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Beaver Creek ski holidays

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Beaver Creek ski holidays

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Top features of this resort

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Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Traditional charmTraditional charm
Stunning viewsStunning views
Luxury resortsLuxury resorts
Top facilitiesTop facilities
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Traditional charmTraditional charm
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Top features of this resort

Stunning viewsStunning views
Luxury resortsLuxury resorts
Top facilitiesTop facilities
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Traditional charmTraditional charm
Stunning viewsStunning views
Luxury resortsLuxury resorts
Top facilitiesTop facilities
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Traditional charmTraditional charm
See more

Beaver Creek ski resort

Set in the Colorado Rockies of the United States, Beaver Creek is a resort built around service, sophistication, and immaculate grooming. The resort attracts those who prefer their skiing with a side of refinement, where freshly baked cookies greet you at the base of the mountain and heated pavements keep the village streets clear of snow. Its village centre feels more like an alpine retreat than a bustling ski town, with elegant stonework, upscale boutiques, and a quieter pace that suits couples, families, and anyone who values quality over crowds.

The mountain delivers across the board, with 1,018 metres of vertical drop spread across 173 runs and 2,082 acres of terrain. From gentle slopes at the base suited to first-timers to the steep, ungroomed challenges of Grouse Mountain and Stone Creek Chutes, Beaver Creek covers every ability level without feeling overwhelming. High-speed quads and gondolas to keep queues manageable even during peak weeks, and with reliable annual snowfall plus extensive snowmaking, the season typically runs from late November through mid-April.

Beyond the slopes, Beaver Creek excels at everything that rounds out a ski holiday. Ice skating, regular events, and some of Colorado's finest mountain dining fill the village calendar. Spa facilities are exceptional, shopping leans upscale, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to unwind after a day on the mountain. For those looking to explore further, the resort connects to Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead, while Vail is just a short drive away.

Check out Beaver Creek ski deals to start planning your trip.

Beaver Creek resort facts
Ski areaBeaver Creek
Total slopes1,986 acres
Easy slopes1,270 runs
Intermediate slopes477 runs
Difficult slopes359 runs
Expert slopes239 runs
Number of lifts331
Snow range720 ft - 3,423 ft
Resort height2,050 ft - 2,010 ft
Snow parks22
Rating by ski level
Beginners
9/10
Intermediates
8/10
Experts
8/10
Snowboarders
8/10
Rating by group type
Friends
9/10
Families
10/10
Couples
6/10
Transfer times to Beaver Creek
Eagle County airport30 min
Aspen airport1 hr 35 min
Denver airport2 hr 10 min

Beaver Creek ski resort

Set in the Colorado Rockies of the United States, Beaver Creek is a resort built around service, sophistication, and immaculate grooming. The resort attracts those who prefer their skiing with a side of refinement, where freshly baked cookies greet you at the base of the mountain and heated pavements keep the village streets clear of snow. Its village centre feels more like an alpine retreat than a bustling ski town, with elegant stonework, upscale boutiques, and a quieter pace that suits couples, families, and anyone who values quality over crowds.

The mountain delivers across the board, with 1,018 metres of vertical drop spread across 173 runs and 2,082 acres of terrain. From gentle slopes at the base suited to first-timers to the steep, ungroomed challenges of Grouse Mountain and Stone Creek Chutes, Beaver Creek covers every ability level without feeling overwhelming. High-speed quads and gondolas to keep queues manageable even during peak weeks, and with reliable annual snowfall plus extensive snowmaking, the season typically runs from late November through mid-April.

Beyond the slopes, Beaver Creek excels at everything that rounds out a ski holiday. Ice skating, regular events, and some of Colorado's finest mountain dining fill the village calendar. Spa facilities are exceptional, shopping leans upscale, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to unwind after a day on the mountain. For those looking to explore further, the resort connects to Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead, while Vail is just a short drive away.

Check out Beaver Creek ski deals to start planning your trip.

