Crested Butte
Beacon Guidebooks has partnered with onX Backcountry. Find guidebook quality content for backcountry adventures in Crested Butte. Crested Butte has 32 zones to explore and 148 routes.
Total Zones
32
Publisher
Beacon Guidebooks
Crested Butte Overview
Legends permeate the mountain culture here, from a postman traversing the Elks high passes during the mining days to a couple of hippies reinventing telemark skiing in Red Lady Bowl. Crested Butte Mountain Resort challenges skiers to hone their skills with some of the steepest, gnarliest terrain in the USA. Over the years, local skiers have taken those skills into the seemingly endless backcountry. From the trailheads, a morning tour can place you among some of the finest aspen glades in the world, or atop 50° hallway couloirs. Due to unique geography and strong orographic weather patterns, the western end of this zone can receive the most snow (like... in the entire state), yet snow totals vary widely, even over distances as short as a mile. Our unique weather and isolated geography inspired some locals to found the Crested Butte Avalanche Center (CBC) over 20 years ago, which provides world class forecasts on the weather, snowpack, and travel advisories every single day. If you're armed with an understanding of the CBC forecast, this terrain atlas can help you make smarter decisions when deciding where to tour. Provided you already have some backcountry skiing experience, there is something in this atlas for everyone.
Zones Covered
Anthracites
Routes
10
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
NW,N,NE,E
Short but sweet. The Anthracites usually receive more snowfall than other areas in the Crested Butte Zone. This is another area that has terrain for just about any skill level of backcountry skier with avalanche training and good fitness and navigation skills.
Routes
- Anthracites Approach
- Anthracites Exit
- Seven Bowl
- Big Chute
- Rock and Tree Chute
- Ziggins
- East Bowl
- Playground Approach
- Gunbarrel Left
- Gunbarrel Right
Avery Sluice
Routes
2
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
SE
Avery Peak's Sluice is a quick access route from Gothic. The aspect lends this terrain to both poor snowpack structure, and often crusty conditions. But when the snow is stable and soft, this is a Copper Creek classic.
Routes
- The Sluice Approach
- The Sluice
Baldy South Face
Routes
2
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
E,SE,S,SW
An increasingly popular zone to ski, accessed by snowmobiles from either Washington Gulch or Slate River.
Routes
- South Bowl
- Bald Legs
Baldy West
Routes
3
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
SW,W,NW
An early season honey-hole, if you can drive there. After the roads close and you can no longer drive to get there, this is a remote zone that is worth seeking if westerly descents are the right card to play.
Routes
- Pumpkin Bowl
- College Bowl
- Candy Chute
Baxter Basin
Routes
4
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,E,S
Baxter has increased in popularity over the last decade for snowmobilers seeking alpine terrain. A variety of aspects and slope angles are found in this basin that usually catches more snow than the surrounding area.
Routes
- Schuylkill Pass
- S-Tube
- Richmond
- Cascade
Carbon Peak North
Routes
4
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
NW,N,NE
North-facing, low-angle pow is an endangered species in the Crested Butte zone. This is where some of their kind still live. The upper meadows are actually talus fields that will mess up your skis when the snowpack is thin. Also, the slopes are so gentle that you may not be able to actually move downhill. Indeed, it can be “uphill both ways” in these cases. Still, when you nail it, Carbon’s north slopes are a hidden gem.
Routes
- Approach from Splains
- Carbon Farm
- Shelf Glades
- Exit to Splains
Coney's
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
N,NE,E
Officially called Anthracite Mesa, but locally known as Coney’s. This area is most commonly descended from the summit zone down the northeast faces, chutes, and glades. Exploration in the glades near to and south of the skin track can be rewarding.
Routes
- Second Bowl
- Coney's Exit
- First Bowl
- Coney's Approach
- Cat's Hat
- Convex Corner
East River Mini Golf
Routes
4
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
NE
East River Mini Golf is a low-exposure option for those staying at the winter huts in the town of Gothic. Short, low angle, and gladed. But be aware that to arrive at this zone, you cross beneath the massive avalanche path of Gothic Mountain's northeast face.
Routes
- Putt Two
- Putt Three
- East River Mini Golf Approach
- Putt One
Gothic Mountain East
Routes
1
ATES Level
4
General Aspect
NE,E,SE
An appealing monster of a face that sings to you at first light in the morning sun. Like a siren, it can lure you into self destruction. Take the wrong way down and you could be cliffed out. Do it at the wrong time of year and you could find a waterfall (frozen or flowing) in the only exit route. Do it with any avalanche problem whatsoever, and you would have little to no chance of survival.
Routes
- East Face
Gothic Mountain South
Routes
3
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
S,SW,W
Gothic Mountain is recommended as a tour for very stable conditions commonly found in mid-to-late spring. This peak is most commonly climbed via the ridges on the Climber's left of The Spoon. It is most commonly descended along the runs shown in the above photo. The faces of Gothic that are not shown in this picture are complex and extreme. Many lines end over massive cliffs or icy bottlenecks. If you venture that way, be very confident in your route and mountaineering skills.
