Winter Sample Itinerary for Families
Welcome
Scarp Ridge Lodge is Eleven’s mountaintown homebase in Crested Butte, where days spent cat-skiing private terrain are matched with family time together back at our historic lodge. With guided cat-skiing for nearly all levels, other adventures like snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, and amenities like an indoor pool and rooftop hot tub, the experience offers every family a variety of ways to make the most of wintertime in Crested Butte.
Afternoon
◆ Arrive at Scarp Ridge Lodge and settle into your mountain home with a welcome drink while the kids explore the lodge
◆ Meet your guides for a trip briefing and get fitted for boots, skis, and poles
◆ Head into town to explore Crested Butte’s main street, Elk Ave
Evening
◆ Return to the lodge for après and time to relax at the pool, sauna, or hot tub
◆ Head into Crested Butte for dinner at a local restaurant of your choice before settling in for an early night
Scarp Ridge Lodge
Cat-Skiing at Irwin
Morning
◆ Ease into the day with pre-ski yoga and stretching
◆ Enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast before departing in the snowcat to Irwin
◆ Meet your guides for a morning briefing and first tracks
Afternoon
◆ Break for a chef-made lunch at the Cat Barn, your on-mountain base
◆ Spend the afternoon following your guides to secret stashes and untouched lines
◆ Wrap up the day with après at the Cat Barn before returning to the lodge
Evening
◆ Return for in-room massages and a round of cocktails by the fire
◆ Enjoy a private, chef-prepared dinner at the lodge
◆ Sip a nightcap in the rooftop hot tub under the stars while the kids play games in the kids’ room
Winter Adventures at Irwin
Morning
◆ Kick off the day in the steam room, then fuel up with hearty, chef-made breakfast specials before heading out to ski
◆ Choose to continue cat-skiing, or try backcountry touring with your guides
Afternoon
◆ Regroup for a locally inspired lunch at the Cat Barn
◆ Spend the afternoon cat-skiing, or split up to go sledding and snowshoeing around Irwin
◆ Gather by the fire pit for après before heading back to the lodge
Evening
◆ Enjoy cocktails at the lodge’s bar while the kids swim in the indoor saltwater pool
◆ Head into town for dinner at Public House, a Crested Butte favorite known for its live music downstairs
Scarp Ridge Lodge
Winter Sample Itinerary for Families
Final Turns and Departure
Morning
◆ Make sure you’re packed up before enjoying breakfast at the lodge, then depart for one last morning of cat-skiing up at Irwin
◆ Enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch and a roaring fire at the Cat Barn
Afternoon
◆ Maximize your last day of skiing with a few more laps before kicking off your boots for a final après outside around the fire
◆ Load up in the snowcat and head to the Irwin Guides office where you’ll begin your travels home
Scarp Ridge Lodge
Available Activities
*priced separately
**for by-the-room guests the only activity inclusion is cat-skiing
Cat-Skiing
Located just 10 miles west of Crested Butte, Irwin is a meteorological anomaly that receives some of the deepest snowfall in Colorado. Accessible only by snowcat or snowmobile during winter, this family-friendly backcountry playground offers more than 1,000 acres of skiable terrain that welcomes a large variety of skier types and guest ages.
Available based on skier ability and at the discretion of guides and parents. We recommend younger children and beginner skiers spend time at Crested Butte Mountain Resort with an instructor before joining cat-skiing. Non-skiing children may spend the day at Irwin sledding, playing games, and enjoying the snow with supervision. Children’s skis are available for approximately ages 8–10+ (depending on height) with smaller sizes available through local rental partners.
Wellness Activities*
Restore your mind and body with expert-led wellness experiences, from yoga and sound healing to thermal therapy and guided sensory immersion. Ski-focused massages and stretching sessions help guests recover after big days in the mountains.
Select wellness offerings are available for teens and younger guests
Please inquire for age recommendations and family-friendly options.
Cross-Country Skiing
Discover the world of Nordic skiing in the heart of the Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado. With 50 kilometers of groomed trails accessible from town, this activity combines beautiful scenery, steady movement, and unobstructed mountain views. Routes can be tailored to both first-time skiers and experienced Nordic enthusiasts.
Suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. Please inquire for equipment sizing and age recommendations for younger skiers.
Ice Climbing
Located approximately two hours from Crested Butte, the renowned ice parks of Ouray and Lake City have become global destinations for ice climbers. Whether learning the fundamentals or progressing to more advanced objectives, professional guides create a safe and rewarding experience for all ability levels.
Best suited for older children, teens, and adults. Please inquire for age recommendations based on conditions and experience level.
Fat Biking
Explore the Gunnison Valley’s groomed winter trails on a fat bike with our expert guides. Adults and older kids who are confident biking can cruise through aspen groves, snowcovered meadows, and open ridgelines while experiencing the quieter side of Crested Butte’s winter landscape.
Suitable for older children and adults who can comfortably ride a bicycle. Please inquire for bike sizing and age recommendations.
Backcountry Skiing
From expansive alpine bowls to secluded tree runs, our guides will lead you to the best terrain and freshest snow. Mature, confident skiers who are new to the backcountry will learn how to safely use avalanche equipment, including a beacon, shovel, probe, backpack, and touring setup.
Not recommended for children. Operated with a 2:1 guest-to-guide ratio.
Snowshoeing
Our snowshoe tours combine fitness and fun in the Colorado backcountry for a wide range of ages. Explore snow-covered meadows, aspen glades, and forested trails around Crested Butte, or venture out near Irwin with the skiers in the family.
Available based on snowshoe sizing. Guided and unguided options are available from town, and guided outings are also available at Irwin.
Resort Skiing
Just minutes from the lodge, Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers terrain for every level across 1,547 skiable acres. Ski alongside our guides to discover favorite runs, improve your technique, and make the most of your time on the mountain. Available for an additional fee, families can split their day between lessons, guided skiing, and exploring new runs together.
Available for all ages. Beginner skiers and younger children may join group ski school or private lessons with a Crested Butte Mountain Resort instructor. Older children and more experienced skiers can ski with one of our Irwin Guides, many of whom are also CBMR instructors. Lift tickets not included.
Scarp Ridge Lodge