How Much Snow Does Crested Butte Get Each Year?

A lot. NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for the Crested Butte weather station show average annual snowfall of about 203 inches, with January the snowiest month at about 42 inches. Average January lows are below zero. If you own or plan to buy a home here, snow is the single biggest factor in how the property works day to day.

Figures come from the NOAA climate normals for the Crested Butte station (USC00051959) as compiled in the Wikipedia article on Crested Butte, reviewed November 11, 2026. The mountain itself and Mt. Crested Butte are at different elevations and can get different amounts. Weather varies a lot from year to year.

How much snow falls each month?

Here are the average monthly snowfall figures for the Crested Butte station:

That is about 186 inches from November through April alone, with the rest falling in October and May.

What is the most snow Crested Butte has had?

The Wikipedia article reports a record of 415 inches in the 1977-78 winter season. Seasons vary widely, so a single winter can be well above or below the average.

How cold does it get?

The same normals list an average January high of 25.8°F and an average January low of −6.5°F. The table shows a record low of −47°F, in February. Summers are mild, with average July highs near 76°F. Annual precipitation is about 23.8 inches, much of it as snow.

How does that compare with Gunnison?

Gunnison averages about 45 inches of snow a year in town, per the NOAA normals I cited in my October post on Gunnison winters. Crested Butte gets roughly four and a half times as much, which is why homes here are built and maintained differently, and why winter costs matter more.

What does all that snow mean for a home?

Snow affects almost every part of owning a home here. When I walk a Crested Butte property with buyers, I look at:

• The roof. How old is it, what is it made of and where does the snow slide off? Metal roofs shed; others hold snow. A roof that sheds onto a walkway, a car or a gas meter deserves attention.
• Ice dams. Look for ceiling stains and ask about heat cables or past leaks.
• Snow removal. Who plows the driveway, who shovels the walks and roof, and what does it cost each season?
• Snow storage. Is there room to put plowed snow without blocking parking, windows or a neighbor?
• Decks and outbuildings. Are they built to carry heavy snow? Ask your inspector.
• Heating. Ask for 12 months of utility bills.

Do I need to shovel my roof?

It depends on the roof and the winter. Some roofs need clearing after heavy storms and some do not. Ask the seller what they have done and who they hire, and have your inspector or a structural professional look at any roof that raises questions. Building departments in the Town of Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte and Gunnison County each set their own design requirements for new construction.

What if the home is empty part of the winter?

Many owners here are part-time. If that is you, line up a property manager or caretaker who will check the house after storms, clear access, keep an eye on the heat and look for leaks. Tell your insurance agent how often the home is occupied. My ski season prep checklist has more detail.

Does snow affect buying and selling?

Yes. Snow can hide a roof, a deck, a septic lid or a driveway's condition, so build time into your contract for follow-up inspections in spring if needed. Sellers should keep driveways and walks clear for showings. A winter visit is the best way to understand a property, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort's planned November 25 opening date, announced by Vail Resorts in August and subject to conditions, is a good excuse to come see it.

What is the bottom line?

Crested Butte averages around 203 inches of snow a year, with January the peak. That is the appeal for skiers and the main maintenance factor for homeowners. Pay attention to the roof, the snow storage and the snow removal plan on any home you consider. A local agent can help you ask the right questions.

Frequently asked questions

How much snow does Crested Butte get a year?

About 203 inches on average at the Crested Butte station, per NOAA's 1991–2020 normals.

What is the snowiest month in Crested Butte?

January, averaging about 42 inches.

How cold does Crested Butte get in winter?

The average January low is −6.5°F, and the record low on file is −47°F.

Does Crested Butte get more snow than Gunnison?

Yes. Gunnison averages about 45 inches a year in town, versus about 203 in Crested Butte.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Crested Butte, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties, Brokered by eXp Realty. Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Sources: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals and extremes for Crested Butte (station USC00051959), as compiled in the Wikipedia article on Crested Butte, Colorado; NOAA normals for Gunnison (cited October 28, 2026); Vail Resorts 2026-27 opening dates announcement (Aug. 18, 2026); reviewed November 11, 2026. General information only.