When did Vail buy Crested Butte? The acquisition officially closed on September 27, 2018, when Vail Resorts completed the purchase of Crested Butte Mountain Resort along with three other ski areas. For many Coloradans, it was a moment that reshaped the state’s ski industry. Crested Butte—long considered the “last great ski town” with an independent, slightly rebellious spirit—was now under the umbrella of the world’s largest ski resort operator.
This article explores five critical facts about the acquisition: the timeline, why it happened, how locals reacted, what it meant for skiers, and the long-term impact as of 2025. Whether you’re a skier curious about pass access or simply interested in the business of mountain resorts, here’s the inside story of how and why Vail Resorts bought Crested Butte.
1. The Timeline: When Did Vail Buy Crested Butte?
The deal was first announced on June 4, 2018, when Vail Resorts revealed plans to acquire Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado, Stevens Pass in Washington, and Okemo and Mount Sunapee in Vermont.
- Announced: June 4, 2018
- Closed: September 27, 2018
- Seller: Triple Peaks LLC (owned by the Mueller family, longtime stewards of Okemo and Crested Butte)
- Transaction value: $82 million for the mountain assets, plus $155 million to pay off lease obligations
This marked the end of Crested Butte’s era as one of Colorado’s most beloved independent resorts.
2. Why Did Vail Resorts Buy Crested Butte?
The purchase was part of Vail Resorts’ long-term strategy to dominate the North American ski market through acquisitions.
- Geographic expansion: Crested Butte gave Vail Resorts a foothold in southern Colorado, diversifying its presence beyond the I-70 corridor.
- Pass sales: Adding Crested Butte to the Epic Pass boosted sales to Denver and Front Range skiers looking for more options.
- Competitive edge: It countered rival Alterra’s growing Ikon Pass network, which had already pulled in Winter Park, Steamboat, and Aspen’s partner mountains.
For Vail, it was less about Crested Butte’s raw size and more about its brand value. The resort’s rugged terrain and fiercely loyal community made it a “bucket list” destination for advanced skiers.
3. Local Reaction: Excitement Meets Skepticism
When news broke in summer 2018, reactions in Crested Butte were mixed.
- Optimism: Many hoped Vail Resorts would invest in long-needed infrastructure like lifts and snowmaking.
- Skepticism: Locals worried about rising costs, loss of town character, and “corporatization” of their tight-knit ski culture.
- Comparison: Some pointed to Vail’s stewardship of Park City, Utah, where investment improved facilities but altered the small-town vibe.
Real-world example: In town hall meetings, business owners expressed optimism about year-round tourism growth, while longtime residents voiced fears that Vail would “turn CB into another Breckenridge.”
4. What It Meant for Skiers
The acquisition had immediate and lasting effects for skiers across Colorado.
- Epic Pass access: Beginning in the 2018–2019 season, Crested Butte was fully included on the Epic Pass, opening its terrain to hundreds of thousands of passholders.
- Affordability vs. crowds: For Front Range skiers already holding an Epic Pass, Crested Butte became more accessible. But locals feared increased visitation and crowded slopes.
- Terrain upgrades: Vail Resorts announced investments in snowmaking, lift maintenance, and on-mountain dining—though major expansions have been slow to arrive.
Insider note: While skier visits have increased, Crested Butte has so far retained much of its reputation as an experts’ mountain, with legendary steeps like the Headwall, Rambo, and Teocalli Bowl.
5. The Long-Term Impact as of 2025
Seven years later, the purchase of Crested Butte by Vail Resorts continues to shape the ski industry in Colorado.
- Community balance: Crested Butte has managed to keep its quirky, independent personality alive—though some locals argue the “soul of skiing” feels thinner.
- Economic growth: Tourism revenue in Gunnison County has steadily increased, with more year-round visitors.
- Epic vs. Ikon: The acquisition cemented the Epic vs. Ikon Pass rivalry that now defines North American skiing. For travelers, it means more choices; for locals, it often means more traffic.
- Infrastructure: Incremental improvements have been made, but large-scale projects promised in 2018 are still on many locals’ wish lists.
The verdict? Vail’s purchase of Crested Butte has delivered stability and access, but the debate over whether it’s been good for the community continues.
FAQs: When Did Vail Buy Crested Butte
1. When did Vail Resorts officially acquire Crested Butte?
The purchase was completed on September 27, 2018.
2. Who sold Crested Butte to Vail Resorts?
Triple Peaks LLC, owned by the Mueller family, sold Crested Butte along with Okemo and Sunapee.
3. How much did Vail Resorts pay for Crested Butte?
Vail paid $82 million for the mountain assets and assumed $155 million in lease-related obligations.
4. Did Crested Butte immediately join the Epic Pass?
Yes. By the 2018–2019 ski season, Epic Pass holders had access to Crested Butte.
5. Has Vail Resorts improved Crested Butte since the acquisition?
Yes, but changes have been gradual. Snowmaking capacity has expanded, though major lift and terrain expansions remain limited.
Conclusion: When Did Vail Buy Crested Butte?
So, when did Vail buy Crested Butte? The deal closed on September 27, 2018, reshaping both Crested Butte’s identity and Colorado’s ski industry. For some, it was the beginning of better infrastructure and Epic Pass access. For others, it marked the end of an independent era.
What’s undeniable is that the acquisition secured Crested Butte’s place in the global ski spotlight, ensuring its steep chutes and quirky mountain town vibe remain a part of the broader conversation about the future of skiing in America.
If you’re planning your trip, check out our guides on best restaurants in Vail and best hotels in Vail .
Summary (TL;DR)
Vail Resorts bought Crested Butte on September 27, 2018, acquiring it from Triple Peaks LLC. The deal added the resort to the Epic Pass, sparked mixed local reactions, and cemented Vail’s rivalry with Alterra’s Ikon Pass. As of 2025, Crested Butte remains a legendary mountain balancing its quirky roots with corporate ownership.
