The Curbed Cup, our competition for the ski town of the year, is kicking off with 16 ski towns vying for the prestigious trophy. This week we'll have two matchups per day, and all the results and the full tournament bracket will be reviewed on Friday. Voting for each pairing ends 24 hours after it begins. Let the eliminations commence!
As the highest ranked ski town in the Northeast, Stowe delivers on iconic Vermont skiing with a friendly, historic downtown. Stowe Mountain Resort has also been making moves this past year, joining the Mountain Collective and unveiling plans for new real estate projects at Spruce Peak. Skiers can eventually expect an ice rink, adventure center, clubhouse, retail shops, restaurants, and markets. But where Stowe consistently delivers is the overall ski experience: with arguably the best terrain, lifts, and nightlife in the east.
Or do you prefer Crested Butte? If it were in New England, this Colorado ski town would win every award possible. But it's in Colorado, were you can't drive more than 2 hours without hitting another awesome ski resort. Crested Butte, however, is something special. It's off the traffic-laden I-70 corridor, offers expanded flights this winter, and the mountain is focused on offering new experiences for its skiers. The ski area's 500-acre expansion is a few years away, but the resort recently built a new umbrella bar at mid-mountain and added more of its exceptional steep-and-deep terrain. Meanwhile, the town of Crested Butte is what ski country dreams are made of: walkable, with good dining, friendly locals, and reasonable lodging.
· All Stowe Coverage [Curbed Ski]
· All Crested Butte Coverage [Curbed Ski]