If you're researching ski-in/ski-out accommodations in Crested Butte, you've probably seen properties claim proximity to lifts. But what does "close" really mean? At 11 Emmons Road, Unit 324, we're not just close—we're exactly 50 feet from the Red Lady Express lift base. Here's what that distance looks like in real terms.
The Exact Distance: 50 Feet
Let's put 50 feet into perspective with measurements you can visualize:
- 15 seconds of walking in ski boots
- 3-4 car lengths from building to lift line
- Half a tennis court in distance
- 5 average parking spaces lined up
- Closer than most hotel lobbies to their front entrance
This isn't marketing speak or an estimate. It's a measured distance from the entrance of 11 Emmons Road to where you'll stand in the Red Lady Express lift line.
Why Exact Distance Matters
When browsing vacation rentals, you'll see terms like "steps from the slopes," "ski-in/ski-out," or "near the lifts." These descriptions can mean vastly different things:
The Spectrum of "Ski-In/Ski-Out"
True Ski-In/Ski-Out (Under 100 feet)
You can see the lift from your property. Walking in ski boots takes less than a minute. No roads to cross, no significant elevation changes. This is 11 Emmons Road.
Ski-Near (100-300 feet)
You're close, but the walk is noticeable in ski boots. Might involve slight elevation changes or navigating through parking areas. Still convenient, but not quite door-to-lift simplicity.
Shuttle Required (300+ feet or more)
Despite claims of "ski-in/ski-out," these properties require shuttle service or a significant walk. The distance makes multiple daily trips impractical.
At 50 feet, 11 Emmons Road falls definitively into the first category—authentic, unquestionable ski-in/ski-out access.

View the lift line from your private balcony
What 50 Feet Means for Your Vacation
Morning Convenience
Picture your typical morning at a ski resort:
- Wake up at 7:30 AM
- Make breakfast in your kitchen
- Get dressed and gear up by 8:45 AM
- Walk 50 feet to the lift at 8:55 AM
- Be on the first chair at 9:00 AM (when lifts open)
No parking lot walks. No shuttle schedules. No 20-minute gear-hauling sessions. The distance is so short that if you forget something, returning to your rental takes less than two minutes round-trip.
Midday Flexibility
The 50-foot proximity isn't just about morning convenience. Throughout the day, you have flexibility that other properties can't match:
- Quick lunch breaks: Ski to your door, make lunch, return to slopes in 30 minutes
- Gear adjustments: Weather changes? Swap layers without losing an hour
- Family coordination: Non-skiing family members can easily meet you for lunch
- Bathroom breaks: No hunting for resort bathrooms with long lines
End-of-Day Ease
After a full day of skiing, the last thing you want is a long walk in ski boots. At 4:00 PM when lifts close, you're steps from your door. Your hot shower, comfortable couch, and après-ski refreshments are 50 feet away.
The Path from 11 Emmons to Red Lady Express
Let's walk through the actual route you'll take:
- Exit the building: Step out the main entrance of 11 Emmons Road
- Covered walkway: A short, protected path keeps you out of snow on heavy weather days
- Flat terrain: No stairs, no elevation changes, no icy slopes to navigate
- Arrive at lift line: You're now standing where you'll load onto Red Lady Express
The entire journey: 15 seconds. No exaggeration.
Comparing to Other "Ski-In/Ski-Out" Properties
How does 11 Emmons Road's 50-foot distance compare to other properties claiming ski-in/ski-out access?
Typical "Ski-In/Ski-Out" Condo
200-400 feet from lifts. Requires 2-3 minute walk. Might need to cross parking areas or navigate around other buildings.
Resort Village Property
300-600 feet. Claims "walkable to lifts" which technically true, but involves navigating through village areas, potentially crossing roads.
Shuttle-Dependent "Ski Access"
1,000+ feet. Requires complimentary shuttle service. Not ski-in/ski-out despite marketing.
11 Emmons Road
50 feet. Shorter than many people's driveways. True, uncompromised ski-in/ski-out access.
Verified by Guests
Don't just take our word for it. With a 4.98-star rating from 88 verified guests, location is consistently mentioned in reviews:
"We've stayed at a lot of 'ski-in/ski-out' places that weren't really. This one actually is. You can literally see the lift from the balcony. Best location we've ever had." — Sarah M., February 2025
"The 50 feet claim is accurate. We timed it—14 seconds from door to lift line. This made such a difference with our kids." — Robert K., January 2025
The Bottom Line
When evaluating ski-in/ski-out properties, ask for specific distances. "Close to the slopes" and "ski-in/ski-out access" are subjective terms. 50 feet is a fact.
At 11 Emmons Road, you're not just close to Red Lady Express—you're closer than most people park their cars at the grocery store. This proximity transforms your entire ski vacation, eliminating the friction that normally comes with getting to and from the mountain.
Experience It Yourself
Ready to experience true ski-in/ski-out access at 11 Emmons Road? Our 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom rental sleeps 4 and offers modern amenities just 50 feet from Red Lady Express.
Book direct and save 15% compared to booking platforms. Contact us at 970-309-0488 or check availability online.
