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THE HISTORY OF CRESTED BUTTE tells a very interesting story. Originally incorporated in 1880 as the central hub of many small near-by mining towns, by the turn of the century, the close-knit community was booming with coal and silver mines mostly operated by Slovenian, Croatian and Italian immigrants. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, most every local mine had shut down leaving Crested Butte practically a ghost town. Many years passed with little to no commerce until the opening of Crested Butte Mountain Resort in 1961. Since this turning point, Crested Butte has regained its magic as a world-class ski and summer resort. Located in the West Elk Mountain Range of the Rocky Mountains of Western Colorado, Crested Butte’s pristine beauty, fun locals and amazing outdoor activities make it a great place to escape everyday life and enter a magical realm of excitement and adventure.

THE SKIING AT CRESTED BUTTE is arguably some of the best in the world. Known worldwide for its extreme limits, Crested Butte hosts the annual U.S. Freeskiing Extreme Championships year after year. This competition has brought fame to local skiers such as Seth Morrison and Wendy Fisher. Although Crested Butte has the steepest lift-accessed terrain in North America, nearly 1,000 acres of the mountain is versatile, uncrowded and is considered Colorado’s Best Corduroy. On the mountain you will find 15 lifts, 3 terrain parks, 2 mid-mountain dining facilities and a tubing hill in the base area. If playing in the park is your thing, check out the Canaan Terrain Park, Pipedream Superpipe or the Painter Boy Kids’ Park. Whether you’re getting face shots in the North Face, cruising down Treasury or catching air in the Pipedream Superpipe, Crested Butte is sure to have what you’re looking for.

A MOUNTAIN BIKING MECCA has been referred to Crested Butte because of its intricate system of mountain bike trails. Crested Butte helped originate the sport of mountain biking back in the 1960’s when Joe Breeze and Gary Fisher organized a mountain bike race from Crested Butte to Aspen in spite of a dirt bike race from Aspen the previous year. Now, the Crested Butte area maintains a network of pristine singletrack mountain bike trails. Maintained regularly by the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association, the trails are clean, well-marked and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers lift-accessed downhill mountain biking for the extreme biker as well as beginner and intermediate trails for those looking for a cross between adventure and relaxation. The Mountain Heritage Museum, located on Elk Avenue is home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and is packed with mountain bike history and displays. Need a bike? Our local bike shops rent and sell front suspension, full suspension, townies, jr. bikes and downhill bikes.

THE HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN of Crested Butte offers plenty of entertainment for all ages. Jewelry shops, art galleries, museums, sporting good stores and fine restaurants are a few things you will find on Elk Avenue. Frequent festivals fill the streets with dancing, music, costumes and wild stunts. To complete an amazing day of adventurous activity, catch the outdoor Alpenglow concert series in the summer or head to the Nordic Center in the winter for ice skating and sledding. Feast on a gourmet pizza pie at the Secret Stash or experience the exquisite flare of Soupcon Bistro. Dance to live music at the Eldo or enjoy a cocktail at the Princess Wine Bar. Whatever your fancy, Crested Butte certainly has something for everyone.

ACTIVITIES IN CRESTED BUTTE never lacks excitement. No matter the season, Crested Butte offers an array of activities to enjoy your vacation. In the winter, take time to experience a dogsled ride, snowmobile tour or dine on the sleigh ride dinner. In the summer, navigate a hike through the wildflower fields, view the scenery on horseback, experience the thrill of white water rafting, or enjoy a day of fly fishing on the Taylor River. Let Crested Butte Mountain Guides bring you to a new level of adventure with guided backcountry skiing, hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. No matter your experience or ability level, Crested Butte has the perfect activity for you.

CRESTED BUTTE FESTIVALS are one of a kind. Parades, live music, dancing on the street and guided tours are just a few ways to enjoy our unique and original festivities. Known nation-wide as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival attracts crowds from around the world to partake in guided tours, art classes and even educational presentations. Other Crested Butte festivals include Fat Tire Bike Week, Crested Butte Music Festival, Mushroom Festival, Fall Fest and Cattleman’s Days. Crested Butte has also created a few original holidays like Vinotok and Flauschink, created by the Slovenian and Croatian founders of the community. Never miss an opportunity to witness an authentic Crested Butte parade, which never seizes to amaze and impress its audience with flaming kettle jumping, snowboard tricks in the middle of summer, and of course, bazaar costumes.