Warren Miller Travel 411: Crested Butte, CO

Whether you're bombing down the mountain on skis or a fat bike, at Crested Butte, it's all about getting outside and having a good time.

When Wendy Fisher first came to the charming town of Crested Butte years ago, she was drawn to the mountain biking. Then, she stayed for the skiing. Known as one of the more picturesque Rocky Mountain ski towns, Crested Butte, Colorado is located slightly west of the state’s center. Year-round, Crested Butte is a top destination for skiers and bikers alike. Between the 1,500 skiable acres at the resort and the surrounding Elk Mountain Range, options for both on and off-piste skiing and riding are endless. Crested Butte is the host for the Fat Biking World Championships and various other endurance-focused races because the region is packed with world-class single track bike riding, hiking and running. For water lovers, the Taylor river is the best choice for kayaking, rafting and fishing. When considering a trip out to the Rocky Mountains, you’re wise to not overlook Crested Butte.  

What the Pros and Locals say:

“The memories of skiing this place as a young kid are endless. Crested Butte is the last great ski town in America.” - Aaron Blunck 

“It’s a tight-knit community. Even though we are small, we definitely live large.”- Wendy Fisher. 

“A good spirit here. A lot of like-minded people… it just feels like a real Colorado Ski town.”-Ingrid Backstrom 

Lodging: Stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort properties in any season for the best access to Crested Butte’s world-class runs and trails. Try the Grand Lodge for a touch of luxury. 

Getting There: Fly nonstop into the nearby regional airport from Dallas, Denver, Houston, Chicago or Los Angeles. Or rent a car at the Denver International Airport for the scenic five-hour drive. 

Don’t Miss: A slew of festivals and events like the Chili & Beer Festival, CB Film Festival, Fat Bike World Championships and CB Bike Week. In the summer, check out the Wildflower Festival held for one week in mid-July. 

Food & Drink: Don’t forget to grab a burger and beers at The Last Steep Bar & Grill or if you’re wanting something a little more exotic, go for the Pad Thai at the Ginger Café. For ambiance and a good breakfast, head over to the Sunflower Café. Need a pick-me-up? Camp 4 Coffee is famous for its brew. 

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