PRE-ARRIVAL INFO
A trip to the Butte is not one you'll soon forget. From getting to the mountain, to planning your stay, finding the best gear, and hitting the slopes, scroll down for all you need to know before you go!
WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AT THE BUTTE! , opens in a new window
Crested Butte is ready to welcome you this winter. Check out the info below to finish planning your trip and helpful resources to prepare. Have more questions?
Get To Know The Resort
Preparing For Your Trip
Packing List , opens in a new window
- Helmet: The use of helmets is strongly recommended. Children age 14 and under must wear a winter sport protective helmet while participating in ski & ride school, subject to local regulations. In addition, children and teens under age 18 who participate in designated children's classes or programs must wear a helmet. Rental helmets are available at our children's ski school locations for your convenience.
- Warm clothes including moisture wicking base layers, mid layers to trap body heat, and water-resistant outerwear, warm calf-high socks, and gloves or mittens.
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Sunscreen is recommended, even on cloudy days.
- Don’t have your own gear? Rent with Crested Butte Rental & Demo Center and let our experts fit you with the best boots, skis or snowboard for your best day on the mountain.
- Lift Access: All lesson participants must have a valid lift ticket or pass. Tickets can be purchased online with a group lesson package or separately here.
- First time on mountain this season? Make sure you review and sign the waiver in your account prior to your trip.
Arriving on Mountain
You've made it! Here are some tips for your on-mountain arrival, including Express Lift Ticket Pickup if you purchased your lift tickets less than 9 days in advance.
Tips for making the most of your time on the mountain
- Take the bus! The Gunnison RTA and Mountain Express are both free and drop you off right in the base area – closer than any parking lot could get you.
- If you’re coming on a powder day, consider arriving late. Stoke is high on big snow mornings, but lift lines in the base area often clear out by mid-morning as our lifts move guests up and around the mountain.
- For the shortest lines at chairlifts and in our restaurants, take an early lunch.
- Choose your chairlift to choose your challenge! Red Lady Express offers access to most of the resort’s beginner and intermediate terrain, while Silver Queen Express will get you to much of the expert and extreme terrain. Both lifts service runs that will get you to the Paradise and East River areas, as well as to the Gold Link, Prospector, and Painter Boy chairlifts.
- Download the Epic Mix app and check the alerts to get the latest real-time updates on the mountain.
Need a charge?
Check out our free and secure mobile phone charging stations on the mountain. It's easy to use - just enter a custom pin number when you place the phone in the locker and use that same pin to unlock the locker to grab your phone. Look for the charging station at Paradise Warming Hut.
Plan Your Day On The Mountain
Start Your Day
Refuel During the Day
Ending Your Day
Are you a Pass Holder? , opens in a new window
Complete Your Trip
Recommended My Epic Gear
Celebrate the Holidays at Crested Butte , opens in a new window
FAQS
When do your resorts open for the winter?
Crested Butte Mountain Resort opens for the winter on November 23.
Is there a height or age requirement or limit to your activities?
There is no specific height or age requirement for lift loading, but as per the responsibility code, prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely. This includes the carpets.
Is childcare offered and how can I make a reservation?
Crested Butte Mountain Resort does not offer childcare services.
Do you allow service animals?
Service animals are allowed in the base area, but are not allowed on any ski lifts.
How do I cancel or change the date of my lift ticket?
If more than seven days before your first planned day, please call or email us; If less than seven days, please call us at 970-754-0005 to allow adequate time to make this change. If you have already arrived at your resort, or if it is the day you would like to ski, please feel free to stop by any ticket window to make your changes. All lift ticket change pricing will be for the date of request regardless of when the ticket was purchased. For example: if a ticket is purchased with advanced ticket pricing and then changed inside of 7 days of the start date, the pricing will not receive advanced ticket pricing.
Do you offer an early bird "First-Tracks" Program?
No, Crested Butte does not currently have a First-Tracks program.
Where can I view mountain cams?
To view our mountain cams, click here
Billing questions?
