Crested Butte (Winter)

"The last great ski town," as locals call it, is known for hard-partiers streaming down the slopes in kilts, pink-bunny costumes, or no clothes at all. There are actually two Crested Buttes, connected by shuttle bus — the 40-plus-year-old ski resort is officially known as Mt. Crested Butte, and while it has plenty of beginner's trails, it's best-known for intimidating peaks and advanced and expert terrain. (The U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships are held here every March, and the resort also plays host on a regular basis to the Winter X Games, the U.S. Extreme Boarderfest and others.) The other C.B. is the pastel-colored, Victorian-lined, ...

"The last great ski town," as locals call it, is known for hard-partiers streaming down the slopes in kilts, pink-bunny costumes, or no clothes at all. There are actually two Crested Buttes, connected by shuttle bus — the 40-plus-year-old ski resort is officially known as Mt. Crested Butte, and while it has plenty of beginner's trails, it's best-known for intimidating peaks and advanced and expert terrain. (The U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships are held here every March, and the resort also plays host on a regular basis to the Winter X Games, the U.S. Extreme Boarderfest and others.) The other C.B. is the pastel-colored, Victorian-lined, 1880s mountain town that has the feel of a funkier Breckenridge or Steamboat Springs. Like Breckenridge or Steamboat Springs, the downtown area is charming to stroll through, with art galleries and furniture and clothing shops that won't decimate your wallet, Aspen-style. The trick is getting to town when ski conditions are best, as heavy snowfall can close Kebler Pass, along Highway 135, forcing travelers to use the longer, unpaved Highways 82 or 133 or other tricky roads.

About the Expert

Steve Knopper is the Denver-based author of Moon Handbooks Colorado as well as a contributor to numerous Fodor's city guides.