The lifts start turning for the 2026/2027 season on Wednesday, November 25, the day before Thanksgiving, when Crested Butte Mountain Resort opens for its 65th winter. Lifts open at 9 AM at the base area in Mt. Crested Butte. Early-season terrain is limited to what snowmaking and the weather allow, and CBMR posts the opening lift and run list closer to the day. Like every opening date, it is conditions permitting.
Getting on the hill: an Epic Pass or a lift ticket from skicb.com. Buy ahead; window prices are the most expensive way to ski. The free Mountain Express bus runs between the town of Crested Butte and the base area, which beats circling the parking lots on a holiday week.
Any opening-day festivities CBMR announces will be added here.
Family FriendlyOutdoor EventFree ParkingShuttle Available
Parking: Base area lots fill fast on a holiday week. The free Mountain Express bus runs between town and the base area all day.
What to bring: Epic Pass or a lift ticket bought ahead at skicb.com, plus early-season legs: terrain is limited to what snowmaking allows.
Schedule
9:00 AM
Lifts open
CBMR base area, Mt. Crested Butte
Opening lift and run list posted by CBMR closer to the day.
4:00 PM
Lifts close
CBMR base area
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
CBMR posts the opening day lift and run list a few days out at skicb.com. Early season is limited to the terrain snowmaking and weather allow, usually the lower front side.
No reservation, but you need an Epic Pass or a lift ticket. Buy tickets ahead at skicb.com; the ticket window is the most expensive way to ski.
Drive to Mt. Crested Butte and park in the base area lots, or ride the free Mountain Express bus from the town of Crested Butte, which runs all day and skips the parking circle.
Opening day is conditions permitting, like every year. Any change is posted by CBMR and reflected here.
