Overview: Two blocks from the town hub of Elk Avenue, this 17-room boutique inn offers immediate access to dozens of restaurants, coffeehouses, shops, and (in season) the farmers market.

Notable: A free doorstop shuttle service—compliments of the mountain resort—makes it easy to ski all day and return for easy access to scores of après and dinner options. In summer, you can bike to much of CB's iconic singletrack (the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame is here) from the front door, then retire to the deck for drinks or a dip in the Jacuzzi.

Our Take: The rooms are modest, elegant, and comfy, with access to private balconies. Both the complimentary breakfast and afternoon wine hour downstairs in the sitting room are casual but civilized.

Stay Here If: You want mountain biking, skiing, fishing, hiking, and bona fide Colorado mountain town culture right at your doorstep. Spend the day in the mountains, swap out your muddy clothes for a shower and an easy walk across town for dinner.

Information: $185–$205 per room. Discounted Fall/Spring rates. innatcrestedbutte.net

—Jeff Burke

From the Early Winter 2011 issue