Beaver Creek Ski Resort Guide Ski Area, Apres-Ski, Lodging Options, Off Mountain Activities
Overview
Beaver Creek started to develop as a ski resort in 1972 and opened to the public in 1980. Today it is a top class year round holiday retreat that combines the sophistication of some European resorts such as Cortina and St Moritz and the excellent service standards associated with the US. The result is a totally pampered and stress free holiday.
Après-Ski
Quality oozes everywhere in Beaver Creek with the après ski revolving around cosy cafes, excellent restaurants serving traditional and international food and chic bars where you can sip a malt in front of a log fire.
Wellness & spa
Most of the hotels have wellness centres. Two of the most popular are the The Allegria Spa in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and the Spa Bachelor in the Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 2469m |
| Top lift | 3488m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 1815 |
| Longest run | 4 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 32 km |
| Season | Nov - April |
| Snowboard parks | 4 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✔ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Chic & Sophisticated |
Beaver Creek ski area guide
The season in Beaver Creek usually runs from around the third week in November until mid April and over that time, it receives on average 27 feet of snow!! And just in case there is is a shortage of snow, around half of the 1815 acres of terrain is covered by snow cannons!
The ski area is just fantastic for all abilities with 149 perfectly groomed pistes in every direction. In fact, the pistes are pretty much groomed 24 hours a day every day!!
Beginners
Beginners and children are very well catered at Beaver Creek with 19 % of the pistes (345 acres) being dedicated to them.
What is quite rare is that most of the beginner runs are at the top of the mountain via the Birds of Prey Express lift giving the same spectacular views as are normally reserved for the more advanced skiers.
Intermediate
Around 43% of the area is classified as Intermediate. For a long cruising day, you can do the circuit from Beaver Creek, through Avon and down in to Arrowhead Village and back round again whilst staying off the blacks.
Advanced
Beaver Creek hosts the Men's Downhill and Super G World Cup races so if you are feeling up to the challenge then these runs are definitely worth doing.
For hardcore stuff, you will need to head over to Grouse Mountain via the number 2 or 6 lifts from Beaver Creek. Excellent powder and very steep.
Cross-country
Unlike most resorts, the cross-country trails start at nearly 3000m in the McCoy park. Reached by the Strawberry Park Express Lift, there are 32-plus km of groomed and rustic Cross Country and Snowshoe trails.
Snowboard
Beaver Creek has 4 terrain parks - Park 101, Zoom Room, Lumber Yard and The Rodeo and a super halfpipe. Away from the terrain parks though, this place is superb for getting in to some deep powder bowls for surfing and some steep chutes.
Other ski holiday activities
If you do not fancy skiing or the weather is just too bad to ski then there are various other activities in and around the resort...
- Ice skating
- Tobogganing
- Tubing
- Snow-shoeing
- Indoor swimming pools
- Sleigh rides
Featured Beaver Creek Chalets & Condos
Beaver Creek accommodation
Beaver Creek has some exceptional top quality accommodation in the resort to rent for your skiing or summer vacation with many of the condos offering ski-in, ski-out - the holy grail of any ski holiday.
However, prices can be on the high side but there are some excellent cheaper accommodation options close by...
- Arrowhead Village
- Bachelor Gulch
- Avon
- Edwards
For a summary of these other villages, please see our Beaver Creek accommodation page.
Our view on ski holidays in Beaver Creek
We think Beaver Creek is one of those resorts you have to experience at least once in your life - amazing skiing terrain, guaranteed snow, excellent accommodation, superb cuisine and impeccable service. Some suggestions for your ski holidays...
- Treat yourself to a day in either the Allegria Spa in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort or the Spa Bachelor in the Ritz Carlton hotel in Bachelor Gulch
- If you have driven to Beaver Creek try and park close to the resort without going in otherwise it will set you back at least $30 a day. There are free car parks - the Bear or Elk, just west of the resort's main entrance
- Try the 6.6 mile hike from the Mitchell Lake Trailhead at 10500 feet up to the top at 11300 feet giving great views of the lake. This hike is not for beginners and is probably best getting acclimatised before hand
Ski resorts similar to Beaver Creek include the chic ski resort of Gstaad and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps.
