Crested Butte Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 17, 2025
A crisp start to December 17 at Crested Butte Mountain Resort greets skiers with an overnight low of 24°F and a modest snowpack of 11 inches—about 42% below average for this time of year. 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
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Summary
Despite the deficit, grooming crews have kept core terrain in excellent condition, with all lifts spinning and 100% of the resort open—something that has only happened five times in its storied history. Today’s forecast hints at light snowfall, with just under 2 inches expected to refresh the slopes over the next 24 hours, and a similar dusting anticipated through the 5-day outlook. While not a powder day, conditions remain carveable and fast, especially on upper-mountain runs where coverage is deeper.
In local news, Crested Butte is buzzing with excitement following visits from snowboarding legend Travis Rice for YETI’s Natural Selection Duels and the arrival of new flights from O’Hare, making access easier than ever. Additionally, the resort and its lift maintenance union have reached a tentative agreement, ensuring uninterrupted operations through the holidays. With a white Christmas still hanging in the balance statewide, Crested Butte remains a beacon of early-season stoke, bolstered by community spirit and a touch of natural magic.
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 likely, mainly after 5pm. increasing clouds, with a high near 32. north northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west southwest in the morning. chance of precipitation is 60%. total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half 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 2.31" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Northern Colorado is seeing the strongest snow activity this week. The Bear Lake and Copeland Lake areas near Rocky Mountain National Park are forecasted to receive 8–9 inches of fresh snow over the next five days. Located near Estes Park and close to Eldora Mountain Resort, these conditions suggest excellent skiing potential. Further north, the Tower SNOTEL site near Steamboat ... Read more