Most accommodations are clustered around the ski area in Mt. Crested Butte. This historic town has a handful of lodges and quaint B&Bs, but they aren't as convenient to the slopes. However, they are less expensive, closer to the nightlife and offer a taste of more rustic Western atmosphere. A free bus service takes you right to the slopes every 15 minutes, so the primary inconvenience of in-town lodging is the short bus ride. Make sure to ask about lodging packages that include lift tickets.

Crested Butte Vacations (800-810-7669) can take care of everything from your plane tickets to lodging, lift tickets and lessons with one phone call. It also offers some of the best packages available. Before you make any arrangements, call and ask for the best possible deal.

Find Crested Butte ski and stay packages

The Grand Lodge Crested Butte ($$$–$$$$; above), purchased by the resort in spring 2006, is located in the base village a short walk from the lifts. It's the only full-service hotel other than Club Med and offers hotel rooms and condominium units. You'll find an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness room, concierge, room service, gift shop and business center here.

Black Bear Lodge ($$$$), the newest high-end property, features three-bedroom condominiums near the Peachtree lift. The custom condos are spacious and include a gourmet kitchen, fireplace, outdoor hot tub and covered parking.

The Plaza ($$$$), just steps from the Silver Queen Quad, features one of the most luxurious and roomy condominium units in Mt. Crested Butte. There are two hot tubs, a sauna and covered parking. They give excellent value and are especially popular with groups because special functions can be arranged. There's also a great pizza joint and pub here, The Firehouse Grill. Kid's World is just 50 yards away. Treasury Point ($$$$) features premier three- and four-bedroom townhomes. They are spacious and beautifully furnished, and include a garage and a complex with an outdoor hot tub.

The Villas ($$$$), the most luxurious townhouses in Mt. Crested Butte, are just across the street from the lifts. The three- and four-bedroom units are tastefully decorated, and have private balconies and fabulous views of Mt. Crested Butte.

The Buttes ($$$–$$$$; left) are well-appointed condos close to the lifts. Rooms range in size from studios to two bedrooms. The Gateway ($$$–$$$$), across from the Peachtree lift and near the Silver Queen, may be the best luxury of any condo on the slopes when you trade price for space and amenities.

Find Crested Butte ski and stay packages

Wood Creek and Mountain Edge ($$–$$$$) are convenient to the lifts, and the Columbine is a more moderate ski-in/ski-out property. These three, together with nine others within shuttlebus distance of the lifts, are managed by several agencies, so it's best to book through Crested Butte Vacations (800-810-7669).

Elevation Hotel (800-258-2633; $$$–$$$$;right), formerly Club Med (and a Marriott prior to 2000), is the only true ski-in/out hotel at the resort. It was sold in June of 2006 to a Florida company with $20 million to completely renovate the building, morphing it into a 265-unit condominium-hotel by the start of the 2007-08 ski season when rooms will feature a mini-kitchenette, flat panel HD TVs, CD Players, high speed internet, spa quality bath amenities, and beds with pillow top mattress and down duvets.

In town:
The Crested Butte Club Boutique Inn & Spa (800-815-2582; 349-6655; $$$–$$$$), 512 Second St., is the upscale, Old-World elegance champion of the area. Though the lifts are a bit far, this place is worth the inconvenience. Nine suites have been individually furnished in earthy and neutral tones with luxurious oversized furnishings and bedding, double pedestal sinks, hydrotherapy tubs and a fireplace. The amenities include a full-service spa and the fitness club, with heated swimming pool, steam rooms, hot tub, weight room and weight trainer. Rates include a breakfast buffet and evening beverages. This is a no-smoking property.

The Claim Jumper (349-6471; $$–$$$), 704 Whiterock St., is a historic log-home bed-and-breakfast and the class act in town. It's filled with a collection of memorable antiques. Bedrooms have themes and are furnished with brass or old iron beds. There are six rooms, all with private bath. Rates include a full breakfast. The Claim Jumper can also arrange catered weddings and special-occasion receptions.

The Cristiana Guesthaus (800-824-7899; 349-5326; $–$$; left), 621 Maroon Ave., is a block from the ski shuttle and a five-minute walk from downtown. The mountain inn atmosphere encourages guests to get to know one another. The rooms are small, but guests spend a good deal of time in the common areas which is the point! Rates include breakfast. Let the owners know if you need quiet, because some rooms get quite a bit of traffic from the owner's family and folks using the washers and dryers.

Find Crested Butte ski and stay packages

The Elk Mountain Lodge (349-7533; $$–$$$), 2nd Street and Gothic Avenue, has simple but comfortable rooms, all with private baths. Ask for Room 20 on the third floor with lots of space, a balcony and a great view. Continental breakfast is included.

Other recommended B&Bs in town, both of which serve hot gourmet breakfasts, are the flowery Victorian Elizabeth Anne (349-0147; 703 Maroon Ave.; $$$) and The Ruby of Crested Butte (800-390-1338; 624 Gothic Ave.; $$), newly opened and classy yet dog-friendly.

For something out of the ordinary, call PR Property Management (349-6281), which has rentals including private homes and condominiums.

Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less.