Very Good!4.1 / 5Mar 22, 2019
Jason L. expert 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
Jason L. Superb!5 / 5Jan 14, 2019
Ignacio O. advanced snowboarder
Superb!5 / 5Dec 27, 2018
Mitch S. advanced skier
Very Good!4.1 / 5Nov 20, 2018
Fernando L. advanced snowboarder
Very Good!4.2 / 5Sep 19, 2018
ADAdam D.
great resort, fairly upscale with amazing ski school. we came here in late november and there was still plenty of snow to go around! would definitely recommend to anyone in the area... Moreexpert skier
Superb!4.9 / 5Dec 02, 2017
TLTrey L.
Not exactly roughing it is right! The overall quality experience at this mountain has been drawing me back year after year. The runs are great. Great feelings all around here. ... Moreadvanced skier
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 30, 2017
BLBen L.
It is a great family resort but maybe not the best for your die hard ski bum. A little over the top with the service provided which is great for families but also drives up the cost for the cheaper folks. ... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 29, 2017
SKSteven K.
Beaver Creek in my top five in Colorado. Others that are awesome for sure Snowmass Stesmboat Copper Mountain and Crested Butte. I try and get to those ones for sure. ... Moreadvanced skier
Superb!4.7 / 5Nov 27, 2017
DMDeb M.
Beaver creek resort is a gem. The skiing was amazing and the facilities and activities for the whole family were outstanding. Our children ranging in age from 8 to 14 had a great assortment of trails to ski and we had the luxury that we wanted. I would highly recommend Beaver creek as a resort families can go to each year. Start a new tradition... Moreadvanced skier
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 27, 2017
RWRichard W.
This is one great place to ski or board. It has great runs, great staff and equally great cookies at 3PM! The only real down side is the prices, particularly the lodging. And you are so close to Vail that you can ski both! ... Moreintermediate skier