Beaver Creek resort facts
Ski areaBeaver Creek
Total slopes1,986 acres
Easy slopes1,270 runs
Intermediate slopes477 runs
Difficult slopes359 runs
Expert slopes239 runs
Number of lifts331
Snow range720 ft - 3,423 ft
Resort height2,050 ft - 2,010 ft
Snow parks22
Rating by ski level
Beginners
9/10
Intermediates
8/10
Experts
8/10
Snowboarders
8/10
Rating by group type
Friends
9/10
Families
10/10
Couples
6/10
Transfer times to Beaver Creek
Eagle County airport30 min
Aspen airport1 hr 35 min
Denver airport2 hr 10 min

Beaver Creek skiing & snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding Beaver Creek feels effortlessly luxurious. The grooming here is exceptional, with wide boulevards of corduroy that make carving a pleasure at any speed. Yet beyond those pristine cruisers lies genuine variety: sheltered glades, challenging steeps, and enough terrain diversity to keep you discovering new lines all week. The mountain spreads across several distinct areas, each with its own character - from the beginner-friendly Haymeadow to the expert-only Birds of Prey runs that host World Cup downhill events.

For UK visitors unfamiliar with North American trail ratings, Beaver Creek uses green circles for beginner runs (similar to European greens), blue squares for intermediates (covering a wider range than European blues - some can be quite challenging), black diamonds for advanced terrain, and double black diamonds for experts only. There's no direct equivalent to European red runs, so confident intermediates should expect US blues to vary significantly in difficulty.

WeSki insider tip: Download the Epic Mix app before you arrive. It tracks your runs, vertical metres, and even has an interactive trail map that shows real-time lift wait times.

Skiing for beginners in Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is one of the best places in North America to learn to ski or snowboard. A dedicated learning area at the base keeps beginners away from faster traffic, with gentle gradients and patient lift access. Once you've found your feet, you can progress naturally onto the long, mellow green circle runs off Centennial Express. These wind through beautiful scenery without any intimidating pitches or surprise steeps.

The resort's variety of beginner-friendly runs mean you won't get bored repeating the same terrain, and the quality of grooming makes everything feel gentle and manageable. Staff across the mountain are attentive without being overbearing, and the overall atmosphere is encouraging. Even the main village access run, designed to bring everyone home at the end of the day, stays friendly enough for newer skiers to handle.

Intermediate skiing in Beaver Creek

Intermediates will find their groove quickly here. The blue square runs off Bachelor Gulch offer long, sweeping descents with brilliant views, while the terrain around Larkspur Bowl provides a taste of more challenging terrain without throwing you in at the deep end. The intermediate trails wind through aspen groves, open bowls, and rolling terrain that rewards exploring rather than sticking to the same few runs.

For those ready to push themselves, the easier black diamond runs like Centennial and Stacker provide a confidence-building introduction to steeper terrain. These are groomed regularly and wide enough to pick your line. A connection through to Arrowhead opens up even more kilometres on quiet trails that often feel like you have them to yourself. This is the kind of resort where intermediates leave with better skills than when they arrived.

WeSki insider tip: Take the Birds of Prey Express lift even if you're not tackling the World Cup runs. The views from the top are spectacular, and there's a gentler route down via Red Tail.

Advanced and expert skiing in Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek's advanced and expert runs pack serious punch for those who want it. Grouse Mountain delivers steep, sustained pitches through tight trees, while the Birds of Prey downhill course - a regular stop on the World Cup circuit - lets you test yourself against the same terrain that challenges the professionals. The Stone Creek Chutes offer genuine expert terrain with mandatory air and tight couloirs, demanding commitment.

Beyond marked trails, the backcountry access gates open up powder stashes and untouched lines when conditions allow. The Rose Bowl area provides a playground of natural features, pillow drops, and variable terrain that rewards those willing to hike a little. On powder days, locals head straight for the steeps off Royal Elk Glade before the tracks fill in. The vertical here is real, with over 1,000 metres of continuous fall line if you link the right runs.

WeSki insider tip: For the best untracked snow after a storm, be at the Grouse Mountain lift when it opens. The north-facing aspect here holds powder longer than anywhere else on the mountain.

