Choose Your Vacation
Check out this custom CB experience made just for you.
FRIDAY
Arrival
After a 4 hour drive, you probably want to chill out and relax for a bit. If you’re up for it, bundle up and stretch those legs with a late evening stroll on Elk Ave. There are plenty of casual dining spots to hop into like The Last Steep. With a menu that has something for everyone, it's a local favorite.
We recommend going easy on the booze your first night at 9,000 feet, so you can better enjoy the weekend. But if you must, ‘you do you’.
Before you hit the sack, be sure and help yourself acclimate to the higher and drier elevation by chugging some water and electrolytes.
SATURDAY
Coffee Run
The lifts starting spinning at 9am, so get up with some ample time to grab coffee and a quick bite. On the mountain? BWC is right in Mountaineer Square. In town? Swing by the cozy cabin at Camp 4 Coffee.
Ski Til Your Legs Burn
Hit the slopes and enjoy the surrounding wilderness and mountain views of the West Elks. There’s hundreds of acres to explore including easy groomed runs, park terrain, lift-served backcountry, and moguls.
* Beginner - Green
* Intermediate - Blue
* Advanced - Black, Double Black
Apres All Day
Make the most of your first day by staying on the mountain for lunch. Hit up the Umbrella Bar located at the top of Painter Boy, Prospect, and Gold Link lifts for 360 degree views, food, and a full bar.
Soiree to Hot Tub
Both the Elevation Hotel and Nordic Inn offer outdoor hot tubs. The perfect place to rest your weary legs.
Refuel
Pop into the historic Forest Queen Hotel on Elk Ave to dine at the Coal Creek Grill. Choose from a variety of delicious dishes for a perfect way to finish off with dinner in CB.
SUNDAY
Break Your Fast
After yesterday’s full day, it’s time to sleep in and have a late breakfast (unless it’s a powder day!). Both McGill's and Paradise Cafe have you covered with all the fixins.
Ski Some More
If you haven’t already, spend some time on the north side of the mountain down by the East River Lift (Intermediate/Advanced). Explore blue and black runs, trails through trees, and a few bumps. Get there by taking the Silver Queen lift up and skiing down toward your right past Paradise Express. Experts can experience real backcountry slopes via Teocalli or Teo2 Bowls.
Happy Hour
Don’t miss Uley's Ice Bar for an outdoor drink on a bar carved out of (you guessed it) ice! It's at the bottom of the Twister run, but also can be reached off of the Red Lady Lift by skiing left from there on easier runs.
Dinner
Hit up the Avalanche Bar and Grill (AKA the Avy) in the base area for some food and drink conveniently located in the base area.
MONDAY
Morning Laps
Snag a few more runs before hitting the road. The Silver Queen is the fastest and highest lift.
Meal for Drive
Grab a quick bite at Pitas in Paradise and a coffee or tea to go at Rumors.
Departure
You won’t hit much traffic on these roads, especially on a Monday. Throw on your favorite playlist, podcast, or audio book, and enjoy the views on your drive back home.
Check out this custom CB experience made just for you.
FRIDAY
Arrival
After a 4 hour drive, you probably want to chill out and relax for a bit. If you’re up for it, bundle up and stretch those legs with a late evening stroll on Elk Ave. There are plenty of casual dining spots to hop into like The Last Steep. With a menu that has something for everyone, it's a local favorite.
We recommend going easy on the booze your first night at 9,000 feet, so you can better enjoy the weekend. But if you must, ‘you do you’.
Before you hit the sack, be sure and help yourself acclimate to the higher and drier elevation by chugging some water and electrolytes.
SATURDAY
Wakey Wakey Eggs & Bakey
Coal Creek Grill on Elk Ave is a great place to start your day located in the historic (and some say haunted) Forest Queen Hotel. Try the filling Venison Sausage Gravy and Biscuits 😯 or Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes for a veggie option.
Go for a Stroll
Give yourself some time to digest with a stroll down Elk Ave. Swing into many of the shops, galleries, or even the museum featuring local artists, CB gifts. Bonus: Grab a cup of coffee at the local bookshop Rumors and relax with a new read.
Fat Bike
Time to explore the glorious winter landscapes. Rent one of these large wheeled contraptions at Big Al's Bicycle Heaven on Elk Ave and hit some of the groomed tracks around town. Beginners head to Town Ranch for a lap behind the Community School for unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks. Those seeking a challenge, head up to some groomed single track at the top of Gothic Road. You can bike a shorter loop on Teddy’s Trail or head down to the old mining town of Gothic if you’re in the mood (and shape) for adventure.
