Skiing and drive

Question

We are staying in Silverthorne for 4 weeks skiing the usual resorts around here. Thinking of also taking in CB as never been. What is the route from ST like (on a good driving day obvs) and what is the best day to ski - does it get busy on the weekends like others along the i70

Answer

The drive from Silverthorne to Crested Butte is quite scenic but does involve several hours on mountain roads. On a good weather and clear road day, the route is generally manageable, but it is longer than most I-70 resort trips.

Driving Route:

From Silverthorne, take I-70 west toward Glenwood Springs.
Exit at Glenwood Springs and follow US-82 south through Aspen (via Independence Pass if open, otherwise via US-24/CO-133). Note: Independence Pass is closed in winter, so winter travel uses the CO-133 route through Carbondale and Redstone.
From Carbondale, continue south on CO-133 toward Paonia and Hotchkiss, then connect to CO-135 toward Gunnison, eventually leading to Crested Butte.
Total driving time is around 5 to 6 hours in winter conditions, so plan an early start and allow extra time for snow or traffic.

Skiing at Crested Butte:

Crested Butte is known for fewer crowds than the I-70 resorts. However, weekends do get busier, especially mid-winter with locals and those coming from Denver. For the most relaxed experience:

Weekdays are ideal for skiing; the slopes are generally less crowded than weekends.
Avoid Presidents’ Day weekend and MLK weekend if possible, as these are popular times for both locals and out-of-towners.
Consider arriving early in the morning to secure parking near the lifts, particularly on Friday or the day before a holiday weekend.

Additional Tips:

Check road conditions daily via COtrip and be prepared with tire chains or a 4WD vehicle if snow is forecasted.
Gas up in Glenwood Springs or Carbondale, as services become sparse along CO-133 and CO-135.
Bring snacks and water, as the drive is long and passes through remote areas.
If possible, consider a 1-night stay near Crested Butte to break up the trip and maximize skiing time rather than doing a very long round trip in a single day.

Overall, the trip is very doable on a clear day, but winter conditions can make it slower than expected. Skiing Crested Butte during the week provides the best experience with minimal crowds.

Skiing and drive

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