crested butte beginner skiing

Despite its storied reputation as an “extreme” mountain, Crested Butte is in fact, contrary to popular belief, a great place to learn to ski. While the rocky, steep top half of the mountain is an expert skier’s paradise, the bottom portion of the mountain features wide, gentle runs. Beginner skiers can learn in a calm environment, since getting to Crested Butte takes a little more effort than say Keystone or Breckenridge, crowded slopes are far and few between. Between the rich history and funky quaintness of its town and the uncrowded beginner slopes, learning to ski at Crested Butte is a truly enjoyable experience.

Crested Butte Beginner Terrain

First time skiers will want to start off at the Aspen or Pine Magic Carpet at the base area. Once you can stop and make wedge turns, the Peach Tree Lift is a great lift to learn on. Once you’ve mastered the short, gentle slopes in that area, you’ll want to head up the Red Lady Express Lift. Trails like Houston, Mineral Point and Smith Hill are wide open and funnel into a flat area, which gives your new ski legs a break, on your way back to the Red Lady Express Lift. This area is also great if you’re a little more experienced, as you can begin testing your skills out in the well-spaced trees, and try out Lower Twister trail, which is an advanced beginner run, or double green circle.

To learn more about Crested Butte beginner terrain call, or chat with, one of Ski.com’s knowledgeable Mountain Vacation Specialists.