NOTES: North of Gunnison, the Crested Butte ski area has 85 runs open to snowboarding with a maximum vertical of 2,800 feet spread over 1,200 acres. On the slopes of Mount Crested Butte, Crested Butte Mountain Resort has more double-black diamond runs than any other resort in Colorado. This is an extremely boarder-friendly mountain due to its conical shape. When rarely needed, the traverses from back to front are even nicely sloped with minimal hiking required, in any.
For starters, take the high-speed Silver Queen Lift from the base area (9,375), which provides excellent access almost all the way to the summit (12,162 ). Try the double blacks Peel or Forest (both require lots of snow to open) or consider taking the High Lift (t-bar) to access the steeps and chutes of the double-black diamond Headwall. If you are really adventurous, try the hike to the summit for a total vertical drop to the base of 3,062.
On pow days early season, head back early to the Double Top Glades off the East River Lift. If you are up for a challenge and theres enough snow, catch the North Face Lift (t-bar) to drop off the North Face into Phoenix bowl with plenty of glades, chutes and drops.
For apres ski, try the Avalanche or the Brown Lab pub.
For nightlife, start at the LoBar and then late night head to the Talk Of The Town.
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