CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. - Crested Butte Mountain Resort kicks off the ski and ride season on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, welcoming the community back to the snow for its 64th Season. Thanks to the incredible work of the resort's mountain operations team, skiers and riders will have access to fresh groomed terrain off the Red Lady Express for Opening Day.
In addition to skiing and riding, Opening Day attendees can look forward to a first chair banner break, limited edition custom designed Opening Day posters, a costume contest with prizes for top entrants, and free breakfast sandwiches available on a first-come, first-served basis. Now is the time to lock in your access to skiing and riding at CBMR and beyond with an Epic Local Pass, or other pass product. Dec. 4 is the last chance to get an Epic Pass this season.
Excitement is high leading into the season, and the resort is thrilled to welcome skiers and riders from near and far back to beautiful Crested Butte.
“It feels great to welcome everyone back to Crested Butte Mountain for the start of the 2026 winter season,” said JD Crichton, Vice President and General Manager of CBMR. “I am incredibly proud of our employees, especially our Mountain Operations crews and our Snow Surfaces team, who worked tirelessly through an unseasonably warm November to help us reach our targeted opening day. As winter settles back into the valley, we are proud to share this special place with all of you. Welcome to the untamed destination at the end of the road.”
Looking ahead, CBMR’s Mountain Operations team will continue to work diligently to open additional terrain. In the coming weeks, skiers and riders can look forward to accessing terrain off the Teocalli, Paradise, and Silver Queen lifts, as soon as conditions permit.
A Season of Extremes at Crested Butte
With 561 acres of double-black-diamond terrain, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is known as the North American birthplace of inbounds extreme skiing and riding. Advanced and expert terrain account for nearly two-thirds of the mountain’s overall acreage, including steeps off the High Lift, North Face Lift and front side of the mountain. With more than 150 uniquely named areas within the extreme limits, the options are endless for even the most skilled skiers and riders.
Wild, Quirky, Uniquely Crested Butte Signature Events
Crested Butte is home to a lineup of signature events that are every bit as fun, quirky, and vibrant as the people who bring them to life. From energetic live concerts in the base area to the iconic 51st annual Al Johnson Telemark Race, CBMR’s celebrations keep the stoke high all season long. Because Crested Butte never misses a chance to dress up, many events are filled with imaginative costumes that turn the mountain into a fun and funky fashion show. Whether you’re skiing, spectating, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, these gatherings are the perfect way to connect with the local community and experience the playful spirit that defines our valley.
Make Your Winter EPIC – Last Chance to get an Epic Pass is Dec. 4
Dec. 4 is the last chance to lock in your Epic Pass before they go off sale for this season. Epic Pass unlocks access to Crested Butte, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breck, and Keystone in Colorado, plus some of the best resorts around the world, like Whistler Blackcomb and Park City. With a variety of season-long and 1-7 Day Pass options available, Epic Pass offers the best value on skiing and riding in Crested Butte and beyond. Epic Pass Holders also get the best benefits including 20% off on-mountain food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals and more with Epic Mountain Rewards. Plus, with new Epic Friends Tickets, it's easier than ever for season-long Epic Pass Holders to share the joy of the mountains with 50% off lift tickets for friends and family. Plus, what they pay can be applied as credit toward a 2026/27 Epic Pass, turning this year's gift into next year's adventure. Rally your crew to Crested Butte this winter and make it Epic. Learn more about Pass options and benefits at www.epicpass.com before they go off sale.
PHOTO AND VIDEO ASSETS FOR EDITORIAL USE:
Crested Butte Signature Photos: Photo Credits – Taylor Ahearn // Crested Butte Mountain Resort
MEDIA CONTACT
Katie Lyons (Katie.M.Lyons@vailresorts.com)