For help answering billing questions, please visit one of our Ticket Offices or email crestedbutteinfo@vailresorts.com.
What winter activities do you offer?
Crested Butte offers skiing and riding, ski and ride lessons, and uphill skiing. Additional activities can be found around the valley, such as nordic skiing, snowshoeing and more. Check out this link for our current offerings.
Is night skiing included in my pass or lift ticket?
Night skiing is not offered at Crested Butte. The resort closes for skiing and riding at 4pm daily.
Is a lift ticket included in my ski lesson?
No - All lesson participants must have a valid lift ticket or pass. Tickets can be purchased at a discount with a group lesson package.
Where can lessons be reviewed and booked?
To view all lesson options please click here.
I am not seeing availability online, is there a waiting list we can be added to?
We do not have a waitlist. Guests make changes/cancellations to their reservations, so continue to check the website for availability.
I need to change the date of my ski school, how can I do that?
At Crested Butte we are always striving to improve our guest service. We have the answers you're looking for; email us or give us a call. We look forward to making your trip an experience of a lifetime.
Phone: (970) 251-7023
Email: cbskischool@vailresorts.com
How can I cancel my ski school?
At Crested Butte we are always striving to improve our guest service. We have the answers you're looking for; email us or give us a call. We look forward to making your trip an experience of a lifetime.
Phone: (970) 251-7023
Email: cbskischool@vailresorts.com
Do I need a reservation?
Lift tickets, rentals and lessons are inventoried products that sometimes sell out. We encourage purchasing these products in advance. Reservations are not required for skiing or riding with your Epic Pass.
I bought my pass/ticket, now what?
Passes are shipped to your home address. If you receive it in the mail, you can head straight to the lift! If you didn't receive it in the mail, head to any pass office at any of our base locations. If you have an old pass on the same account, you can reactivate the card at a ticket office. For tickets that are shipped, if purchased far enough in advance, tickets can be loaded to your previous card if you have one, or can be picked up at the ELTP (Express lift ticket pick up) line. If you need rentals, please order online in advance or visit our rental shops.
How to check if my pass has access to specific resort?
Please go to EpicPass.com, and then to “Passes” (top left) on the Epic Pass homepage. Then click on your specific pass and scroll down to “Resort Access.” Please read carefully, as all passes provide specific access, and can have restrictions involving both resorts and active dates.
Where can Lift tickets be reviewed and purchased?
Tickets can be purchased by visiting our resort websites and selecting the dates you would like to ski. Be aware that lift-ticket sales are limited this season to enhance the on-mountain guest experience, so lift tickets (or days) do sell out. We highly recommend purchasing lift tickets in advance.
We will mail all tickets that are ordered more than 9 days prior to arrival. Please go to any of our ticket offices, present a photo ID, where you can also pick up your ticket. Please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 with any questions prior to your arrival, or contact a ticket agent via Live Chat at EpicPass.com.
What are the Passes that have access to Crested Butte?
A variety of Passes include access to Crested Butte Resort. Be aware that passes can have restrictions on the number of days or the dates of access. For detailed information, please go to www.EpicPass.com, go to Passes (found on the menu bar at the top of the page), and click on the specific pass you would like more information on.
Where do I buy buddy tickets/ski with a friend tickets?
The ability to purchase discounted Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets are included with certain passes, if purchased in the spring. If you have Buddy or SWAF tickets included with your pass, you can purchase the discounted lift tickets at www.EpicPass.com or at a ticket window. To avoid delays, we encourage you to purchase online. To purchase online, a Pass Holder must sign into “My Epic Account” (top right) at EpicPass.com, click on the “Passes” tab and navigate to the “Benefit Tickets” section. You can select the specific day and resort after you click on “Buy For A Buddy” or “Buy For A Friend.” Once purchased, the lift tickets must be picked by the Pass Holder at the Resort by displaying their pass. For more information, please go to www.EpicPass.com, Benefits (top, center) then Ski With A Friend and Buddy Tickets.
