1,000+ acres of exclusive terrain, about ⅔ the size of Crested Butte Mountain Resort
38.8750 °N, 107.0973 °W
Lodge Destinations
Guided Adventures
Your Personal Cat-Skiing Playground in Colorado
Welcome to a microclimate that dumps 450+ inches of light powder per year on 1,000+ acres of our exclusive terrain in Irwin. Consider it all yours, because our custom snowcats are the only ones making tracks besides you and your friends.
Fast Facts on Eleven’s Irwin Terrain
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Average snowfall of 450+ inches per year, Colorado's highest annual average
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Versatile and safe for the whole family, with runs for all skier types and an avalanche mitigation operation
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Conveniently located 45 minutes from our downtown Crested Butte lodges, accessed by private snowcat
1,000+ acres of exclusive terrain, about ⅔ the size of Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Average snowfall of 450+ inches per year, Colorado's highest annual average
Versatile and safe for the whole family, with runs for all skier types and an avalanche mitigation operation
Conveniently located 45 minutes from our downtown Crested Butte lodges, accessed by private snowcat
Terrain Breakdown by Skill Level
Our expansive cat-skiing terrain is versatile enough for all levels of skiers. Our guides will get to know each guest's skill level and goals before you even gear up.
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Beginner
Warm up at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, then start with low-angle, cat-tracked roads at Irwin. Your guides will lead you slowly down gentle “green” slopes.
Intermediate
Cruise wide-open terrain, well-spaced glades, and moderately steep sections that are perfect for the intermediate “blue” skier with a strong foundation
Advanced
Get into steeps, tighter trees, and more exposed ridges. These “black diamond” runs are suitable for seasoned skiers who are confident on challenging terrain.
Expert
We’ll hit the steepest and most technical zones with expert-level skiers. Drop cliff bands, rip chutes and bowls, and get creative with your own lines.
Vehicles & Gear
Custom-Made for More Skiing and a Better Ride
You’ll be picked up from the lodge’s doorstep for the 13-mile ride to Irwin in our 10-passenger Tucker cats, custom-built with flat-screen TVs, leather seats, and stocked with refreshments. After gearing up at our on-mountain outposts, you’ll head out in our PistenBully climbing cats, which make your ride almost as good as your turns.
Sample Itinerary
A Day of Cat-Skiing at Irwin
Fully personalized to your preferences, your itinerary can include any combination of experiences. Here are a few of our favorites for a day of cat-skiing with your crew.
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Breakfast and Load Up
Start the day with made-to-order omelets and espresso at home. The snowcat pulls up to your doorstep, and you’ll head out to Irwin with your gear and guides.
All-Day Cat Laps
Ski a huge variety of terrain with our on-mountain cabins as your base. From glades to cliffs, your guides will take you to the right spots for you.
Après, Spa Time, and Dinner
Après-ski at Irwin, then head back for massages and a rooftop hot tub soak. We’ll get you a table at our favorite local spot or bring in a private chef.
Meet Our Team
Local Guides with Specialized Experience
With extensive certifications and experience, our guides combine local insight with individual attention as they show you the goods and help hone your skills.
Ben Ammon
Ben Ammon is an IFMGA-certified guide for Eleven. Based in Crested Butte, he thrives on sharing once-in-a-lifetime experiences with guests across North America’s wildest mountains.
Billy Rankin
Billy Rankin is a veteran ski and mountain guide for Eleven with 30 years of experience. Based in Crested Butte, he’s passionate about deep powder, good people, and unforgettable days outside.
Megan Paden
Megan Paden has spent 25+ years in the mountains, from ski patrol to avalanche forecasting. Based in Crested Butte, she guides for Eleven at Irwin, Rio Palena Lodge, and Deplar Farm. Off the slopes, she enjoys adventuring with family, gardening, and working with her horses.
Lani Bruntz
Lani Bruntz is a Lead Guide at Irwin and Heli Ski Guide in Iceland for Eleven. With over a decade of guiding experience, she thrives on connecting with guests while chasing powder and sharing unforgettable mountain experiences.
Tim Mahan
Tim Mahan is a year-round guide based in Crested Butte. A powder skier at heart, he’s passionate about crafting unforgettable mountain adventures and chasing big days across Eleven’s global locations.
Jack Caprio
Jack Caprio is a multi-discipline guide based in Crested Butte. He leads skiing, rafting, fishing, and climbing adventures and loves sharing Gunnison Valley’s world-class outdoor pursuits.
H Baumm
HBaumm is a ski guide for Eleven at Irwin, bringing 30+ years of snow safety and mountain experience to every guest adventure in Colorado’s high alpine backcountry.
Jimmy Tart
Jimmy Tart is a ski guide with nearly 30 seasons of patrolling, avalanche education, and backcountry guiding experience.
Aaron Peterson
Aaron Peterson is a Crested Butte–based guide for Eleven. A longtime avalanche educator and certified climbing instructor, he’s passionate about breaking down barriers to help others thrive outside.
Mark Robbins
Mark Robbins is a seasoned guide based in Crested Butte, with over 15 years coaching freeride skiing and exploring Irwin’s legendary powder. A certified PSIA instructor and IFSA coach, he brings deep local knowledge and a passion for sharing Irwin’s wild, uncrowded terrain.
