Crested Butte

Hidden in a remote corner of Colorado's Elk Mountains lies a place that ski bums flock to every year - Crested Butte. A former mining town with a population of just 1,600 people, CB has retained its charming character while becoming a world-class ski destination. With a lack of traffic lights and chain stores here, the town's historic buildings now house local shops, cozy cafes and bars.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort rises from a base of 9,375 feet to a summit elevation of 12,162 feet and the 1,547 acres of terrain attracts expert skiers from around the world. When your ski day is done, the town has plenty more to offer. From local pubs and down-home eateries to fine dining restaurants and experiences, you'll surely stay satiated.

The mountain rises 2,775 feet from base to summit, with 1,547 acres of incredible terrain to explore. Beginners will have the most fun off of Red Lady Express, where easy-skiing greens and mellow blues provide great training grounds. Once you've mastered those runs, Paradise Express lift offers the perfect stepping stone to intermediate terrain, followed by the East River lift which serves up a mix of blue and black runs that let you lay down carves.

But Crested Butte is all about the extreme terrain. Silver Queen Express is your portal to the good stuff. From the top of the lift, you can find amazing turns on the south-facing Forest and Peel runs. Off the North Face lift is where you can lap a variety of double-black bowls that will have you grinning from ear to ear. The Teocali bowls off the High lift are certainly not to be missed and then there's The Peak - the crown jewel of Crested Butte's legendary terrain. A quick traverse and hike from the High Lift will get you to stunning, 360-degree views of town, the rest of the resort and the surrounding mountain range before dropping in for what will likely be the most exciting turns of your day.