Luxury holidays in Crested Butte

When to go

If you’re going for winter sports, January and February are the most reliable months. By mid-January, the snow base has had plenty of time to build up, and you’ll often get some good powder skiing in too. Be aware that January is usually the coldest month of the year, so don’t forget that woolly underwear. The summer months are also popular, bringing with them a bright bloom of wildflowers and pleasant temperatures that tend to hover around the mid-20’s (°C).

Getting there

• Planes

  The closest airport is Gunnison, a 35-minute drive from Crested Butte. It’s a small, regional outpost, but there are daily flights from Denver and Houston IAH. The other option is Montrose, an hour and 50 minutes away by car. Services from Denver land there all year-round; flights from Dallas, Houston IAH, Phoenix and Chicago O’Hare are seasonal

• Trains

  The Rio Grande railroad was a vital part of the town’s mining operation, hauling silver and coal along the East River Valley to the town of Gunnison and beyond. That gravy train dried up when the mines closed down, so you won’t hear the train rollin’ round the bend any time soon.

• Automobiles

  A drive through the Rockies doesn’t involve endless miles of unchanging freeway; here, you’ll find yourself passing through a dramatic landscape of craggy peaks and river-filled valleys. In winter, be sure to check which roads are open, as they can close on short notice, especially after snowfall. The drive from Denver or Colorado Springs takes around four hours when the conditions are good.