Routes
- Gothic Mountain SW Face
- The Spoon
- Gothic Mountain Approach
Lower Deer Creek Slopes
Routes
2
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
SE,S,SW
Another fun, mellow place to play when the weather is cold and the snowpack is questionable. It’s not too hard to reach this area without a snowmobile, but it will still take most of the day to get out and back. If you made it here early and conditions are looking good, consider venturing higher to the Upper Deer Creek slopes.
Routes
- Lower Deer Creek Descent
- Roadside Attraction
Mineral, Augusta, and Purple
Routes
5
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
E,SE,S
Once you put all the work to get here, it's nice to ski them both, but certainly not necessary. Mineral and Augusta are recommended as a tour for very stable conditions commonly found in mid-to-late Spring. The faces of these peaks that are not shown in this picture can be complex and extreme, and they are not part of this guide or discussion.
Routes
- Approach
- Mineral East Face
- Augusta
- Mineral South Face
- Purple South Face
Mount Axtell North
Routes
9
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,NE
Axtell holds a huge variety of terrain. All aspects are skiable and worth exploration. Once on top, it can be difficult to navigate to your planned route, so study it well. As you climb up the Northwest ridge, the terrain becomes steeper, more exposed and more technical.
Routes
- Mount Axtell Approach
- Green Lake Chutes
- Second Bowl
- Wang Chung
- First Bowl
- Pencil
- Half Bowl
- Axtell North Exit
- Green Lake Glades
Mount Axtell South
Routes
2
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
SE,S,SW
Hidden around the bend on a complex-to-extreme mountain is a gentle, south-facing slope that looks and feels just like Red Lady Glades. It gets less traffic, but also takes an hour or two (or three) longer to return to your car. If you’re making it a full day, consider adding on Carbon Peak North for some low-angle north-facing fun.
Routes
- Girlfriend Glades
- Girlfriend Exit
Mount Baldy East
Routes
4
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NE,E,SE
Baldy is a massive mountain without a distinct summit. Just about every face, ridge, and bowl has something to offer. But it's a long way from home! For those staying at Gothic ski huts, Baldy is a big objective reserved for very stable avalanche conditions. Each of these lines are best approached by "climbing what you'll ski", which once again, requires that the snowpack be very stable, since this is big terrain.
Routes
- Emerald Couloir
- Gnarnia
- Baldy SE Face
- Nirvana
Mount Bellview
Routes
3
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
SE,S
Yet another summit on Crested Butte’s horizon that calls you to tick it off the list. This is a peak best saved for predictable, stiff, spring conditions. If you catch it on fast surface crust, you will find yourself descending for 3,000 plus feet over two miles. This peak is a long slog, it catches first light and warms up fast. Plan accordingly.
Routes
- Bellview South Face
- Mount Bellview Approach
- 401 Face
Mount Emmons North
Routes
7
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NW,N,NE
A handful of nice winter lines hidden in plain sight. This area can be accessed two different ways. One is by climbing the Red Lady approach on the south side of Mt. Emmons. This brings you to the summit, where you are committed to descending either Redwell or Wolverine. Both of these descents are big faces with big consequences. The other approach is from Slate River, climbing the Gunsight Pass road. While still exposed to big overhead hazards, this approach allows you to descend from below treeline.
Routes
- Wrong Chute
- Wolverine Trees
- Redwell
- Wolverine
- Right and Wrong Approach
- Right Chute
- Emmons North Exit
Mount Emmons South
Routes
7
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
E,SE,S,SW
The Red Lady zone is one of the few spots in the Crested Butte area where you can make turns all the way back to your vehicle. That said, if you ski the glades, you will probably have to slog (less than a mile) along Kebler Road back to your car. Special Note! Please pay attention to the private property boundaries. There is no public access allowed on the property surrounding the water treatment plant. Pay attention to this zone's polygon boundary that skirts around that property. Following these rules is our best way of ensuring we continue to have access to ski Red Lady.
Routes
- Coon Basin
- Red Lady Bowl
- Red Lady Approach
- Red Coon Glades
- Coon Basin Exit
- Red Lady Glades
- Skintrack Descent
Pittsburg
Routes
3
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
N,E
The buzz of snowmobiles here grows just about every year. Northerly-facing, nicely spaced, and moderate angle glades with a deeper snowpack make this a popular sled-ski destination, especially for those who prefer shorter laps.
Routes
- Camo Glades
- Pittsburg Benches
- Upper Schuylkill
Purple Palace
Routes
5
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,NE,E,SE
The Palace can be a good place to look for early season turns and it holds snow late into spring as well. With a snowmobile, it is a common mid-winter choice too. The glades here can make the zone look inviting and simple. But one must show up with careful and expert route-finding, and solid decision-making skills.
