Unlike many Western ski resorts that evolved from old mining towns, Beaver Creek was envisioned and built from the ground up. Developers had a singular goal in mind: to provide the ultimate guest experience. You’d never imagine the opulence that awaits as you pass through the unassuming town of Avon. Once you’re through the front entrance, you know something special is in store. A private road skirted by a lush golf course takes you on a picturesque journey to the foot of the resort. There, a paved village links boutique shops and restaurants, while escalators (yes, you heard that right) whisks skiers up to the lifts. At the day’s end, warm chocolate chip cookies await. Not exactly roughing it. Beaver Creek has earned its reputation for fresh powder with a side of posh.
Beaver Creek offers three distinct mountain areas with everything from gentle groomers to heart-racing black diamonds. The mountain boasts a 4,040-foot vertical rise serviced by 16 lifts with 150 trails. Beginners will find easy runs at the top and they get the same spectacular view as the diehards. Intermediate skiers have more than 805 acres of easy-cruising “groomers” at their disposal. Coyote Glade near the Bachelor Gulch lift is a great place to explore—particularly if you like the trees. Beaver Creek is also the place to challenge yourself, so don’t shy away from the black runs near the Centennial Express lift. Experts will gravitate to the double-black diamonds at Royal Elk Glades and Bald Eagle off the Grouse Mountain Express lift. It’s every bit as challenging as Vail’s back bowls—don’t let anyone tell you differently. But the mountain is a lot mellower than Vail and that’s a good thing.
In the summer months when the snow melts, take the lift up and explore a different type of downhill—miles of rolling single tracks. (Views included.) The village in Beaver Creek is its own adventure with an open-air, ice-skating rink right in the center of everything. Dine at Toscanini for savory Italian or Blue Moose for NY-style pizza if the kids are in tow. In the off-season—spring and fall—you’ll find lots of deals on meals and places to stay.
There’s also fly-fishing nearby, horseback riding and the Beaver Creek rodeo. From the bull riding to calf roping and barrel racing, it’s a family-friendly night out complete with cotton candy and salty pretzels. Other activities include a scenic gondola ride up the mountain to Spruce Saddle. From there, you can explore several hikes such as the Royal Elk Trail and the Overlook Trail. At the base of Beaver Creek, there’s a small adventure area for kids that includes mini golf, a bungee trampoline and a rock-climbing wall. There are also tons of concerts and movies outside throughout the summer. If all of this activity has you feeling tired, rejuvenate at one of the many luxury spas.
Summer or winter, spring or fall, activity is always blooming in Beaver Creek. As the expression goes, locals come for the winter and stay for the summer. You’ll enjoy any season here.
