Quick Info
What it is: Crested Butte's historic main street. Character: Colorful Victorian buildings, no chain stores. Walkable: About 4 blocks of shops, restaurants, bars. Distance: 3 miles from ski mountain.
Elk Avenue is what a Colorado ski town main street should look like—and rarely does anymore. Colorful Victorian-era buildings line a walkable street filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and bars. No chain stores. No luxury brand outposts. Just authentic mountain town character preserved from Crested Butte's mining past.
The Character
Crested Butte calls itself "the last great Colorado ski town," and Elk Avenue is the evidence. The buildings date from the late 1800s mining era, painted in bright colors that pop against winter snow and summer wildflowers.
The town resisted aggressive development that transformed other ski towns. There's no Starbucks, no Lululemon, no chain restaurants. Instead, you'll find:
- Local shops selling gear, art, and gifts
- Independent restaurants from casual to upscale
- Bars with character and regulars
- Galleries featuring local artists
Dining
Elk Avenue punches above its weight for dining options:
- Casual breakfast and lunch spots
- Farm-to-table restaurants
- Après-ski bars and pubs
- Pizza, Mexican, sushi, and more
Reservations are smart for dinner, especially during peak ski season and summer events.
Shopping
Skip the generic mountain souvenirs—Elk Avenue's shops have personality:
- Outdoor gear shops (some with local expertise on backcountry routes)
- Art galleries representing Colorado artists
- Clothing boutiques without brand-name markups
- Book shops and gift stores
To the Mountain
Downtown Crested Butte is 3 miles from Mount Crested Butte and the ski resort. A free bus runs between them frequently—every 10-15 minutes during peak times. Many visitors stay downtown for the atmosphere and shuttle to ski.
Events
Elk Avenue hosts events throughout the year:
- Wildflower Festival activities in July
- Arts Festival in August
- Vinotok (quirky fall festival)
- Winter holiday celebrations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it walkable?
Very. The main stretch of Elk Avenue is about 4 blocks. Everything is accessible on foot once you're there.
Should we stay downtown or at the mountain?
Downtown for character and dining options; mountain for ski-in/ski-out convenience. Free buses make either work. Downtown feels more like a real town.
Is there parking?
Free street parking and lots in town. During peak times, the bus from the mountain might be easier than driving.
What's open in summer?
Most everything. Summer is increasingly busy with mountain biking, hiking, and the wildflower scene. Some restaurants reduce hours between ski and summer seasons.