Home

Resort Comparison

Buttermilk vs Crested Butte

Crested Butte excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability. Buttermilk offers better value, while Crested Butte caters to those seeking a premium experience.

The Verdict

Crested Butte leads with 4 wins
Best for Families
Crested Butte

Ski school from age 3

Best Snowfall
Buttermilk

120.2" average season

Best Terrain
Crested Butte

3,062' of vertical

Best Value
Buttermilk

$0 day pass

Easiest Access
Crested Butte

0.5h from GUC

Best Village Vibe
Crested Butte

World-class village experience

Buttermilk
Colorado, United States
$$
Crested Butte
Colorado, USA
$$$Epic

Family

Ski School Age
-
3+
Full-Day Program
-
Beginner Terrain
5.0
7.5
Walkability
5.0
8.5
Village Vibe
5.0
9.0

Mountain

Vertical
1,999'
3,062'
Skiable Area
0 ac
1,547 ac
Green Runs
24%
23%
Trails
50
121
Lifts
8
15

Getting There

Airport
DEN
GUC
Drive Time
2h
0.5h
Road Ease
5.0
8.5

Cost

Passes
None
Epic
Day Pass
$0
$219
Cost Tier
Moderate
Premium

Village

Dining
Limited
Good
Grocery
Spa
Pool
Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Buttermilk

120.2"

avg season

2024-25 season

109.2" total

91%

Crested Butte

114.2"

avg season

2024-25 season

93.6" total

82%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
120"60"0"
Buttermilk
Crested Butte

Key Insights

Crested Butte excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability. Buttermilk offers better value, while Crested Butte caters to those seeking a premium experience.

Key Differences

  • Crested Butte's beginner terrain score (7.5) exceeds Buttermilk's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
  • Crested Butte's walkability score (8.5) exceeds Buttermilk's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
  • Crested Butte's family village atmosphere score (9.0) exceeds Buttermilk's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
  • Crested Butte offers more terrain variety (1,547 acres vs 0 acres)
  • Crested Butte has greater vertical drop (3,062' vs 1,999'), offering longer runs

Best For

Buttermilk

  • Budget-conscious families

Crested Butte

  • Families with first-time skiers (good beginner terrain)
  • Those seeking a walkable village experience
  • Families wanting a charming, kid-friendly atmosphere

More Comparisons

Crested Butte vs Telluride Ski ResortButtermilk vs Telluride Ski ResortAspen Snowmass vs Crested ButteAspen Snowmass vs ButtermilkBeaver Creek Resort vs Crested ButteBeaver Creek Resort vs Buttermilk

Explore More

Regions

Colorado
Utah
British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners
Most Walkable
Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide
Best Time to Go Skiing