BUDGET
Getting there
Frequent sales include rates from $119 to Denver, a 4 1/2-hour drive to Crested Butte (232 miles). Regular rates from $187; two-week advance purchase; nonstop on AirTran, Delta, Frontier and United Airlines.
Stay
The Cristiana Guesthaus is within an easy walk of the charming town. Rooms don’t have TVs, but the lodge offers a sauna, outdoor hot tub, complimentary hot beverages and fresh baked cookies. Queen accommodations are $95 through Feb. 10 or March 28-April 4; $105 Feb. 11-March 27. www.cristianaguest haus.com, 621 Maroon Ave., 970-349-5326.
Eat
The independent Django’s Restaurant & Wine bar sits at the base of Mount Crested Butte. The small plates or Apres Ski menu features Sliders, Trout Fries or Catalonian Flatbread with mushrooms at $7 per serving; dinner entrees from $8-$19. Open from 3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; www.djangos.us, Mountaineer Square Courtyard, 970-349-7574.
Experience
Start skiing or ski boarding with a Beginner’s Adventure Lesson, which gets you comfortable enough to tackle green or easy runs. A full-day lesson with lift ticket (age 18 and up) is $145; a two-day lesson with a one-day lift ticket is $210; www.skicb.com, 1-800-544-8448.
MODERATE
Getting there
Through April 4, stay a minimum of four nights at specific Crested Butte properties and every third airline ticket is free (maximum travel credit of $450 per free ticket for four to 12 people). Valid on Delta, American or United. Call Crested Butte Vacations at 1-800-810-7669. Rates average $366, 21 days in advance.
Stay
The Lodge at Mountaineer Square is located 100 yards from the Red Lady Lift. Amenities include a pool, outdoor hot tub, fitness center, sauna, steam room and shuttle. A king room is from $179; larger units for four people are priced from $379-$595; www.skicb.com, 620 Gothic Road, 970-349-4000.
Eat
From lunch through dinner, find the locals at the Last Steep Bar & Grill. Count on good food and drink with specialty dinners from $8.50-$17; www.thelaststeep.com, 208 Elk Ave. 970-349-7007.
Experience
Partake in some of Colorado’s best Nordic skiing from the Nordic Center. A beginner’s package with lesson, trail pass and rental equipment is $60 adults; $50 children 6-12. A moonlight dinner is set for Jan. 30, Feb. 28 and March 30. Cross-country ski or snowshoe under a full moon and enjoy a dinner next to a crackling fire; $60 with equipment and trail pass; $30 ages 12 and under; www.cbnordic.org, 970-349-1707.
SPLURGE
Getting there
One-way business class rates from $484 with a one-week advance purchase; nonstop Saturday service on Delta; via Salt Lake City other days.
Stay
Enjoy panoramic town and mountain views from the Retreat, a boutique lodge sitting high on a hillside (elevation 9,375 feet), yet a short walk from the ski lifts. Suites are sumptuously appointed with private hot tub, bathrobes, slippers, flowers, desserts and elegant furnishings and decor; from $425-$545; classic guest rooms from $235-$255; www.crested butteretreat.com, 39 Whetstone Road, 970-349-1701.
Eat
Le Bosquet, a romantic and contemporary French restaurant and lounge, serves natural meats, chicken, wild fish and vegetarian entrees all with a fabulous view of the Elk Mountains. Small plates from $9-$13; dinners from $22-$39; (no Web site) 525 Red Lady St., 970-349-5808.
Experience
Soar at sunrise above the Rocky Mountains in a hot air balloon with the Big Horn Balloon Co. A flight for two is $700 (with other passengers); $850 for a private ride for two. The three- to four-hour adventure includes pick-up, drop-off and 45-minute flight; www.balloon-adventures.com, 970-596-1008.
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