Before You Visit
Altitude Awareness
Upon arriving in Crested Butte, you may experience some ailments associated with high altitude sickness if you are traveling from lower elevations. While most people do not experience any symptoms besides shortness of breath there first day or two, others may feel altitude sickness while visiting Crested Butte. Our home is at an elevation of 9,689 ft, the base area of the ski-mountain is at 9,375 ft, and downtown is at 8,885 ft it and it is not uncommon to experience an adjustment period where a visitor may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, and other general discomforts. Below are a few suggestions to minimize high altitude sickness and ensure you get the most out of your visit to Crested Butte.
Hydrate. Dehydration is common at high altitudes–You actually lose most of your hydration through breathing out tiny amounts of water vapor each time you exhale. So pack a water bottle if possible.
Monitor alcohol consumption. If you choose to have libations, remember that at this elevation, you are already most likely dehydrated (for the above mentioned reason). This is the reason why alcohol has a more profound effect on someone at elevation. Your tolerance in the mountains is much lower than back at home in lower elevations.
Pace yourself the first day. Do not be overcome by the wealth of mountain terrain. If you are not used to high altitudes, use the first day to acclimate your body to the decrease in oxygen levels.
Besides water, hydrate your body with something high in electrolytes. Acli-Mate Mountain Sport Drink, Pedialyte, Gatorade, and Powerade are all great options to aid in the prevention of altitude sickness.
Groceries in Gunnison
We highly recommend our guests stop at City Market in Gunnison to purchase groceries for their stay. We do have a small grocery store in Crested Butte called Clark’s that is a great but the selection is limited and more expensive compared to City Market. It’s about a 50 minute drive from City Market in Gunnison to our home in Crested Butte. Address: 880 N Main St
Bear Awareness
Our home is in the wilderness of Colorado and we have black bears visit our 36 acres from time to time. You must be “Bear Aware” at all times and never leave any food or trash outside, do not bait the bears, keep all the doors locked and shut when not in use, keep the garage doors closed when not in use, do not leave any food in your vehicle, and keep a safe distance from bears if you spot them.