Snowboarding in Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek's terrain suits snowboarders well, with wide-open bowls, well-maintained terrain parks, and enough natural features to keep things interesting. The Park 101 area caters to progression, with small jumps and boxes, while the main terrain park offers larger features for experienced riders. Excellent grooming throughout the resort means edge hold is rarely an issue, and the varied terrain across Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead provides plenty of exploration for freeriders.

Off-piste skiing

While Beaver Creek isn't primarily an off-piste destination, it does offer legitimate backcountry access through designated gates. The terrain beyond the boundaries includes steep chutes, open bowls, and tree skiing that sees far fewer tracks than neighbouring Vail. Hiring a local guide is recommended for first-timers. They'll show you the goods, while keeping you safe in terrain that demands respect and proper avalanche awareness.

Beaver Creek ski school and lessons

Beaver Creek Ski & Snowboard School is run by Vail Resorts and maintains exceptionally high standards. Group and private lessons cater to all ages and abilities, with specialist programmes for children and dedicated learning zones. English is the primary language, and the instructors are known for their patience and technical expertise.

Beaver Creek terrain parks

The resort maintains three terrain parks and one pipe. Park 101 focuses on learning and progression with smaller features, while the main Red Buffalo Park offers medium to large jumps, rails, and boxes for intermediate to advanced riders. Features are well-maintained and regularly reshaped throughout the season, and a dedicated superpipe rounds out the freestyle offerings.

Beaver Creek piste map

Beaver Creek piste map
  1. Beaver Creek family ski holiday
  2. Things to do in Beaver Creek
  3. Planning your trip in Beaver Creek
  4. How to get to Beaver Creek
  5. Beaver Creek FAQs

Beaver Creek family ski holiday

Beaver Creek is built with families in mind, perhaps more than any other resort in Colorado. Overall, the atmosphere is calm and welcoming, and you won't find the rowdy party scene common at some resorts. The village itself is compact, making it easy to let older children explore safely, and the heated pavements and easy navigation mean getting around with tired little ones isn't a big ordeal.

A dedicated children's ski school operates from its own area with gentle terrain, moving carpets, and instructors specialised in keeping kids engaged. Children as young as three can start learning, and progression programmes are designed to build confidence. For teens, the terrain parks and challenging runs provide excitement, while groomed blue square runs often let families ski together. The resort's famous chocolate chip cookies are handed out fresh at the base every afternoon, giving children something to look forward to after a day on the slopes.

Other than skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers activities like ice skating in the village square, tubing hills, and indoor swimming pools for non-ski time entertainment all ages will enjoy. When it comes to dining, Beaver Creek accommodates families well. Several mountain restaurants welcome children warmly, and the village offers everything from casual pizzerias to family-friendly steakhouses alongside the fine dining options.

Things to do in Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek rewards time away from the slopes just as much as time on them. The resort's sophisticated infrastructure, stunning mountain setting, and focus on quality make rest days feel like a genuine treat. Whether you're a non-skier in the group or simply want to pace yourself, there's plenty to fill your holiday.

Snow activities

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Beaver Creek offers an impressive range of winter activities that make full use of the mountain environment:

  • Snowshoeing: Guided tours through peaceful backcountry terrain and frozen creeks, suitable for all fitness levels.
  • Tubing: Dedicated tubing hill with multiple lanes are a favourite with children and adults alike.
  • Ice skating: The village's outdoor rink provides a picturesque setting for skating under the Colorado sky.
  • Cross-country skiing: Over 30km of groomed Nordic trails in the Beaver Creek Nordic Center.
  • Sleigh rides: Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy meadows, often ending with a fireside dinner.
  • Snowmobile tours: Guided expeditions into the backcountry for those wanting motorised adventure.
  • Fat biking: Explore groomed trails on oversized tyres. This is an activity that's accessible for beginners.