Routes
- Purple Palace Approach
- Palace Headwall
- Palace Glades
- Purple Ridge
- Nuclear Chutes
Queen Basin
Routes
5
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
ALL
Venture up Copper Creek for some west facing shots. These can be made small and simple by approaching from below, or they can be full-scale mountaineering objectives by approaching from above.
Routes
- Seldom Scene Approach from Queen
- El Nacho
- Whiterock South Couloir
- Seldom Scene
- Seldom Scene Approach from Copper
Red Ridge
Routes
4
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
SE,S,SW
Red Ridge holds winter descents and spring missions. As soon as you enter the Copper Creek valley on your approach, you are entering the land of giant avalanche paths. Each of the ski descents listed here are in large avalanche paths with the full variety of aspect and elevation.
Routes
- Elk Basin
- White Rib
- Dust On Crust
- Red Ridge Exit
Ruby Range
Routes
9
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,E,S
From remote full-day tours to quick hits, the Ruby Range has the location, orientation and elevation to be a magnet for snowfall. When the rest of the Crested Butte zone is under blue or gray skies, you often see the ruby range under a shroud, getting pummeled. There are so many more routes in this range than the ones listed here. These are the classics, but conditions and your preferences may guide you elsewhere.
Routes
- Dyke Face
- Ruby South
- Ruby North
- Owen South
- Owen North
- S-Couloir
- Afley South Face
- Afley North
- Oh-Be-Joyful North
Schuylkill
Routes
9
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
N,NE,E
Pronounced "Skoo-Kill", this area offers a variety of fantastic options for the more advanced rider (and skinner!). Beware that even though the area faces NE, the bowls are well shaped, lending to a very diverse snowpack, wind-effect, and sun-effect.
Routes
- Yogi's
- Thanksgiving Bowl
- Hot Lap
- Schuylkill Approach
- Birthday Bowl
- Schuylkill Exit
- First Bowl
- Snake in the Weeds
- Runaway Ski
Smith Hill
Routes
2
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
SE,S,SW
When the snow is soft, this can be a surprisingly fun, simple tour right off the side of the road.
Routes
- Smith Hill Approach
- Smith Hill
Snodgrass
Routes
13
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
N,NE,E
This area is most commonly descended from the summit zone down the northeast faces, chutes, and glades. Exploration on the east and south faces can also be rewarding. A secondary lap track can be established via the saddle between Snodgrass and Gothic Mountain.
Routes
- Abbey Lane Approach
- Abbey Lane
- Fourth Bowl
- Meadowskipper
- First Bowl
- Third Bowl
- Second Bowl
- California Bowl
- Weather Station
- Snodgrass Exit
- Snodgrass Approach
- Saddle
- Kraken's Arm
Strand Hill
Routes
3
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
SW,W,NW
Some years there isn’t enough snow to really ski here. But average to above-average seasons can leave plenty of depth here for a creative and fun day that is more of a “tour” and less of a “go slay pow brah”.
Routes
- Strand Hill Approach
- Shoreline
- Strand Hill Exit
Teocalli Mountain
Routes
2
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
S,SW
Be prepared for a long day. Teocalli Mountain is recommended as a tour for very stable conditions commonly found in mid-to-late Spring. The faces of Teocalli that are not shown in this picture are complex and extreme. Many lines end over massive cliffs or icy bottlenecks. It is not recommended that you venture that way.
Routes
- Teocalli Centerpunch
- Teocalli Approach
Upper Deer Creek Slopes
Routes
4
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
SE,S,SW
This can be a fun place to explore when avalanche conditions are less than ideal. With smart route-finding, you can follow low-angle ridges and slopes for a long way.
Routes
- Deer Creek Ridge Approach
- Deer Ridge
- Sundeer
- Upper Deer Creek Exit
West Brush Creek
Routes
7
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
N,E
These chutes would be way more popular if they were easier to get to and if they didn’t hold a terrible snowpack so often. These are avalanche paths that have a roly-poly nature to them that is very similar to Schuylkill. No matter how you get here, this is a very remote place a long way from home. Plan accordingly.
Routes
- West Brush Creek Approach
- Bridezilla
- Groom Chute
- Union Chute
- Troublemaker
- Twin Coyotes
- Lone Coyote
White Widow
Routes
1
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
S
This proud line is best reserved for predictable spring conditions. This is not actually located on Whiterock proper, but on the northwest sub-peak of the massif. Plan plenty of time for getting to the top before it heats up too much. You’re in a remote place, skiing extreme terrain. Plan and pack accordingly.
Routes
- White Widow Couloir
Zach's Wolf
Routes
3
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
W
An easy-access option for those staying at the Gothic ski huts, or a long day for those starting at the Snodgrass Trailhead. West facing often means poor surface snow quality, but when it's good, it's really good.
Routes
- Zachary's
- Wolf's Lair
- Zach's Wolf Approach
