Hailed as the last great western ski town, Crested Butte is an off-the-beaten-path oasis for serious skiers.Just because Crested Butte is more isolated than the Summit County resorts like Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek doesn’t mean it lacks panache. In fact, Crested Butte has a thriving après ski and bar scene.
The next time you’re in town, check out these favorite Crested Butte watering holes.
Montanya Distillers
When you think of rum, you might automatically picture the tropical shores of the Caribbean. As it turns out, Crested Butte actually has one of the best rum distilleries in the country. Montanya Distillers makes a mean high-mountain rum, and the distillery is open for tours, tastings, and small bites.
Learn about the difference altitude makes to rum fermentation and distillation, how Montanya Distillers has developed a culture of sustainability, and, of course, sip on some amazing rum.
The Last Steep Bar & Grill
A local favorite and Crested Butte staple, The Last Steep Bar & Grill is a go-to spot for tasty food, strong drinks, and patio-based people watching.The Last Steep Bar & Grill is right in the heart of Crested Butte, so it’s an excellent spot to post up and watch as the Crested Butte Art Festival, Fat Tire Bike Week, and various parades roll through town.
This joint is also family-friendly, so you can take the kids to feast after a day out on the slopes.
Kochevar’s Saloon
One of the oldest bars in town, Kochevar’s Saloon was established in 1886 by Jacob Kochevar. Enter the bar and travel immediately back in time to the wild, wild west with images of Crested Butte from the 19th century, antique furniture, and a wood-paneled aesthetic.Kochevar’s is also a gaming hall, so try your hand at billiards, darts, and various card games.Happy hour goes from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, so stop by for après or make a dinner reservation at Kochevar’s.
Want a nice cold beer to wash down the day of steeps at Crested Butte? Be sure to stop by these town favorites on your ski vacation!