Apres
Don’t miss this cozy mining cabin experience at the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin. Delicious handcrafted drinks, light eats, and the perfect mountain town ambiance.
Dinner
Here for a special occasion? Why not make it one with an upscale dining experience at Soupcon you won’t soon forget. Tucked away in a cozy mining cabin, the blended cuisine steeped in French & American tradition is for food lovers everywhere.
SUNDAY
Cross-Country to Brunch
Fewer things are more rewarding than going on an adventure and finding a hidden gem. That’s what cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to the Magic Meadows is like. Burn some calories and reward yourself with coffee, pie, or any other items on the full menu at this cozy yurt hidden in the Slate River Valley.
Relax
You’ve earned some downtime - hit the spa, your lodging’s jacuzzi, or sit by the fire and get cozy.
Happy Hour
The locally-made rum at Montanya has won international awards. Swing by for a tour, a taste, and a light snack.
Dinner
The oldest saloon in CB, the Wooden Nickel also happens to be a fantastic steakhouse. Order the Nikeloshka for a unique apertif.
MONDAY
Snowshoe
Before hitting the road, sneak in one more adventure. Strap on your snowshoes and head up Snodgrass for the best views of the ski resort and a great workout. For an easier (flatter) option, the trails in Washington Gulch also offer out and back options.
Meal for Drive
Grab a quick bite at Pitas in Paradise on Elk Ave.
Departure
You won’t hit much traffic on these roads, especially on a Monday. Throw on your favorite playlist, podcast, or audio book, and enjoy the views on your drive back home.
Check out this custom CB experience made just for you.
FRIDAY
Arrival
After a 4 hour drive, you probably want to chill out and relax for a bit. If you’re up for it, bundle up and stretch those legs with a late evening stroll on Elk Ave. There are plenty of casual dining spots to hop into like The Last Steep. With a menu that has something for everyone, it's a local favorite.
Before you hit the sack, be sure and help yourself acclimate to the higher and drier elevation by chugging some water and electrolytes.
SATURDAY
Yoga
Drink some more water and head over to one of the local yoga classes to start your day off right.
Healthy Brunch
The Sunflower Cafe on Elk Ave offers delicious and healthy farm to table options that won’t leave you feeling too stuffed.
Stroll
Give yourself some time to digest with a stroll down Elk Ave. Swing into many of the shops, galleries, or even the museum featuring local artists, CB gifts.
Coffee/Tea and a Book
At the east end of Elk Ave, you’ll come across Rumors Coffeeshop and Townie Bookstore in the same building. This is the perfect peaceful spot to grab some tea or coffee and sit down for a read.
Hit the Hot Tub
Both the Elevation Hotel and Nordic Inn along with a number of vacation rentals offer outdoor hot tubs. The perfect place to relax on a cold winter day.
Dinner
Here for a special occasion? Why not make it one with an upscale dining experience at Soupcon you won’t soon forget. Tucked away in a cozy mining cabin, the blended cuisine steeped in French & American tradition is for food lovers everywhere.
SUNDAY
Breakfast Smoothie
Hit up the Daily Dose located next the the Clark’s Shopping Center for a fresh blend of fruits and veggies to fuel your day.
Snowshoe
There’s nothing quite as peaceful as heading into the snowy backcountry. Be prepared for a surprisingly silent journey accompanied by beautiful landscapes. We recommend the CB Nordic Trail Magic Meadows (requires a trail pass). Bonus - Sundays you can treat yourself to brunch at the cozy Magic Meadows Yurt!
Spa
Elevation Spa located within the hotel in the ski base area offers a number a treatment options to remove any last vestige of stress.
Movie/Show
The Majestic Theater is a cozy cinema with 3 screens, a full bar, and organic snacks. For live music, art classes, and much more, check out the Center for the Arts.
Dinner
The oldest saloon in CB, the Wooden Nickel also happens to be a fantastic steakhouse. Order the Nikeloshka for a unique apertif.
MONDAY
Museum
Swing by the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum before you hit the road.
Meal for Drive
Grab a quick bite at Pitas in Paradise on Elk Ave.
Departure
You won’t hit much traffic on these roads, especially on a Monday. Throw on your favorite playlist, podcast, or audio book, and enjoy the views on your drive back home.
Where to Stay
Map
How to Get to Here from Denver
- Take US-285 southwest past Buena Vista
- Near Poncha Springs make a right onto US-50
- Drive over Monarch Pass to Gunnison
- Make a right onto CO-135 north to Crested Butte