Do you offer discounts for military personnel?
Yes. There are two different options and the most economical is the Epic Military Season Passes. We provide options for Active, Retired, and Veteran military members and eligible Dependents. U.S., Canadian, and Australian personnel and their eligible dependents qualify. Military Passes require verification of current military status and verification CAN NOT be completed in the resort. For more information, please refer to this link: https://www.epicpass.com/pass-results/military.aspx Please Note: Partner resort access and Buddy Tickets are NOT included with any Military Passes. Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets ARE included. For more information, please go to EpicPass.com, Need Help? (Top center) and then Military Passes.
The second option is Military Lift Tickets. We offer discounted Military Lift Tickets for Active and Retired military members and eligible dependents. Guests can purchase Military Lift Tickets at the ticket window or by phone at 970-754-8245. Military Lift Tickets require verification of current military status at the ticket window or at the time of purchase by phone. Please Note: Veterans and their Dependents do NOT qualify for Military Lift Tickets.
Do you offer professional discounts for non-Vail Resorts Ski Patrol?
Yes, we offer professional discounts for National Ski Patrol (NSP) members, along with other professional organizations, such as PSIA, CSIA, and others. NSP members can purchase one discount lift ticket per day. Discounted Tickets can be purchased at the ticket window or by calling the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449. You also can contact an agent via Live Chat at EpicPass.com. A current NSP ID must be presented at the time of purchase.
How do I cancel or change the date of my lift ticket?
To change or cancel a lift ticket date, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449 or go to the resort ticket window by 5 pm on the expiration date of the lift ticket. In addition, be aware that two or more day lift tickets have a range of dates of use, depending on the number of days of the ticket. For example, a two-day ticket can be used anytime within a three-day range. A three-day ticket has a five-day range of use, etc. Stop by a ticket window for more details. Also be aware that lift-ticket sales are limited this season to enhance the on-mountain guest experience, so lift tickets could sell out. We highly recommend purchasing lift tickets in advance. If a resort is not sold out, lift tickets can be purchased online or at the resort, but not by phone. For more information, please go to Snow.com, Tickets (top, center), and then scroll down to FAQs.
Is my pass or lift ticket transferable to my friend or family member?
No. Season Passes and Lift Tickets are non-transferable and they are assigned to an individual person. Anyone caught using another person’s Lift Ticket or Season Pass will be removed from the mountain and could face other additional penalties.
What discounts are include with my pass or lift ticket?
There are many season-long discounts attached to your Season Pass. Benefits include Epic Mountain Rewards of discounts up to 20 percent on food and beverages, lodging, group lessons, and gear rentals, among other benefits. Other Season Pass benefits include discount Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets, and Summer Access. For more information, please go to EpicPass.com, Benefits (top, left) then View All Benefits.
All Epic Day passes include season-long Epic Mountain Rewards discounts. Other benefits and access are determined by the type of Epic Day Pass purchased. For more information, please refer to this link: https://www.epicpass.com/passes/epic-day-pass.aspx Please Note: Epic Day Passes do NOT include Buddy Tickets, Ski-With-A-Friend tickets, or Summer Lift Access.
For discounts and benefits attached to Whistler Blackcomb Passes, please refer to Whistler Blackcomb Epic rewards.
Lift ticket benefits include the ability to change the date and also refund all unused days.
Can I buy lunch with my pass?
Yes! You just need to make sure you have resort charge set up. Learn more on how to set up resort charge here.
Do I get my Epic Mountain Rewards at your restaurants?
For the most part - absolutely! All of our cafeteria style restaurants on mountain offer the EMR discount (20%!) on food. Alcohol is excluded at all locations and there is limited participation among our fine dining and full service restaurants. Be sure to look HERE to see everywhere you can use this awesome pass holder discount.
Do I need a reservation to have lunch on mountain?
No! No reservations required to enjoy our convenient on-mountain cafeterias this year. Just ride until you're hungry, and then pop in.
I want to have lunch with a big group, is it okay if I save a bunch of tables?
