Fabulous!4.5 / 5Sep 04, 2019
Jared T. intermediate snowboarder
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Learn more about Beaver Creek
Pros
- Beaver Creek is the best ski resort for the ultimate getaway experience with upscale dining options
- It doesn’t suffer from the same crowds as its bigger sister Vail
- Top-notch grooming and superb upper terrain for beginners
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to other Colorado resorts
Overall
Welcome to Colorado’s newest ski resort, the one and only Beaver Creek, where luxury comes as standard. Everything at Beaver Creek is posh, planned and near perfection – it’s the Deer Valley of Colorado. Owned by Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek opened in 1980 modeled after Europe's best ski resorts St Moritz in Switzerland and Italy's Cortina, it's like Vail's classier sister - not quite as popular, less approached, but that's what makes it so precious.
Best month to go
January and March
Avoid
December and February
December is ideally not the month to go Beaver Creek as the weather is far too cold to be enjoyable. Although it is still rather cold, January is a better month to visit Beaver Creek as it sees fewer crowds than Christmas and February. Crowds tend to scatter throughout March and April with the exception of Spring Break. For the best chance of a bluebird day, visit during March, just before hotel and flight prices become expensive in May.
FLY TO
Denver International Airport
DRIVE/SHUTTLE TO
Beaver Creek (2.5-3 hours)
Beaver Creak Village (Walk)
- Main village with the most amenities, restaurants and activities
- All lodging offer ski-in access
- Variety of hotels, condos and B&B lodging
Bachelor Gulch Village (Walk)
- Offers access to Bachelor Gulch Express lift for green and blue trails
- Lodging includes The Ritz-Carlton and vacation rental homes
- The only other location for ski and snowboard school besides Beaver Creek Village
Arrowhead Village (Walk)
- Lodging is limited to ski condos only
- Offers access to Arrowbahn Express lift for green and blue trails
- Located furthest from Beaver Creek Village
Avon (Walk)
- Small town with free shuttle to Beaver Creek Village
- Variety of hotels including Westin Resort and Spa
- Riverfront Express Gondola provides access to the base of the mountain
For beginners
Beginners can ski with ease here as they can meander down one of many groomed trails at Beaver Creek. Be sure to check out Stirrup, a long windy green that's also our favorite run! The runs off the Elkhorn lift also offer fantastic progression trails for those looking to take it to the next level.
For intermediates
Intermediate skiers and riders will also have endless choices at Beaver Creek with the terrain off Elkhorn lift being our top pick! For our favorite run, start off on Lamplighter from the top of Elkhorn lift, followed by Board's Skiway and then Boarder's Loop back to base.
For experts
Beaver Creek doesn't have the most challenging terrain around, but Grouse Mountain is packed with black diamond and double black diamonds making it the best spot for more advanced skiers and snowboarders and includes our favorite the Black Bear double diamond! For the experts, the Stone Creek Chutes is where the fun is at!
Find freshies
The Stone Creek Chutes and anything on the Grouse Mountain are the best spots to find freshies. These areas feature the most challenging terrain at Beaver Creek and therefore sees fewer skiers and snowboarders tracking the fresh powder.
Ditch the crowds
The Centennial Express lift is the most family-friendly lift in Beaver Creek, which also makes it the busiest one of all here. For advanced skiers and snowboarders, the runs off Grouse Mountain are the best for avoiding crowds as this area only offers black or double black diamond trails.
Non skiers
The Beaver Creek Village might be small but there's still plenty on offer for non-skiers. Beaver Creek is known for its pampering so why not check one of the many spas? If that's not high up on the non-skiing activities list then the Vilar Performing Arts Center offers everything from Broadway shows to epic ski movies from the late Warren Miller.
Families
As a purpose-built resort, the small and easy to navigate village along with the abundance of beginner and intermediate terrain make Beaver Creek an ideal ski destination for families. For families with different skiing abilities, the Centennial Express lift gives access to a variety of greens, blues, and blacks trails that all lead back to down to the village, making it easy to ride up together and then meet at the bottom.
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Beaver Creek Reviews
Jared T. Fabulous!4.3 / 5Sep 04, 2019
Matt B. advanced snowboarder
Superb!4.6 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Leslie B. intermediate skier
Superb!4.9 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Robert H. advanced snowboarder
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Jon B. intermediate skier
Average!3.4 / 5Jul 01, 2019
Timber W. intermediate snowboarder
Good!3.6 / 5May 03, 2019
Concierge Choice L. advanced skier
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Apr 29, 2019
Thomas M. intermediate skier
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Mar 22, 2019
George L. intermediate skier
Superb!4.6 / 5Mar 22, 2019
Aron B. advanced skier