2026-01-02T17:00:00-07:00
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches with locally higher amounts possible. * WHERE...Flat Tops, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains above 9500 feet. * WHEN...Until 5 PM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 1, 2026
Happy New Year from Crested Butte Mountain Resort! Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, offering 1,547 acres of varied terrain.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
As we kick off 2026, the mountain woke to a mild 28°F overnight low and a snowpack measuring 14 inches—well below average at 52% under typical seasonal depth. Despite the thinner base, recent snowfall and an incoming storm system are bringing renewed excitement. The next 24 hours promise nearly 3 inches of fresh snow, with over 7 inches expected in the next 72 hours and another 8 inches forecast by day five. This steady accumulation could refresh terrain and improve coverage across the resort, especially in higher elevations and open bowls.
While early-season snow has been sparse, nearly all terrain is now open, including the legendary Phoenix and Spellbound Bowls. Lift lines are moving efficiently, and all lifts remain operational heading into the holiday week. Off the slopes, the resort has unveiled a slate of holiday activities to enhance your mountain experience. Meanwhile, lift maintenance crews have begun efforts to unionize, signaling change behind the scenes. As snow continues to build, conditions are set to improve rapidly—now’s the time to carve your turns, before the secret’s out. Stay tuned and ski responsibly!
Snowstake Cam
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Butte.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Butte
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Crested Butte Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado is situated in the Elk Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains. The resort itself is located on the slopes of Crested Butte Mountain, which is part of the Elk Mountains. The highest peak in the Elk Mountains is Maroon Peak, which stands at 14,156 feet.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders, including steep chutes, groomed runs, and backcountry access. The resort is known for its challenging terrain and abundance of expert runs, making it a popular destination for advanced skiers and riders.
The resort's best trails include the expert-level Headwall and The High Lift, as well as the intermediate-level Painter Boy and Keystone. A little-known fact about the resort is that it was one of the first ski resorts in the country to allow snowboarding. For beginners, the resort offers the friendly and easy-going trails of the Red Lady and Lower Keystone. The best apres ski bar is the Avalanche Bar and Grill, which offers live music and a cozy atmosphere to relax after a long day on the slopes.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 16 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 19850 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2857 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 1167 Acres |
Established | 1963 |
Run Count | 121 Trails |
Crested Butte Mountain Resort FAQ
How much snow did Crested Butte Mountain Resort receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Crested Butte Mountain Resort today?
Weather today, snow showers, mainly after 11am. high near 30. west wind 5 to 10 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Crested Butte Mountain Resort this week?
Crested Butte Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 8.49" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Steamboat Springs and the surrounding Routt National Forest are primed for the heaviest snowfall over the next five days, with Dry Lake and Elk River sensors forecasting 13 inches, and nearby Tower projecting 12 inches. These areas feed directly into Steamboat Ski Resort, making it the top pick for powder chasers. Rabbit Ears Pass and Scotch Creek are also expecting ... Read more