It depends, but we, and a lot of the other guests on the mountain, would really prefer you do not save tables so that those who are looking to sit can find a place to enjoy their lunch. If you want to eat with a big group all together, we recommend trying before noon or after 1:30 PM.
Last year you told me I had to leave after 45 minutes, is that still true?
Thankfully we are in a different place than last year and required table time limits are no longer in effect. However, out of respect for other guests, we do ask you to be thoughtful and limit your time at the table, especially during peak times and holidays. Go ride!
When is the best time to eat lunch?
When you're hungry! But also, to get the most out of your day, consider dining outside of our peak hours of 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. We always recommend an early start, an early lunch (11:00 is awesome), and an early après.
Where can I get my skis or board tuned?
Tuning is available at CB Mountain Outfitters, located on the main level of the Treasury Building.
Where do I search and book online or call to review my vacation plans?
Check out our lodging options across our resort portfolio here.
How do I find ski in/ski out lodging?
You can filter for ski in/ski out properties on many of our search and book pages. Select which resort you'd like to visit to search properties.
Where's the best place to stay in-resort?
Check out our recommended signature properties across our resort portfolio here.
Can I bring my pet?
Some of our properties are pet friendly. You can review the detailed information on property amenities on our resort search and book pages.
How do I get to the resort?
For directions to Crested Butte, parking information and transportation options, please click here.
Does the resort offer lockers? Do I need to purchase in advance? How much is a locker pass for the season?
Day lockers are available for rent in the Treasury Building next to Coalbreaker Coffee. Click here.
Where can I park? How much does it cost?
For more info on where to park at and around Crested Butte Mountain Resort: Click here.
What time do I need to arrive for ski school?
Please check-in at least 30 minutes before the start of your group lesson. For more tips and information, check out our Know Before You Go page.
Where to meet for Ski school?
Adult Group Lessons - Adult Group Lesson Meeting Area, between Silver Queen and Red Lady Lifts
Child Group Lessons - Magic Carpets slopeside of Camp CB. Lesson Tickets and Lift Tickets will be at drop-off location.
3 and 4 Year Old Lessons - Cubs Private Drop off location is at the Yurt slopeside of Camp CB.
Private Lessons - Private Lesson Meeting Area, between Silver Queen and Red Lady Lifts
Learn more.
What transportation options exist from the airport?
For directions to Crested Butte, parking information and transportation options, please click here.
What is the weather like when I arrive?
For weather report, click here. To view webcams, click here.
Where do I find the daily morning snow conditions report?
For weather report, click here. To view webcams, click here.
Where are the ticket window locations?
Crested Butte Mountain Resort has 2 ticket offices in the base area. The Adventure Center Ticket Office is located in the Lodge at Mountaineer Square, just past the transportation center. The Treasury Ticket Office is located in the Treasury building. The Treasury Building is home to a variety of tune shops, retail shops, and restaurants. It is the stand-alone building in the center of the Base Area, near the Red Lady Lift.
How do I activate the card I have?
When purchasing online, you can select "have a card" while logged into your epicpass.com account, select pass number of the card you have to continue to use the card you have in your possession.
I never got my pass in the mail. Can I still go skiing?
Absolutely. All Season Passes provide access as determined by that particular pass, even if you don’t have the physical pass in hand. Please go to any Vail Resorts ticket office, present a photo ID, and a new pass will be issued. If time permits, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 and a new pass will be mailed. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449. Or contact a pass agent via Live Chat at www.EpicPass.com to have a new pass issued.
Where do I pick up my pass?
Please go to any Vail Resorts ticket office, present a photo ID, and you’ll be able to pick up your pass. If time permits, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 and a new pass will be mailed. Whistler-Blackcomb guest call 800-766-0449. Or contact a pass agent via Live Chat at www.EpicPass.com to have a new pass issued.
Where do I pick up rentals?
Rentals can be picked up at Crested Butte Rental & Demo Center, in the lower level of the Treasury Building.
