2025-12-06T23:00:00-07:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains. * WHEN...From 11 PM Friday to 11 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel over mountain passes could be very difficult.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 4, 2025
A chilly start to December at Crested Butte Mountain Resort brings crisp air and the promise of new snow. Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, offering 1,547 acres of varied terrain.
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Summary
With an overnight low of 11.3°F, the snowpack holds at 9 inches — notably 37.5% below the seasonal average, signaling an early-season base still building. Skiers and riders can expect firm, packed conditions on groomed runs, with off-piste areas still thin and requiring caution. But there's good news ahead: a healthy 7.24 inches of snow is forecasted over the next 72 hours, and up to 8 inches predicted within five days could significantly refresh the mountain’s terrain.
While current coverage is modest, optimism is building as winter systems line up. This week also comes with major developments off the slopes. Crested Butte is now officially under the Vail Resorts umbrella, adding Epic Pass access and new energy to the valley. Meanwhile, local avalanche mitigation crews — dubbed “skiing soldiers” — are hard at work preparing high-alpine zones for the incoming snow. With non-stop flights increasing accessibility and snow on the way, now is a smart time to plan your visit. Keep an eye on updates, and expect improving ski conditions as December unfolds.
Hourly Snowfall Totals
Recent & Projected
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, mostly sunny, with a high near 16. west northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Crested Butte Mountain Resort this week?
Crested Butte Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 8.55" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Heavy snowfall is expected across northern Colorado in the coming days, especially near Steamboat Springs, where nearby sensors like Dry Lake and Tower forecast up to 22–23 inches over the next 5 days. Elk River and Columbine are also projecting significant snowfall totals (17–23 inches), suggesting Steamboat Resort could see some of the best powder in the state. Ripple Creek ... Read more