November in the Gunnison Valley is a month between seasons, but Mother Nature has certainly boosted our anticipation for winter. Crested Butte Mountain Resort has started snowmaking, with crews focused on Houston and Lower Keystone. Each cold night brings opening day a little closer.

This year’s opening carries a bit of history. The lifts start turning on Wednesday, November 25, the day before Thanksgiving, when Crested Butte Mountain Resort opens for its 65th winter. The mountain first opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1961 with a simple rope tow and T-bar near the base area. Sixty-five years later, the holiday timing hasn’t changed. Opening Chair is at 9:00 a.m., with DJ MIJO playing live in the base area, and as always, the date is conditions permitting.

Before then, the valley has plenty to fill the calendar. The Crested Butte Snowsports Foundation Gear Swap, Makers Market, and Nordic Center opening are all happening this month. Discover event details and on our Events Calendar.

The real estate market is also in transition as the year winds down. October’s closings showed activity shifting across price points and areas of the valley, with residential and land following noticeably different paths. Our October Market Update breaks down the numbers for Gunnison County and the Upper Gunnison Valley, along with what they mean for anyone buying or selling this winter.