Mars Charlebois
Marissa “Mars” Charlebois is a ski guide at Irwin, known for her enthusiasm, environmental advocacy, and love of big mountain terrain.
Elise Brizes
Elise Brizes is a cat skiing and backcountry guide based in Crested Butte. With a background in engineering and avalanche education, she brings both technical skill and contagious energy to the mountains. When she’s not guiding, she’s outside, writing to friends, or hanging with her two cats, Remy and Ru.
Ross Matlock
Ross Matlock has been guiding backcountry and cat skiing in Crested Butte for over 30 years. Originally from Australia, he’s passionate about deep powder and sharing unforgettable ski days with guests.
Dave Bumgarner
Dave Bumgarner is an AMGA-certified guide with over 20 years of experience leading ski, climbing, and river adventures across Colorado and around the globe.
Bel Young
Born and raised in Crested Butte, Bel guides skiing, biking, and hiking, sharing her passion for the outdoors and crafting unforgettable adventures for every guest.
Pow Cam
Mountain Cam
Eleven's Cat-Skiing Lodges in Crested Butte
Frequently Asked Questions
A snowcat is an enclosed vehicle used to drive up and down the mountain so that you can access untouched terrain for the best possible skiing conditions. Our snowcats are custom built with your comfort in mind—think leather seats, flat-screen TVs, heat, sound systems, and large windows.
We have two charming on-mountain chalets at Irwin, where your group will put on your ski boots, have lunch, and enjoy après. You’re also welcome to hang out at the cabins throughout the day if you want to take a break or lounge by the fire if you’re a non-skier along for the ride.
Irwin, the wilderness area where Eleven’s terrain is located, sits just 13 miles west of Crested Butte. Conditions permitting, the snowcat will pick you up at the front door of Scarp Ridge Lodge or Sopris House and take you on a 45-minute ride through the wilderness to Irwin.
More Guided Winter Adventures in Colorado
Cross-Country Skiing
With 50 kilometers of classic and skate skiing trails, Crested Butte is considered the Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado. Head out with our guides to experience the local's favorite pastime. Depending on your booking type this may be included in your stay.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoe through snow-blanketed meadows, aspen glades, and timbered forests in Crested Butte, or hike in Irwin and link up with your friends and family who went cat-skiing. Depending on your booking type this may be included in your stay.
Backcountry Skiing
From steeps and bowls to gentle glades, our guides will take you to the best terrain. If you’re new to the backcountry, we’ll show you how to uphill and operate your avy gear safely. Depending on your booking type this may be included in your stay.
Ice Climbing
Located two hours away, the ice parks in Ouray and Lake City have become global destinations. Lean on your guides as you learn the basics or take on more advanced wilderness climbs. Depending on your booking type this may be included in your stay.
Snowmobiling
Explore the backcountry on your own or take a guided tour that includes trail rides through the Gunnison National Forest, as well as off-trail powder riding in the open fields of Splains Gulch. This activity is an additional fee.
Resort Skiing
Follow our guides to the secret stashes at Crested Butte Mountain resort, just a few minutes from the lodge. Guides are included in your stay, but lift tickets are priced separately.
Explore Eleven's Skiing Lodges
France
Eleven Chalet Hibou
Perched in a French village just across from Italy, Chalet Hibou brings guests to the epicenter of the Alps' best ski resorts, cycling routes, and hut-to-hut hikes. The lodge has seven guest rooms, a terrace hot tub, and year-round adventure guides.
France
Eleven Chalet Pelerin
Chalet Pelerin combines a quiet village setting with 360-degree access to Europe's best skiing, hiking, and biking. Tucked away in a French hamlet, the five-bedroom chalet includes year-round guided adventures, an indoor pool, and a terrace hot tub.
Canada
Eleven Revelstoke Lodge
Eleven Revelstoke Lodge offers 300,000 exclusive acres of heli-skiing in the heart of British Columbia. With central access to Revy's local scene and summer adventures, this historic lodge has 12 rooms, a next-door eatery, and a private speakeasy.
Chile
Eleven Rio Palena Lodge
Set along the Rio Palena in Chilean Patagonia, this seven-bedroom lodge is a remote adventure base for fly fishing, glacier hiking, and heli-skiing. Along with expert guides and a helipad, the lodge also offers wood-fired hot tubs and a sauna.
Iceland
Eleven Deplar Farm
Named on Condé Nast's "Best Hotels in the World" list in 2023, Deplar Farm is a converted 15th-century sheep farm in northern Iceland. With 13 guest rooms and an expansive spa, the lodge also offers guided heli-skiing, sea kayaking, and fly fishing.
Colorado, USA
Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge
Eleven’s flagship property Scarp Ridge Lodge delivers a rare combination of exclusive cat-skiing and guided summer adventures in Crested Butte, a small mountain town known for its local charm. The lodge has five king rooms and a kids' bunk room.
Colorado, USA
Eleven Sopris House
Full of historic character, Sopris House is a next-door neighbor to Scarp Ridge Lodge in Crested Butte. Along with exclusive cat-skiing and guided summer adventures, the four-bedroom home offers a private wood-paneled saloon and outdoor courtyard.