Crested Butte, Colorado, is renowned as the home of extreme skiing and riding, boasting 1,434 acres of terrain, nearly half of which is expert-level. With an average of 240″ of snowfall each year and state-of-the-art snowmaking on most major trails, Crested Butte is still one of Colorado’s best-kept ski secrets. The Gunnison Valley is a meca for winter sports and Crested Butte offers plenty of winter activities. Those looking for fun in the snow will be hard pressed to find a better location.
But the adventure doesn’t stop at the lifts. CB in winter is a playground: 55 miles of groomed snowmobile trails on Kebler, 40 miles of Nordic and snowshoe routes at the Crested Butte Nordic Center, and endless guided experiences - from backcountry tours and ice climbing to dog sledding and hot-air balloon rides.
While Crested Butte Mountain Resort no longer offers lift-served tubing, the town provides several fantastic sledding hills perfect for all ages and abilities. So, if you're seeking a day off from the slopes or alternative winter fun, Crested Butte has you covered.
Looking for a sled? Ace Hardware sells a variety of sleds, located at 607 6th Street. Read the guide below to figure out which sledding hill is best for you and your little one.
Here’s a guide to some of the best sledding hills in Crested Butte:
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Sledding Hill Options in Crested Butte
Pyramid Sled Hill
Crested Butte's newest sled hill is the most popular destination with plenty of parking. This short but wide hill offers plenty of space to spread out and some of the best views in the valley. Park in the right of way along Pyramid Ave, between Highway 135 and 8th St.
Directions: CLICK HERE for directions.
Crested Butte Community School
Looking for something a bit steeper? Any of the hills behind the Crested Butte Community School and the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park are fair game for sledding! These runs are steeper and longer and ungroomed. The fresh powder is well worth the hike. Park behind the school at the Town Ranch Trailhead.
Directions: CLICK HERE for directions.
Snodgrass Trailhead Hill
Looking for a sled hill on Mt. Crested Butte? Look no further. The Snodgrass Trailhead offers the longest and tallest sledding area in all of the Butte. With plenty of parking and the hill starting right from the parking area this hill couldn't be better. And did we mention the amazing views? From the parking lot head north through a fence and the hill is on your left.
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Directions: CLICK HERE for directions.
Big Mine Hill
The small hill at Big Mine Park located next to the Crested Butte Nordic Center is a great place to go for both kids and adults. This hill is small, short and perfect for younger kids. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Directions: CLICK HERE for directions.
Note: Winter 2023/24 - This hill is no longer groomed.
Here's a summary table of the sledding hills:
Read also: Summit County Ski Report
| Sledding Hill | Description | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramid Sled Hill | Most popular, plenty of parking | Short, wide, great views |
| Crested Butte Community School | Steeper hills behind the school | Steeper, longer, ungroomed |
| Snodgrass Trailhead Hill | Longest and tallest sledding area | Plenty of parking, amazing views |
| Big Mine Hill | Small hill next to Nordic Center | Small, short, perfect for younger kids |
The Nordic Center is a great place to visit for many kid-friendly activities including ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. A pass provides unlimited skiing on 55 km of trails. Passes are required on most trails.
Crested Butte is also fortunate to have The Adaptive Sports Center, a local nonprofit which aims to provide equal access to outdoor recreation for people with disabilities.
There’s plenty of other stuff to enjoy. Most of these winter activities are also family-friendly.