When searching for the perfect ski in ski out Crested Butte vacation rental, proximity to the lifts matters. At 11 Emmons Road, Unit 324, you're not just near the slopes—you're only 50 feet from the Red Lady Express lift, offering genuine ski-in/ski-out access that most properties can only dream of.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about ski-in/ski-out access at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, why true proximity matters, and what makes 11 Emmons Road the ultimate basecamp for your ski vacation.
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What is Ski-In/Ski-Out?
Ski-in/ski-out refers to the ability to access ski slopes directly from your accommodation without the need for transportation, walking on roads, or taking shuttle buses. It means you can put on your skis at your door and ski directly to the lift, then ski back to your door at the end of the day.
The Reality: Not All "Ski-In/Ski-Out" is Equal
Many properties advertise as ski-in/ski-out, but the reality varies significantly:
- True Ski-In/Ski-Out (like 11 Emmons Road): Less than 100 feet to lifts, direct ski access both directions
- Ski-Near: 200-500 feet requiring short walk in ski boots
- Shuttle Required: Properties claiming "ski-in/ski-out" but requiring shuttle service
- One-Way Access: Can ski down but must walk or shuttle back up
At 11 Emmons Road, you experience authentic ski-in/ski-out access. The Red Lady Express lift is exactly 50 feet from the building entrance—closer than most parking lots are to their lifts.
View of the slopes from your private balcony at 11 Emmons Road
Why 11 Emmons Road is True Ski-In/Ski-Out
Located at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, 11 Emmons Road, Unit 324 offers unparalleled proximity to Red Lady Express lift. Here's what makes our location exceptional:
The 50-Foot Advantage
From the moment you step out of the building to the moment you click into your skis at the lift line, you'll travel just 50 feet. That's approximately:
- 15 seconds of walking in ski boots
- 3-4 car lengths
- Half a tennis court
- Less distance than most hotel lobbies
Direct Access, No Obstacles
The path from 11 Emmons Road to Red Lady Express is:
- Paved and maintained: No icy walkways or uneven terrain
- No road crossings: You never cross vehicle traffic
- No elevation changes: Flat, easy access
- Clear sight line: See the lift line from your balcony
- Covered areas: Protected walkway for snowy days
Ski Back to Your Door
Unlike many so-called ski-in/ski-out properties where you can only ski to the slopes, 11 Emmons Road offers true two-way access. At the end of your ski day, simply ski down to the base area and you're steps from your door.
Return to modern comfort after a day on the slopes
Benefits of True Ski-In/Ski-Out Access
The difference between true ski-in/ski-out and "close to the slopes" becomes apparent from your first morning. Here's why proximity matters:
1. Maximize Your Ski Time
When you're 50 feet from the lift, you can be first on the mountain and last off. No parking lot walks, no shuttle schedules, no waiting. Studies show ski-in/ski-out guests average 45-60 more minutes on the slopes per day compared to guests who drive or shuttle.
Time saved per 5-day trip: 4-5 hours of additional skiing
2. Midday Convenience
True ski-in/ski-out access means you can easily return to your rental for:
- Lunch breaks: Save money by eating in your fully-equipped kitchen
- Warm-up breaks: Take a quick break on cold days
- Gear changes: Swap out layers as conditions change
- Afternoon naps: Recharge for après-ski or night skiing
3. Family-Friendly Flexibility
For families with children or varying skill levels, proximity matters enormously:
- Parents can tag-team: One skis while one stays with kids
- Quick bathroom breaks without leaving the mountain
- Easily handle forgotten items (gloves, goggles, snacks)
- Non-skiing family members can easily join for lunch
4. First Tracks and Last Runs
Being 50 feet from the lift means you can roll out of bed and be in the lift line before most people have left their parking spots. Fresh powder mornings? You'll get first tracks. Beautiful afternoon light? You can ski until the lifts stop.
5. No Gear Hassles
Forget hauling ski equipment to and from parking lots. Your ski storage is right at the property, and the walk is so short that:
- You can make multiple trips without frustration
- Forgot something? Back to the room in under a minute
- End-of-day exhaustion? Short walk means no shuttle wait
Save money with midday breaks in your fully-equipped kitchen
About Red Lady Express Lift
Red Lady Express is one of Crested Butte Mountain Resort's primary lifts, and 11 Emmons Road sits at its base. Here's why this lift location is ideal:
Lift Specifications
- Type: High-speed quad chairlift
- Vertical rise: 2,028 feet
- Length: 6,882 feet
- Ride time: Approximately 7 minutes
- Capacity: 2,400 skiers per hour
Access to Terrain
From Red Lady Express, you have immediate access to:
- Beginner runs: Perfect for families and those learning
- Intermediate cruisers: Great for warm-up runs
- Advanced terrain: Quick connection to expert runs
- Other lifts: Easy access to the entire mountain
Efficiency & Crowd Management
Red Lady Express is known for efficient line management. Even on busy holiday weekends, wait times rarely exceed 5-10 minutes. Being first in line means you can choose your start time strategically.
