Beaver Creek

About Beaver Creek

Passing through the rocky slabs that mark the entrance to Beaver Creek Ski Resort signifies you’re entering a special place, and Beaver Creek is undeniably distinct. A Beaver Creek, Colorado ski vacation is all about sophistication, luxury and class. Once you’ve left behind the bustle of Colorado’s main thoroughfare of the Rockies—I-70—and passed through Beaver Creek’s natural gateway, you’ll be greeted by an overall top-shelf atmosphere, complete with picture-perfect ski runs and a quaint, but polished Bavarian-style village. The hotels are lavish, foodies love the restaurants and the skiing is immaculate.

While there are so many things to do and experience at the Beaver Creek village you aren’t limited to the base area for shopping, dining and activities. Beaver Creek’s convenient location near neighboring towns Avon, Edwards and Vail adds a whole new element to off-mountain activities sure to please every interest, palate and preference.

How to get to Beaver Creek

Getting to Beaver Creek is quite simple thanks to Eagle County Airport, just 28 miles away. You can also fly into Denver International Airport (DIA) and rent a car or arrange for a shuttle, such as a Colorado Mountain Express. The drive from DIA to Beaver Creek via Interstate 70 is gorgeous so try to stay awake (if you’ve opted for the shuttle) and take in the Rocky Mountain views.  You’ll pass historic gold rush towns like Idaho Springs and Georgetown, drive through engineering masterpiece Eisenhower Tunnel, and then pass over breathtaking Vail Pass.

Getting around

Beaver Creek has an on-demand shuttle service that runs from 9 am - 12 am daily.

Skiing in Beaver Creek

From beginners taking their first glide to adrenaline junkies dropping cliffs, Beaver Creek caters to all. Celebrated as a World Cup Mountain, it offers a variety of runs, including the steep, wide-open trails beloved by intermediate skiers and challenging tree runs for the experts. Don't forget to end your day with a signature Beaver Creek touch—a fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookie served daily at 3 p.m.

Beaver Creek Beginner Skiing

Whether you’re a first time skier or you’ve skied a couple times and are looking to progress your skills in a comfortable way, the Beaver Creek beginner skiing has something for every type of newbie. Plus, the beginner terrain is plentiful; a significant amount—nearly 20-percent—of the trails are green circle, which denotes the easiest way down the mountain on the trail map. Beaver Creek beginner skiing ranges from first time learning zones with magic carpets to fun, meandering trails with great views, to perfect intro to tree skiing terrain. As a beginner skier, safety is probably high on your list when planning a ski vacation, so it’s good to know that Beaver Creek was awarded the National Ski Area Association’s Best Overall Safety Awards. There are few ski resorts that can offer a comparable beginner skiing experience.

The majority of Beaver Creek beginner terrain can be found at Bachelor Gulch, the ridge to far looker’s left from the main base area. The area off the Arrowhead Mountain’s Arrow Bahn Express Lift—to skier’s left—also features some great beginner trails. The beauty of Beaver Creek beginner terrain is that skiers aren’t stuck at the bottom of the mountain.

Beginner skiers can take Drink of Water Chairlift to the top of the mountain and enjoy flawless beginner ski trails with a spectacular view, like Red Buffalo and Booth Gardens. For laid back meandering trails, check out Dally and Intertwine.

Beaver Creek Ski School

Beaver Creek Ski School comes highly recommended for any level of skier, but their program for first time skiers is standout. The Beaver Creek Ski School instructors utilize video analysis to help beginner skiers’ progress in a quick, comprehensive manner. Those who opt for private lessons get to keep the DVD of their lesson for review, so they can come back next year ready to tackle a new skill or more difficult terrain.

The main beginner area is located just above the Beaver Creek Village, first time skiers can get used to riding the chairlift for the first time on Highlands Express Lift. If the weather is ever unpleasant—which it rarely is in Colorado—beginner skiers can hop onto the Buckaroo Express Gondola to warm up.

Beaver Creek Expert Skiing

Beaver Creek isn't just a haven for intermediate skiers; it's a hidden gem for experts too! With 39% of its terrain marked as "most difficult," the resort offers more than just impeccable blue-square runs. Expert skiers can find their thrills in Beaver Creek's less crowded and untouched runs, perfect for those seeking a challenge.

For those who love the thrill of tree skiing, Beaver Creek is a treasure trove. The Royal Elk Glades and Black Bear Glades on Grouse Mountain offer knee-deep powder and challenging routes that will let you weave your way through the trees like a local.

If extreme skiing is your calling, the Stone Creek Chutes are your must-visit destination at Beaver Creek. Known for offering everything from steep pitches to thrilling chutes and rocks, it's an expert skier's playground where you can test your mettle and maybe even feel like a star in a ski movie!

For freestyle riders, the Rodeo Terrain Park near the Centennial Lift is where to head. Packed with everything from massive booters to rainbow rails, it’s designed for those looking to push their limits and show off their tricks.

Most expert skiers love Beaver Creek because of the uber-steep groomers on hand. World Cup ski racers test their mettle every year on the iconic steeps and rolls of Beaver Creek’s Birds of Prey run. As the only World Cup race in the U.S., the Birds of Prey course has garnered a reputation for challenging the world’s best downhill men. Expert skiers get to sample the run whenever they want thanks to Beaver Creek’s grooming team. While you don’t have to wear a speed suit, or reach speeds faster than 60 mph, you will get a feel for the World Cup downhill experience after arching turns on Birds of Prey.

Family vacations in Beaver Creek

Family Ski Vacation

Every family member will be doted upon during a Beaver Creek family ski vacation. With ski runs, programs, ski lessons, hotels and restaurants focused on the family experience, Beaver Creek is a fantastic option if you’re looking to make lasting memories with your family. Plus, Beaver Creek village is a self-contained ski resort, meaning it’s safe for kids to roam and explore, while parents relax. With nearly 1,000 groomed acres (out of Beaver Creek’s 1,800 total acres) every run from mellow cruisers to steep world cup courses is pristine, which is sure to please the whole family. Runs like Powell, Mystic Maze, and Jack Rabbit Alley are designed for beginner skiers, children and families to enjoy together, and all three runs are easily accessed by the Drink of Water chairlift. The trees and moguls on the higher part of the mountain, surrounding the Birds of Prey and Grouse Mountain express lifts, combined with four terrain parks, makes a Beaver Creek family ski trip an easy decision.

Beaver Creek Cookies

Another perfect example of Beaver Creek’s approach to welcoming families takes place every afternoon during the winter, without fail. At 3 p.m. the entire base village at Beaver Creek is blanketed in the sweet smell of freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies. In fact, 495,000 fresh cookies are served every year at Beaver Creek. Children will love freshly baked cookies greeting them after skiing; après takes on whole new meaning for kids in Beaver Creek!