5 Excuses to Visit Crested Butte Before Ski Season
Mid-fall is typically a quieter time here in the Butte. A few stands of aspen are holding onto their yellow leaves despite some early snow, as if to reassure us winter is not quite here. The locals are getting their ski gear tuned, with some already heading to the backcountry for fresh tracks.
If you enjoy spectacular scenery, relaxing in a stress-free environment, and even a little backcountry adventure find yourself here over the next few weeks. The peacefulness of town is a welcome reprieve from the bustle of summer and early fall. And you can still rent a mountain bike at Big Al’s through October!Â
1. Notable Movies
(Photo/Crested Butte Film Festival)
 10/17 – Destroyer: CB Film Fest presents Destroyer. Nicole Kidman stars as a ruined police detective forced to reconnect with the people who derailed her life. Set in a neo-noir Los Angeles, Kidman is challenged by her past’s demons resurfacing, consuming her with avenging the loss of her partner, seeking redemption and retribution to release years’ worth of guilt and anguish. Running time: 120 minutes. Rated R.Â
2. Halloween
Locals are chomping at the bit for an excuse to throw on a costume since Vinotok. Â A couple of Halloween events coming up should keep the impulse at bay until ski season.
 10/25 – KBUT’s 8th Annual Zombie Prom at the Talk of the Town.
 10/31 – Howl-o-ween Fright Parade on Elk Ave.
3. Meal Deals
In addition to being seated at your favorite restaurants right away, enjoy some of the best specials of the year at many places.Â
4. Fall Snow in the Hills
October is known to grace the upper valley with some great powder that’s beautiful to gaze upon.
5. Hike, Bike, & Chill
With the snow mainly piling up in the higher elevations, there are still plenty of trails to conquer lower in the valley and at Hartman Rocks in Gunnison. You can rent a bike at Big Al’s through October and at the end of the day, you get to relax in a quiet mountain town.
Featured Shop
This full service Crested Butte bike shop sells all levels of mountain, road, FAT, and city bikes for all ages. Voted Best Bike tune since 2007, this shop knows bikes. Whether you’re looking for trail conditions, a quick tune, or just a good bike convo Big Al’s is the one stop shop!