What to Expect During Your Stay
The Property: Modern Comfort Meets Mountain Convenience
11 Emmons Road, Unit 324 is a recently renovated (2024) 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom vacation rental offering 650 square feet of thoughtfully designed space:
Accommodations
- Sleeps 4: Queen bed in bedroom, queen sleeper sofa in living room
- Modern bathroom: Walk-in shower with premium fixtures
- Full kitchen: Stainless appliances, cookware, coffee maker
- Smart home features: Keyless entry, programmable thermostat
- High-speed WiFi: 250+ Mbps for streaming and remote work
The Balcony Experience
Your private mountain-view balcony offers front-row seats to the ski action. Watch skiers make their way down the slopes while you enjoy morning coffee or après-ski beverages.
Comfortable sleeping quarters after a full day of skiing
A Typical Ski Day at 11 Emmons Road
7:00 AM: Wake up and check snow conditions from your balcony
7:30 AM: Make breakfast in your kitchen with mountain views
8:15 AM: Get dressed, gear up
8:45 AM: Walk 50 feet to Red Lady Express
9:00 AM: First chair up the mountain (lifts open at 9:00 AM)
12:30 PM: Quick lunch break at the condo
1:15 PM: Back on the slopes
4:00 PM: Last run down, ski right to your door
4:15 PM: Hot shower in your private bathroom
5:00 PM: Relax with après-ski drinks on the balcony
Notice how the 50-foot proximity eliminates all the usual friction points: no parking lot treks, no shuttle schedules, no carrying gear long distances.
Guest Testimonials
With a 4.98-star rating from 88 verified guests, 11 Emmons Road consistently receives praise for its unbeatable location:
"This is TRUE ski-in/ski-out. We've stayed at other places that claimed this, but nothing compares to being 50 feet from the lift. Game changer for our family ski trip."
— Sarah & Mike, Denver, CO
"The convenience is unreal. We maximized every minute on the slopes because there was zero commute. The property itself is beautifully updated and spotless."
— Jennifer, Austin, TX
"After years of skiing Crested Butte and dealing with parking hassles, this was heaven. Walk out the door, ski all day, walk back. Perfect."
— Robert, Chicago, IL
Why Crested Butte for Ski-In/Ski-Out?
Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers some of Colorado's most diverse and challenging terrain, making ski-in/ski-out access even more valuable:
The Mountain Stats
- Vertical drop: 3,062 feet (9th largest in North America)
- Skiable acres: 1,547 acres
- Number of trails: 121
- Terrain breakdown: 23% beginner, 57% intermediate, 20% expert
- Average snowfall: 309 inches per year
- Elevation: Base 9,375 ft, Summit 12,162 ft
What Makes Crested Butte Special
Known as "Colorado's Last Great Ski Town," Crested Butte maintains an authentic, laid-back atmosphere without the pretension of larger resorts. The skiing is world-class, featuring:
- Extreme terrain: Over 550 acres of expert terrain including the famous extreme limits
- Family-friendly runs: Excellent beginner and intermediate groomed runs
- Tree skiing: Some of Colorado's best glade skiing
- Powder stashes: Lower crowds mean longer-lasting powder
Beyond Skiing: Year-Round Mountain Paradise
While ski-in/ski-out access is the primary draw in winter, Crested Butte offers incredible summer activities:
- Mountain biking: World-renowned trails including the Evolution Bike Park
- Hiking: Alpine wildflower hikes (Crested Butte is the Wildflower Capital of Colorado)
- Festivals: Music, arts, and wildflower festivals
- Fishing: Blue-ribbon trout streams
11 Emmons Road is available year-round, making it an ideal basecamp for both winter and summer adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 11 Emmons Road truly ski-in/ski-out?
Yes, absolutely. The property is 50 feet from the Red Lady Express lift base. You can see the lift line from your balcony. This is genuine ski-in/ski-out access, not marketing language.
Can beginners handle the ski-in/ski-out access?
Yes! The terrain around 11 Emmons Road is beginner-friendly. The walk to the lift is flat and paved, and Red Lady Express accesses excellent beginner terrain.
Do I need to reserve parking?
You get one designated parking spot with your rental. Because you're ski-in/ski-out, you typically won't use your car during your stay except for arrival/departure and trips to downtown Crested Butte (5-minute drive).
How does ski-in/ski-out work at the end of the day?
When the lifts close at 4:00 PM, simply ski down to the base area. You'll see the building from the slope—it's the closest structure to Red Lady Express.
What if I want to access different lifts?
Red Lady Express connects to the entire mountain. You can access all other lifts and terrain from here. At day's end, simply ski back to Red Lady's base area.
Is the property family-friendly?
Absolutely. The property sleeps 4 (perfect for a family), and the short walk to the lift makes it easy to manage kids, gear, and multiple trips if needed. The kitchen facilities also help save money on dining out.
Can I book direct?
Yes! Booking direct saves you 15% compared to platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. You get the same great property, same amenities, but at a lower rate.
What's the cancellation policy?
We offer flexible cancellation up to 14 days before check-in for a full refund. We understand that mountain weather and travel plans can change.
Experience True Ski-In/Ski-Out at 11 Emmons Road
Don't settle for "near the slopes." Experience genuine ski-in/ski-out luxury just 50 feet from Red Lady Express lift. Book direct and save 15%.