Santa Ski Day | December 20, 11:30 a.m.
Crested Butte never misses a chance to dress up, and this year guests from near and far are invited to show off their holiday spirit by skiing or riding in full Santa attire.
At 11:30 a.m., all participating Santas will gather for a festive group ski beginning at the top of the Red Lady Express followed by a group photo at the base area. Plus, attendees without a pass can grab a discounted $70 lift ticket just for joining the fun! Nothing beats a whole mountain full of Santas spreading stoke and holiday cheer, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome back this beloved resort tradition.
Santa Meet and Greet and Photos | December 24, 3:30 p.m.
Santa will be making an appearance on the Butte 66 deck to enjoy cookies, cocoa, and photo opportunities with families! It's the perfect opportunity for kiddos to share last minute wishes with Santa and/or plead their case for earning a spot on the nice list.
New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks | December 31, 5:30 p.m.
Ring in 2026 with CBMR’s annual torchlight parade and firework display! Led by the resort’s talented ski and ride instructors, the torchlight parade descends down the mountain at dusk to put on an exciting display for onlookers at the base area. Once the parade has concluded, a vibrant firework show will light up the sky above Mt. Crested Butte for a truly festive and memorable conclusion to the year.
Beyond the resort, the town of Crested Butte is also a core part of the experience and we’re excited to share the word about fun and festive town events including:
- Santa Storytime (Dec. 20, 10:30 a.m.)
- Crested Butte Nordic Center Backcountry Bistro (Dec. 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
- Crested Butte Art Walk (Dec. 29, 5-8 p.m.)
Mountain Express Shuttle and Getting Around Town
Crested Butte’s public transportation system, The Mountain Express, provides free ground transportation throughout Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Main transit hubs are located at the Old Town Hall and the 4-Way Stop in town, as well as Mountaineer Square at the resort base area. You can visit their website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
Guests needing to navigate Mt. CB can request free on-demand rides within Mt. Crested Butte using the First Tracks App! It's free to download in the Apple and Google Play stores.
Guests staying at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square of the Grand Lodge can enjoy our complimentary Toyota Courtesy Vehicle service. Let our valet team manage transportation to and from town for you so you can look forward to stress free travel during your visit. Upon arrival, inquire at the front desk or valet stand for details. Service is based on availability.
Staying Safe
A safe ski season is a long ski season! Be sure to review the Skier’s Responsibility Code before heading out on the slopes, always obey terrain closures and signage, and ski and ride with care.
Skier’s Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.