Backcountry Skiing in Crested Butte

The peak backcountry season is from January through the end of February.

Whether Crested Butte is overcast and greyed out with fresh snowfall or the sun is shining on unskied powder, any weather conditions — good or bad — can determine attainable objectives. Avalanche risk is very real and must be respected whenever venturing out into the backcountry. Because of this, your guide will decide on what objectives are most suitable and what areas are safe for adventuring on a given day.

Group sizes are small, with no more than a 1:4 guide-to-client ratio. Pricing is per person, with fees decreasing as the group size grows.

While there is no minimum age requirement, all skiers, young and old, should be competent resort skiers before heading out into the backcountry.

The better shape you’re in, the better time you’ll have. Because of the significant amounts of elevation gain — not to mention the starting elevation — physical fitness is very important. All participants must be comfortable skinning while carrying a loaded pack.

Crested Butte is 4.25 hours southwest of Denver by car. The city is serviced by regional airport Gunnison–Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC).