Weekend in Gunnison/Crested Butte, Colo., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Getting there: Connecting service with American or United from $429 with 21-day advance purchase. Colorado Springs (3 hours, 20 minutes) from $266, nonstop Delta; or from $206 to Denver (3 hours, 50 minutes), nonstop Delta, Southwest or United.
Trip tips: Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers diverse terrain across more than 1,500 skiable acres for any ability type and is located within the Gunnison National Forest and the Elk Mountain Range. The resort town of Mount Crested Butte is about 3 miles from the historic mining town of Crested Butte. Gunnison/Crested Butte Airport is 30 miles from Crested Butte. Use the Alpine Express Shuttle into town ($60.06 adults; $39.24 ages 12 and under; http://alpineexpressshuttle.com). Mountain Express offers free and convenient transportation with service around Mount Crested Butte and to/from Crested Butte. For trip planning, visit www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com.
BUDGET
Stay: One of National Geographic's preferred U.S. hostels is Crested Butte International Lodge and Hostel. The great room has a gas fireplace, books and DVDs. The modern kitchen is stocked with all the amenities to prepare meals, or pick up groceries at a market five blocks south. Accommodations are clean, secure and modern and range from family rooms for up to six, queens with private or shared bath facilities to men's and women's dorm rooms. Stay four nights and get two nights free or buy three nights and get three free (promo code b3g3). Book by Dec. 31 (www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/deal/hostel-special-buy-2-nights-get-2-nights-free#sthash.0c6MCKS2.dpuf). Rates from $62. 615 Teocalli Ave., 970-349-0588, www.cbhostel.com.
Eat: Open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, the Guild offers in-house roasted organic coffees, historic steampunk drinks, pastries, a daily toast bar and weekend brunch menu; up to $14. 21 Elk Ave., 970-349-5434, www.mountainoven.com.
Experience: Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures offers a variety of horseback riding through the mountains and valleys of the Colorado backcountry. Journey through the snow on a one-hour horseback ride with a break for hot cocoa by a fire. Watch for elk, mule deer, big horn sheep, and bald eagles; $55 per person; $65 with transportation. 935 Gothic Road, 970-349-5425, www.fantasyranchoutfitters.com.
MODERATE
Stay: Ski-in or ski-out from the Elevation Hotel & Spa with guest rooms featuring upscale mountain decor and with amenities such as a fitness room, indoor pool, an 11,000-square-foot spa, two outdoor hot tubs with the great views and nightly wine reception. Rates from $115 to $155 (book by phone, 1-866-380-5747; www.crestedbuttelodging.com/mobile/specials); 500 Gothic Road, 970-251-3000, www.elevationresort.com.
Eat: Django's Restaurant & Wine Bar is a small plates restaurant at the base of Mount Crested Butte. Nibbles to Colorado striped bass, $6-$17. 620 Gothic Road, 970-349-7574, http://djangosrestaurantcrestedbutte.com.
Experience: The scenic Magic Meadows Trail network is the route you'll take to a secluded backcountry yurt to enjoy a moonlit five-course gourmet meal in a spectacular setting. Adults, $75; $40 ages under 12. Included are the trail pass and ski or snowshoe rentals. Wine and beer available for purchase; gratuity not included. Available on select evenings through March 21. 620 Second St., 970-349-1707, http://cbnordic.org.
SPLURGE
Stay: Guests at the Nordic Inn are surrounded on three sides by the Gunnison National Forest and views of Mount Crested Butte. Newly remodeled king rooms include continental breakfast; $249-$285; $385 chalet. Stay by Jan. 31 and mention promo code SP40 for rates from $149. Relax by the fire in the great room or enjoy the outdoor hot tub. Ride the free resort shuttle to the ski lifts. 14 Treasury Road, 970-349-5542, http://nordicinncb.com.
Eat: The Ice Bar at Uley's Cabin is a warming house at the bottom of the Twister Lift. Dine indoors fireside with a wine, beer and a charcuterie plate ($16). When the sun shines, take a seat at the ice bar and deck with a bowl of buffalo chili ($14) or an elk sausage cassoulet. Soups, salads and shared plates, $12-$17; gourmet entrees, $19-$29; hot or cold cocktails, $7. 970-349-2275, www.skicb.com/things-to-do/dining.
Experience: Never boarded or skied before? Take a full-day lesson to hone skills and tactics to take on easy green runs. Lessons are about five hours with a 30-minute lunch break. Full-day group, $130; half-day group, $115. Ski and board rental equipment from $37. Meet at the base area between the Red Lady Lift and the Silver Queen Lift on Mount Crested Butte. www.skicb.com.
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