Beaver Creek Colorado

Beaver Creek is the epitome of a luxury ski resort. Their motto is “not exactly roughing it” and it is definitely a long way from roughing it at Beaver Creek because you’ll receive over-the-top pampering!

At Beaver Creek it’s all about the little things. Firstly you don’t have to do much traipsing about in your ski boots because there are escalators that travel to the slopes from the plaza and bus area. Slopeside ski valets store your gear and warm your boots, and the guest service staff anticipate your every need. The white glove service also extends to extras such as handing out free cookies in the afternoon. At BC, all guests are treated like royalty.

Beaver Creek caters to a well heeled market, yet it doesn’t have the snootiness that is sometimes found at nearby Vail. And whilst Vail is usually bustling, the hordes don’t visit Beaver Creek, so you generally won't find a lift queue and fresh tracks last a little longer. Beaver Creek is more intimate and suited to guests who want sophistication and privacy. People don’t visit Beaver Creek to be seen or for the scene. They visit because they want to go skiing or snowboarding.

Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard Terrain

At 1,815 acres (734 hectares) of skiable terrain, Beaver Creek is a medium sized resort relative to other Colorado ski resorts. The terrain is serviced by 25 lifts which includes 2 gondolas and 11 high speed quad chairs. The vertical drop is a massive 1,231 metres, although the full vertical of BC cannot be skied continuously.

Beaver Creek has an abundance of wide groomed trails, so it’s particularly well suited to beginners and intermediates, or those that just want to cruise. Intermediate slopes make up 43% of the terrain, and the grooming is very good. Grooming occurs 24/7 and an amazing 805 acres of corduroy is made each day!

You’d be excused for assuming that a resort that is luxurious and family friendly has limited terrain for the hardcore ski bum. However Beaver Creek is certainly not lame and has lots of steep terrain; the resort just chooses to boast about other strengths. Similarly you’d think that a spiffy resort wouldn’t appeal to grungy freestyling shredders, but the three terrain parks and the half pipe seem to suggest otherwise.

Beaver Creek Snow

Beaver Creek receives an average of 310 inches (7.9 metres) of Colorado powder per season, and many of the slopes have a northerly orientation so the snow stays in good shape. If the snow gods aren’t happy, BC can make huge amounts of artificial snow. Remarkably, 705 acres (39%) of terrain has snow-making capabilities.

Where is Beaver Creek Ski Resort?

Beaver Creek is located near Avon, 10 miles west of Vail in Eagle County Colorado. It is situated approximately 105 miles (169 km) west of Denver; just a little further from Denver relative to other ski resorts on the I-70 corridor. This distance contributes to fewer crowds at Beaver Creek.

Beaver Creek is 133 miles (213 km) from Denver International Airport. You can rent a car for the two hour plus drive, or there are loads of transport operators that will shuttle you to your accommodation. Alternatively if money is no object, Eagle County Airport is just a 25 minute drive from Beaver Creek. Taxis and regular shuttles service this regional airport.

You don’t need a car during your stay at Beaver Creek. Most lodging is located within easy walking distance of the lifts and amenities, and there are on-demand complimentary shuttles within and between the villages. A very cheap bus service provides transport to Vail.

Beaver Creek Lodging

There are three villages that are linked via the slopes, lifts and free shuttles. The majority of the accommodations, shops and restaurants are located in the pedestrian village of Beaver Creek. The upscale accommodations include condos, lodges and hotels. A great option here is the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa.

The serene Bachelor Gulch Village is home to the ritzy Ritz-Carlton Hotel and vacation homes.

Arrowhead Village is rather tranquil and it doesn’t have as many facilities and services. Accommodation here includes private vacation homes and condominiums.

The town of Avon is only a few minutes away and is connected to Beaver Creek Mountain via a gondola. Avon has some economical options for lodging.

See our Beaver Creek lodging page for more information.

Beaver Creek Accommodations Listings

Facilities & Other Activities

Several of the restaurants on-mountain are members-only clubs, or some fine dining restaurants require a lunch reservation to be made many months in advance; perfect for those seeking an exclusive dining experience. In the evenings you can visit one of the classy Beaver Creek restaurants or hire a private chef to visit your condominium.

Beaver Creek doesn’t have a party scene or rampant nightlife. Evening festivities tend to be more of the refined variety.

Alternative activities to downhill skiing and snowboarding include cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, hot air ballooning, dog sledding, ice skating, tubing, or a visit to a day spa for some R and R. The Beaver Creek shopping can also keep the black Amex card busy.

More Reasons to Ski or Snowboard at Beaver Creek Resort

Beaver Creek Colorado is very well suited to families or groups with a variety of ability levels, particularly those that want some spoiling and uber service.

The Beav is not the place to stay or ski on a shoestring, but the price tag comes with lots of perks including amazing amenities, fast chair lifts, and good service (including those famous cookies!).

If you want to save some pennies, stay off-mountain and get an Epic Pass. The Epic pass provides access to Beaver Creek and other Vail Resorts: Breckenridge, Vail, and Keystone. The Epic season pass is very affordable, or there are shorter passes that also provides an economical option to sample all these resorts.