Crested Butte calls itself the last great Colorado ski town—and makes a strong case. The colorful Victorian downtown remains remarkably authentic, free of chain stores and luxury developments. It feels like stepping back to when ski towns were ski towns.
The mountain is famous for extreme terrain. Runs like Rambo, Teocalli Bowl, and the infamous Extreme Limits hike-to terrain attract expert skiers from around the world. But the front side offers plenty of intermediate cruising too.
Summer transforms Crested Butte into the wildflower capital of Colorado. Late June through early August, the meadows explode with color—columbines, Indian paintbrush, and countless other species. The annual Wildflower Festival celebrates the bloom.