Non-snow activities

For days when you want to rest your legs or if you're not skiing, Beaver Creek provides plenty of quality options:

  • Spa and wellness: World-class spa facilities at several properties, offering everything from massages to altitude recovery treatments.
  • Shopping: Upscale boutiques, art galleries, and sports shops line the village's pedestrianised streets.
  • Scenic gondola rides: Non-skiers can ride the Centennial Express to enjoy mountain views and lunch at altitude.
  • Vail day trip: Just 15 minutes away, Vail's larger village offers expanded shopping, dining, and entertainment.
  • Cooking classes: Several hotels and restaurants offer culinary experiences featuring Colorado cuisine.
  • Movie theatre: The Vilar Performing Arts Center hosts films and live performances throughout the season.
  • Yoga and fitness: Drop-in classes available at resort fitness centres, plus outdoor yoga sessions.

Beaver Creek restaurants

Beaver Creek's dining scene, in the village and surrounding area, hosts an impressive concentration of quality restaurants - from refined American cuisine to excellent Italian and inventive mountain fare. Whether you're after a quick slope-side lunch or an evening of fine dining, the options here genuinely impress.

  • Splendido at the Chateau: Elegant fine dining with spectacular mountain views and a renowned wine list.
  • Toscanini: Authentic Italian in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with pasta made fresh daily.
  • Grouse Mountain Grill: American cuisine with Colorado influences, known for steaks and game dishes.
  • Beano's Cabin: Unique sleigh-ride dinner experience to a mountainside cabin for multi-course feasts.
  • Allie's Cabin: Rustic mountain dining accessible by snowcat - intimate atmosphere and excellent food.
  • Zach's Cabin: On-mountain lunch spot with outstanding views and elevated comfort food.
  • 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill: Reliable all-day dining at the Park Hyatt with creative American plates.
  • Mirabelle: French-Belgian cuisine in an intimate setting, perfect for a special evening.

WeSki insider tip: Book Beano's Cabin at least a week in advance during peak season - the sleigh ride dinner sells out quickly and it's definitely worth the experience.

Beaver Creek après-ski

Beaver Creek's après-ski scene reflects the resort's refined character, with an atmosphere that's relaxed and upmarket. You can expect sophisticated cocktails and live music rather than nightclubs and all-night dance parties. That said, there's genuine warmth and friendliness here, particularly around the village centre where locals and visitors mingle over craft beers and Colorado wines.

As the lifts close, the base area comes alive with the smell of fresh-baked cookies and the sound of live music drifting from slope-side terraces. Things stay sociable and lively well into the evening, with the village's restaurants and bars creating a pleasant buzz. For those wanting more energy, Vail's nightlife is just a short drive away.

Après-ski spots to know:

  • Coyote Cafe: Lively bar at the base with outdoor terrace, live music, and Mexican-inspired bites.
  • The Beaver Creek Chophouse: Upscale bar area perfect for cocktails and appetisers after skiing.
  • Dusty Boot Saloon: More relaxed Western-style bar with pool tables and a local crowd.
  • McCoy's: Classic ski-town bar with craft beers, comfort food, and sports on the TVs.
  • Blue Moose Pizza: Casual spot for pizza and beer - popular with families and groups.
  • 8100 Mountainside Bar: Sophisticated cocktails and wine at the Park Hyatt with mountain views.

Beaver Creek map

Beaver Creek map

Planning your trip to Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek accommodation

Accommodation in Beaver Creek leans towards the upmarket, with luxury hotels, high-end condominiums, and private residences dominating the options. The village centre puts you within easy walking distance of lifts, restaurants, and shops, with ski-in/ski-out access from many properties.

Bachelor Gulch offers quieter, more secluded options with direct mountain access, while Arrowhead suits those wanting a residential feel. Most major properties feature spas, pools, and ski valets who look after your equipment. Prices reflect the premium positioning - this isn't a budget destination, but the level of service and convenience justifies the investment for many visitors.

Beaver Creek ski pass

A Beaver Creek ski pass provides access to all lifts and terrain including Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead. Multi-day passes often include skiing at other Epic Pass resorts, which can be excellent value if you're planning to visit Vail during your trip.

Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Beaver Creek ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment hire

Several well-stocked equipment shops operate in Beaver Creek village and at the mountain base, offering everything from beginner packages to high-performance demo skis. For the best equipment, book with a specialist shop rather than base-level rental outlets, where staff can properly match gear to your ability and the conditions.

