Conquering Avery: The Ultimate Downhill Experience at Crested Butte, Colorado

Quick Overview

• Distance: 3 mi
• Level: Difficult (Single Black Diamond)
• Route Type: Network
• Location: Crested Butte, Colorado

The Starting Line: How to Get There

Getting to Avery is straightforward. From the heart of Crested Butte, take Highway 135 north for approximately 2 miles to reach the town of Mount Crested Butte. Follow the signs for Crested Butte Mountain Resort and look for designated day parking areas.

Trail Features and Riding Experience

All-encompassing Technical Challenge

Avery throws the proverbial kitchen sink at riders with its diverse array of challenges. The trail starts at the top of the Red Lady lift and descends all the way to the base area, throwing in rock gardens, off-camber turns, slick mud patches, bridges, and table-top jumps.

Unique Terrain Features

• Drops: Both small and large, including a 10-foot transition
• Rock Gardens: Handmade and natural, littered throughout the trail
• Berms: Big and fast, offering a smoother descent
• Roots: Abundant, adding complexity to the ride
• Jumps: Best suited for expert jumpers

Local Tips

A full kit and full-face helmet are strongly recommended due to the trail's technical nature and fast pace. The lower half of the trail transitions into bermed-up, rollable jumps that replace the rocky technical features seen earlier.

Rider Feedback

The feedback about Avery is overwhelmingly positive:

• "This trail is my favorite at the resort because of the amazing variety on this one ribbon of singletrack."
• "Intense. Fast, bermy, rocky, rooty, droppy."
• "You need to be an expert jumper to actually work the jumps."
• "Excellent trail! A little bit of everything for everyone."

The Final Verdict

There's a reason Avery serves as the official race course at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. With its variety of technical features, it's the go-to trail for adrenaline seekers. At 3 miles long and with a nearly 600-foot descent, it's a brief yet intense ride that should only be tackled by experienced riders looking for a challenging, high-paced adventure. Whether one is looking to hone their technical skills or simply searching for a thrilling downhill experience, Avery doesn't disappoint.