What food and beverage options are open, and what are hours of operation?
We have a variety of dining options available at at Crested Butte. For the most up to date information on locations and hours of operations, click here.
What are our options for on-mountain dining for lunch?
If you're a more advanced skier or rider and are out exploring the extremes, Paradise Warming House is the perfect spot for an on-mountain lunch. The Umbrella Bar offers incredible views and is a great spot to let the kids get a rest. Uley's offers an old-school feel in a covenient location for an on-mountain lunch break. For more information, please click here.
Someone in my family has a food allergy or sensitivity, are your lodges able to accommodate them?
We strive to offer meals that suite a variety of modern lifestyle and dietary preferences, due to the nature of our menus, please ask locally during your visit.
Do you take cash in your restaurants?
At this time, Vail Resorts does not accept cash in it's restaurants. All major cards, ApplePay, and resort-charge are accepted.
I just want to keep skiing, do you have grab & go options?
Yes, most lodges offer snacks, protein bars, and to go sandwiches and salads to keep you fueled and on the go!
What time do lifts close?
Lifts close at 4pm daily. For updates on lift operations, visit our Lift & Terrain Status page.
When do different sections of the mountain close?
Please visit our Lift & Terrain Status page for info on lift and trail closures.
Why are some trails groomed and other not?
Crested Butte is known for having some of the best in-bounds extreme skiing in the country! That said, we still offer an amazing mountain experience for all ability levels with groomed terrain and improved access to beginner terrain with the new Peach Tree Lift.
How to contact safety/ ski patrol
To contact Ski Patrol, please call 970.349.2236
Which runs are open?
Please visit our Lift & Terrain Status page for info on trail status.
Where to get a refund?
For help answering refund questions, please visit one of our Ticket Offices or email crestedbutteinfo@vailresorts.com.
Why didn't Epic Mountain Rewards apply?
The Epic Mountain Rewards discount is available at eligible Vail Resorts restaurants, lodges, rental shops, golf courses, and other businesses and activities. The discount applies to all food and non-alcoholic beverages. The pass holder must present their eligible pass to receive the discount. For more details, Please go to www.EpicPass.com, Benefits, then Epic Mountain Rewards. To learn more, click here.
Where can I charge my phone?
Our lodges and restaurants are great places to charge your phone. In addition, we have free and secure mobile phone- specific charging stations on the mountain that are easy to use. Just enter a custom pin number when you place the phone in the locker and use that same pin to unlock the locker to grab your phone.
Where can I locate the mobile phone charging stations?
The locations are shown on the trail map, and are available at Paradise Warming House.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are available in the Treasury Building in the base area, and at on-mountain dining locations. View the trail map for more information.
Where to return rentals?
Rentals can be returned at the Crested Butte Rental & Demo Center, on the lower floor of the Treasury Building.
Where is the closest retail outlet?
Crested Butte retail locations include CB Mountain Outfitters which is located in the Treasury Building, and Thin Air Sports which is located at the entrance tunnel.
Do you sell skis/snowboards?
Yes, equipment can be purchased at CB Mountain Outfitters in the Treasury Building.
I forgot my boots, where can I rent additional gear?
Rental gear can be found at the Crested Butte Rental & Demo Center, located on the lower level of the Treasury Building.
Where can I book dinner?
Dinner is not available at any of our own dining locations. Guests may find dinner at other locations on the mountain such as Jose's, or head into town using the free Mountain Express shuttle. The shuttle schedule can be found here.
Where can I take my family for a quick dinner for tired kids?
Dinner is not available at any of our own dining locations. Guests may find dinner at other locations on the mountain such as Jose's, or head into town using the free Mountain Express shuttle. The shuttle schedule can be found here.
Where can I go for apres ski?
Butte 66 in the base area is the perfect apres spot. Swap stories from the day while enjoying beautiful views of the mountain from the deck!
Do you provide over-night ski storage?
Yes, the day lockers in the Treasury Building can be used to store gear overnight if at least 2 full days have been purchased for the locker.