Pre-booking online typically saves time and money, and many hotels offer boot-fitting services and overnight storage.

Getting around Beaver Creek

The village itself is compact and largely pedestrianised, making walking the easiest way to get around. Heated pavements keep paths clear of snow and ice, which makes navigating in ski boots less treacherous than at many resorts. A shuttle bus system connects the village to Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, and the nearby town of Avon, running regularly throughout the day and evening.

Taxis are available but rarely necessary unless you're heading to Vail or the airport. The overall layout keeps everything manageable, and you won't spend your holiday waiting for transport.

How to get to Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is located in the Colorado Rockies, approximately 170km west of Denver International Airport. Eagle County Regional Airport sits just 40km away and receives direct flights from several major US cities during ski season. Colorado Springs Airport is the furthest option, approximately 300km away.

From Denver, the drive takes around two hours via Interstate 70, passing through spectacular mountain scenery. Private shuttle services, shared transfers, and rental cars all provide reliable options for the journey.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private, shared, and scheduled transfers to Beaver Creek. Add them to your Beaver Creek ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Beaver Creek FAQs

How does the North American trail rating system work for UK skiers?

North American resorts use a different system from European slopes. Green circles indicate beginner terrain (similar to European greens), blue squares mark intermediate runs (covering a wider range than European blues - some can be challenging), black diamonds denote advanced terrain, and double black diamonds are expert only. The key difference: there's no direct equivalent to European red runs, so US blue squares vary considerably in difficulty. When in doubt, start easier than you think you need.

Is Beaver Creek good for beginners?

Absolutely. Beaver Creek ranks among the best beginner resorts in North America. The dedicated learning area, gentle progression terrain, and exceptional instruction standards make it ideal for first-timers. The resort's beginner-rated runs provide plenty of variety once you've mastered the basics, and the overall atmosphere is encouraging rather than intimidating. The only downside is the premium pricing, but for a first ski experience, the quality justifies the cost.

Is Beaver Creek worth the higher prices compared to other Colorado resorts?

For certain types of travellers, yes. Beaver Creek delivers a noticeably more refined experience than most ski resorts - the grooming is immaculate, the service attentive, and the atmosphere calm and welcoming. Families with young children, couples seeking sophistication, and skiers who value quality over quantity will find the premium worthwhile. If you're primarily interested in expert terrain, rowdy nightlife, or skiing on a budget, other Colorado resorts might suit you better.

How does Beaver Creek compare to neighbouring Vail?

Vail is larger, livelier, and offers more extreme terrain. Beaver Creek is more intimate, more upmarket, and more family-oriented. Vail's village buzzes with energy and offers superior nightlife; Beaver Creek's village feels like a private enclave with better restaurants. Many visitors find Beaver Creek a more relaxing base with Vail available for day trips when they want the bigger mountain.

How reliable is the snow at Beaver Creek?

Very reliable. The resort averages around 25 metres of natural snowfall annually, and extensive snowmaking covers key terrain when nature needs assistance. The base sits at 2,469 metres with a summit of 3,487 metres, so the altitude helps snow quality remain consistent throughout the season. Late November through mid-April typically delivers excellent conditions, with March often offering the best combination of snow depth and spring sunshine.

Is Beaver Creek crowded?

Less so than you might expect for such a premium resort. The higher prices and exclusive atmosphere naturally limit crowds compared to nearby resorts. The lift system handles capacity efficiently, and the terrain spreads visitors across enough area that you rarely feel cramped. Peak holiday weeks in the United States (Christmas, Presidents' Day, spring break) do get busier, but even then, the experience remains more relaxed than at Vail or Breckenridge.

What makes Beaver Creek's grooming so famous?

Beaver Creek has built its reputation on immaculate piste preparation. The grooming teams work through the night to deliver perfect corduroy each morning, and the standards are genuinely higher than most resorts. For intermediate skiers in particular, the quality of groomed runs here makes a noticeable difference to the skiing experience - smooth, consistent surfaces that hold their shape throughout the day.

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