First Timer's Guide
Discover Crested Butte
Located off the beaten path, Crested Butte is known for some of the best lift-served extreme terrain in the nation. Home to challenging skiing and biking, colorful storefronts, quirky costume events and our friendly vibe, Crested Butte is a place you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
Winter or summer - there are still a plethora of activities for you to enjoy as well. Crested Butte is surrounded by 1.7 million acres of National Forest, allowing easy access to snowshoeing, fat biking, and cross country skiing in the winter or in the summer, hiking, biking, paddle boarding and fishing, right out your front door in any direction.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Known as Colorado’s last great ski town, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a great year round mountain destination that offers gorgeous scenery, a rich history and lack of crowds. Crested Butte Mountain Resort has expansive and diverse terrain across more than 1,500 skiable acres. Our terrain is suitable for any ability type, including famed extreme terrain and exiting mountain biking and hiking options in the summer.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort is located in central Colorado, within the Gunnison National Forest and the Elk Mountain Range.
Lodging Options for Every Adventure
Our properties feature a wide variety of slope-side and conveniently located condominiums. From ski-in ski-out luxury to family-friendly comfort, there is something for everyone. We look forward to having you join us in Crested Butte for a vacation to remember.
Need help? Start planning your Crested Butte vacation by calling our local experts at 877.547.5143
Getting to Crested Butte and Around Town
Throughout the year, the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) offers daily flights serviced by both American Airlines and United Airlines.
Winter
- Denver (DEN) – Daily Non-Stop Service | 2019-20 Schedule TBD
- Houston (IAH) – Peak & Holiday Non-Stop Service | 2019-20 Schedule TBD
- Dallas (DFW) – Daily Non-Stop Service | 2019-20 Schedule TBD
Summer
- Denver (DEN) – Daily Non-Stop Service | April 8 – November 2, 2019
- Houston (IAH) – Daily Non-Stop Service | June 6 – August 19, 2019
Through these carriers' extensive flight network guests can get to Crested Butte from anywhere in the world.
The Gunnison Valley is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled rural areas in Colorado. However, this also means it’s a bit out of the way. We think the trade-off is worth it, but make sure you are prepared to get here. The drive through the mountains is nothing short of extraordinary. Drive time from Denver is 4 hours, and just under 4 hours from Colorado Springs.
Distance from major centers:
- 30 miles/48 km north of Gunnison
- 230 miles/368 km southwest of Denver
- 90 miles/114 km northeast of Montrose
- 197 miles/315 km west of Colorado Springs
Mountain Express operates a free shuttle between the towns of Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte. During the height of the season, it comes every 15 minutes so you’ll never wait long for a ride.
In true local character, every bus was painted by a different local artist—so many it’s hard to pick a favorite. Maybe the Aspen bus. Or the cow bus with the tail hanging off the back. Or the new Mountain Bike bus. We dare you to pick a favorite!
During the winter, the Condo Loop and Outer Condo Loops connect the Mt. Crested Butte Town Center to local condominiums.
For more information, call 970.349.5616
Paid Parking
The Crested Butte Mountain Resort parking lot is located at 32 Emmons Loop just past the Grand Lodge on Gothic Road. Turn right on Treasury Road and the parking lot is on your right. The parking lot is $15 per day during the winter and free during the summer. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.
Resort Parking Season Pass: Purchase a Crested Butte Mountain Resort Parking Pass for the season by calling Skier Services at 970.349.2211.
Free Parking
Free parking is available at the two free town lots located north of the paid dirt lot and on Snowmass Road behind the Plaza Hotel. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.
Parking in Town
Additional parking is available in town. We encourage guests to utilize the Mountain Express transportation service. During the winter and summer seasons these buses depart every 15 minutes and on peak days offer two buses per stop.
Check In Information
The Grand Lodge
Lodge at Mountaineer Square
