So you’re new to the slopes? You’re exactly where you need to be. Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers runs for every ability level and is a great place to learn the ropes. If you’re learning to ski for the first time, lessons might be a good idea (or just watch the video below a few dozen times). Keep scrolling for Crested Butte’s best runs to practice your pizza and french fries.
Peachtree Lift
Located conveniently at the base area by the magic carpets and down past the Red Lady and Silver Queen Express, Peachtree Lift offers some great short runs to work on your turns and master the art of stopping. Rebuilt and brand new for 2022, Peachtree is the perfect run for those of you who have advanced from the carpet but just still aren’t too steady on your feet. Once you feel stronger here, your next stop will be the Red Lady Lift.
Houston
The long and winding road that leads to your base area is Houston. This gently sloping trail starts off the Red Lady chair lift and will keep you on your feet for a while. Head straight forward off the lift for a hundred yards and look for the trail signs on your left. The hills here don’t get any steeper than Peachtree, but you’ll have a chance to pick up some speed and practice staying up!
Mineral Point
Take a left off of the top of the Red Lady Lift and you’ll be making your fine tuned turns on Mineral Point. Featuring a nice mellow grade for turning and carving, you can also find patches of non-groomed snow off to the sides. Dabble in some low grade pow! This trail connects with Houston and leads back to the base area.
Lower Twister
If you're ready for something a little steeper, Lower Twister is worth a shot. From Red Lady Lift, take an immediate left and stay on Peanut trail as it traverses through a few other trails. The slope starts to steepen as you approach Uley’s Cabin (another perk of this trail) and it turns into Lower Twister. If the cabin is open, feel free to take a break, grab a beverage, and rest those legs. Lower Twister eventually merges with Houston and the base area.
Buckley
Getting tired of the Red Lady lift? Ready for a manageable blue run? Head past Peachtree lift to the end of the base area and you'll be at the WestWall lift (in front of the WestWall Lodge). Take a left right off the lift and first trail is Buckley. You'll notice the steeper gradient, but it's plenty wide for some big S turns. The short length makes it ideal for practicing and taking laps.
⇒ Mastered these already? Check out the 6 Intermediate Ski Runs.
Featured Lodging
Located at the base of the iconic Mt. Crested Butte ski area, the WestWall Lodge is the premiere rental property with ski-in/ski-out access to Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The WestWall Lodge defines rustic Western elegance while preserving a relaxed atmosphere around the property. We provide spacious residences and unparalleled luxury amenities for all of our valued guests. We invite you to join us and experience Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town during your next mountain retreat.
