Crested Butte vs Northstar
Comparing Crested Butte (CO) and Northstar (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
Northstar
Truckee, CA
Epic pass
Window price$199
Online (advance)$127
Season pass$1,051
Side-by-side
| Stat | Crested Butte | Northstar | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $239 | $199 | Northstar |
| Online (30+ days) | $169 | $127 | Northstar |
| Season pass | $1,051 | $1,051 | Tied |
| Annual snowfall | 236" | 350" | Northstar |
| Skiable acres | 1,547 | 3,170 | Northstar |
| Vertical drop | 2,775' | 2,280' | Crested Butte |
| Runs | 121 | 100 | Crested Butte |
| Lifts | 16 | 20 | Northstar |
| Summit elevation | 12,162' | 8,610' | Crested Butte |
| Beginner terrain | 15% | 13% | Crested Butte |
| Advanced terrain | 24% | 27% | Northstar |
| Average lift wait | 6 min | 12 min | Crested Butte |
The Match
Northstar is cheaper at the gate ($127 vs $169 entry). Northstar is significantly bigger (3,170 vs 1,547 acres). Northstar sees more snow (350" vs 236"). Both are on the Epic pass — same pass, same wallet.