Crested Butte vs Kirkwood
Comparing Crested Butte (CO) and Kirkwood (CA) on price, terrain, snowfall, and lift wait. Numbers from the 2026 season.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte, CO
Epic pass
Window price$239
Online (advance)$169
Season pass$1,051
Kirkwood
Kirkwood, CA
Epic pass
Window price$139
Online (advance)$99
Season pass$1,051
Side-by-side
| Stat | Crested Butte | Kirkwood | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $239 | $139 | Kirkwood |
| Online (30+ days) | $169 | $99 | Kirkwood |
| Season pass | $1,051 | $1,051 | Tied |
| Annual snowfall | 236" | 600" | Kirkwood |
| Skiable acres | 1,547 | 2,300 | Kirkwood |
| Vertical drop | 2,775' | 2,000' | Crested Butte |
| Runs | 121 | 86 | Crested Butte |
| Lifts | 16 | 13 | Crested Butte |
| Summit elevation | 12,162' | 9,800' | Crested Butte |
| Beginner terrain | 15% | 12% | Crested Butte |
| Advanced terrain | 24% | 57% | Kirkwood |
| Average lift wait | 6 min | 5 min | Kirkwood |
The Match
Kirkwood is cheaper at the gate ($99 vs $169 entry). Kirkwood is significantly bigger (2,300 vs 1,547 acres). Kirkwood sees more snow (600" vs 236"). Both are on the Epic pass — same pass, same wallet.