How to Progress to Extreme Terrain as a Beginner Skier or Rider

Posted on January 10, 2025

From Magic Carpets to Double Blacks

Rambo.

Psycho Rocks.

Paradise Cliffs.

With names like these, it’s easy to see why Crested Butte’s runs are nationally known as some of the most extreme in the U.S. and why discovering what every acre of what this terrain has to offer frequently becomes a bucket list item for adventurers and adrenaline junkies. The rugged cliff bands and 50-degree pitches found off the North Face Lift and High Lift at CBMR are enough to make even the most-experienced skiers think twice before dropping. With advanced and extreme terrain comprising almost two-thirds of the resort’s skiable acreage, CBMR has no lack of opportunity for those hoping to test their mettle on some of Colorado’s most challenging in-bounds terrain.

But what if you’re a beginner skier or rider who aspires to one day conquer The Steeps? Where do you even start? As someone early on in their ski or snowboard journey, exploring terrain like this might seem intimidating, if not entirely out of reach.

Luckily at Crested Butte, there are programs in place to help you progress in a way that feels comfortable, safe, and, above all else, fun! Whether you’ve never clipped into a pair of skis or you’re hoping to take your first turns down a T-bar serviced run (or you’re somewhere in the middle!), CB is here to help you achieve any goals you set for yourself on the mountain this season.

Skier making turn in fresh snow with Mount Crested Butte in the background

Ready to Rip

Known as the North American Birthplace of Extreme In-Bounds Skiing and Riding, approximately two thirds of CBMR's terrain is ranked as advanced or extreme.

Your First Time Up


Ready to hit the slopes for the first time? We’ve got the perfect program to get you started! Join us every day at 9:15 a.m. for a FREE 45-minute Demo, designed especially for beginners who want to feel confident with their gear and learn essential skills in a supportive, hands-on environment.

What You’ll Learn

This demo is ideal for first-time skiers and riders. During the session, you’ll:

  • Get comfortable with your ski gear, including how to properly put it on
  • Practice riding the magic carpet, an easy and fun way to move uphill
  • Learn the basics of loading a chairlift, preparing you for your first lift ride
  • Learn how to stop so you can safely join the other skiers and riders on the hill

Starting at the Spruce Magic Carpet, our friendly instructors will provide a quick introduction to the first steps of sliding on snow. By learning how your equipment works and picking up beginner skills, you’ll avoid rushing onto lifts before you're ready, setting yourself up for a smooth, fun ski adventure. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to kick off your ski journey for free! Whether it’s your first day on the slopes or you’re looking to brush up on the basics, this is your chance to start your CBMR experience on the right foot.

Learn from the Pros


You might be thinking, “Aren’t lessons just for beginners?” Not at Crested Butte! Our Ski and Ride School is here to help you progress, no matter where you are in your ski or ride journey. Whether you're looking to refine your technique or you’re hoping push your limits on more challenging terrain, our experienced instructors are experts in all the terrain CBMR has to offer. They’ll take you to areas suited to your skill level and help you build confidence as you tackle new challenges, ultimately improving your abilities and opening up more terrain for you to enjoy.

Although the goal of our lessons is to help you enhance your skiing or riding ability, they aren’t just about technique – they’re also a great way to explore the mountain with a local’s insider knowledge. Perfect for visitors, our instructors know the best runs based on current conditions, the hidden gems for après-ski, and top recommendations for restaurants, lodging, and off-hill activities. Plus, with personalized instruction, you'll get the guidance you need to progress faster, ski more confidently, and enjoy more of what Crested Butte has to offer. Whether you're aiming to ski moguls, carve with confidence, or master loading and unloading the T-bars, a lesson with our pros is the best way to progress on the mountain safely and with style!

Perfect for Kids!


Looking to give your little shredder a day to explore while you hit all the mountain zones you’ve been wanting to check out? Our Children’s Ski and Ride School is the perfect place for kids to learn the basics if they’re beginners or sharpen their skills on terrain suited to their level if they have previous experience. Led by enthusiastic and supportive instructors, our full- and half-day lessons will help boost your child’s confidence on the slopes, all while making new friends and discovering the best of Crested Butte. Who knows – after a lesson with our pros, your kiddo might even be beating you down the mountain!

Taking It Up a Notch


You've mastered the basics, tackled a few black diamond runs, and maybe even made your way down the easiest line from a T-Bar lift. Congratulations, you're ready to take on The Steeps! If you're unsure where to start or you’re still feeling a bit hesitant about tackling these challenging trails, our advanced and expert lessons are just what you need. Led by our highly skilled instructors, this program is an extension of our Ski and Ride School designed specifically for those eager to conquer terrain accessed by the High Lift and North Face Lift.

These lessons not only provide an excellent opportunity to refine your steep skiing skills but also pair you with an instructor who knows Crested Butte inside and out. They’ll help you navigate terrain that pushes your limits while staying within your skill level and ensure you don’t unintentionally find yourself in zones more challenging than you’re ready for. After an advanced lesson, you’ll be empowered with the confidence to choose lines that safely push your boundaries, and you’ll have the necessary knowledge to safely explore areas off the T-Bars that are unfamiliar to you.

Personalized Attention


If you're an experienced skier who doesn't need someone to help you on every turn of expert terrain, a one-on-one session with one of our guides can still be incredibly valuable. Perfect for those visiting Crested Butte for a short stay, a privately guided experience with an advanced or expert instructor helps you get up to speed with CB's terrain quickly.

During a private lesson, your guide will maximize your time on the slopes, eliminating the need to stop and check trail signs or reorient yourself. They'll tailor the lesson to your exact goals, ensuring you get the experience you're seeking. If you're good at keeping secrets, they might even take you to their favorite hidden powder stash—on a run that might not be named on the trail map! A private lesson is your chance to ski like a local for a full or half-day, then take that knowledge and apply it to the rest of your CBMR adventure.

Want to experience a private lesson but don’t want to miss out on time with family? Our private lessons can accommodate up to six guests and make for an unforgettable way to create lasting mountain memories with the people you treasure most.

Up and Away!


It's important to remember that everyone, even those who don't bat an eye before throwing a backflip off a 20-foot cliff, were beginners at one point. Whether you've been skiing since you could walk or you're hoping to pick up this sport as an adult, the sky is the limit when it comes to challenging yourself at CBMR. While many see this special mountain as a place for extreme skiing, for some, it can also be a place for extreme growth. Let us help you create a plan to achieve your mountain goals through our supportive and inclusive ski and ride programs, and get ready to experience the thrill of a ski adventure at our world-class mountain.