Casually Kristen

“One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets.”

Where to stay: In Crested Butte there are two primary areas to stay– on the mountain near the slopes, or in town by the restaurants and shopping on Elk Avenue. Choose based on your primary reason for being there!

Walking distance to the mountain: The Lodge at Mountaineer Square, Elevation Hotel + Spa, Plaza Condominium Complex, Woodcreek Lodge, Westwall Lodge, Black Bear Lodge, San Moritz Condos, and Paradise Condos.

Walking distance to downtown: Your best bet here is to stay in an Airbnb or VRBO, but there are also the Public House Lofts, Scarp Ridge Lodge, Old Town Inn, Purple Mountain Bed and Breakfast, or the Elk Mountain Lodge.

What to do in the Winter:

1. Ski or snowboard
2. Hop on a sled! The most popular hills are Pyramid Sled Hill (this is the newest option), Snodgrass Trailhead Hill (this one is known for beautiful views), and Crested Butte Community School (for those who want more extreme sledding with steeper hills.)
3. Go snowshoeing. Here is a guide to better help you plan: Snow Shoe Guide
4. Explore Elk Ave. This town has beautifully maintained it’s old-school charm, and you won’t find a chain store anywhere.

Where to Apres Ski: Umbrella Bar at the bottom of the Gold Link Lift (this is higher up the mountain), and Butte 66 next to the Red Lady Express Lift (this is at the base of the mountain.)

Where to eat: Pretty much anywhere on Elk Ave!

1. [Breakfast] Butte Bagels: Unanimously the best bagels in Crested Butte, but some even say it’s the best bagel in all of Colorado.
2. [Breakfast] Paradise Cafe: It’s been voted “Best of the Butte” for years!
3. [Breakfast] Camp 4 Coffee: The cutest coffee joint in town.
4. [Lunch] Slapburger: You get the idea 😉 Expect juicy burgers with a “slap sauce” that lives up to its name.
5. [Lunch or Dinner] The Secret Stash: This restaurant is known for it’s gourmet pizzas, and locals say it’s the best around.
6. [Dinner] Bonez: Cool vibes with a solid happy hour from 3-5 p.m. They make a mean margarita!
7. [Dinner] The Breadery CB: Highlights include a cozy ambiance, unique cocktails, and warm, fresh sourdough bread.
8. [Dessert] Thirdbowl Homemade Ice Cream: You’ll typically see a line out the door even in the middle of winter.