Known for its luxury accommodations, fine dining, and world-class skiing, Beaver Creek offers visitors an idyllic mountain getaway in the Vail Valley. This article explores what makes Beaver Creek such a premier destination, from its stunning natural scenery to its array of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re seeking relaxation at a pampering spa or an adrenaline rush on the slopes, Beaver Creek has something for every traveler.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Beaver Creek features luxurious resorts, gourmet restaurants, boutique shopping, a renowned ski resort, and a wealth of year-round activities.
- Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic local culture through art galleries, festivals, and historical attractions.
- Majestic mountain vistas, alpine forests, and meandering creeks create a beautiful natural backdrop.
Local Experiences and Culture
The village of Beaver Creek exudes Colorado mountain charm while also catering to discerning travelers. Quaint log cabins mingle with elegant hotels, all connected by cobbled walkways lined with boutiques and cafes. The pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to stroll from shop to shop, pausing to watch ice sculptors ply their trade or listen to local musicians fill the mountain air with folk tunes.
In between outdoor adventures, visitors can explore Beaver Creek’s cultural side at the Vilar Performing Arts Center. This intimate venue hosts musical performances, dance shows, plays, and more.
Annual events like Beaver Creek Oktoberfest, Winter Culinary Weekend, and Beaver Creek Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival celebrate different aspects of mountain culture with live entertainment, activities, and special menus at local restaurants. Partaking in these lively festivals allows visitors to mingle with locals and feel part of the close-knit community.
Outdoor Adventures
Of course, most visitors come to Beaver Creek to experience the great outdoors and natural splendor of the Rocky Mountains. In summer, over 100 miles of hiking trails wind through wildflower meadows and evergreen forests, many leading to panoramic overlooks or secluded alpine lakes. Popular routes include the scenic Beaver Lake Trail and the historic Holden Trail, an abandoned railroad grade with mining relics.
For two-wheeled adventures, cyclists can cruise downhill on lift-served bike trails or pedal along the paved bike path network. Other summer activities include horseback riding, fly fishing, golf at the Beaver Creek Golf Course, hot air balloon rides, and whitewater rafting on the nearby Eagle River.
Once winter blankets the peaks in snow, Beaver Creek transforms into a winter playground. Its well-groomed slopes appeal to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, from gentle beginner runs to advanced steep mogul fields. The Beaver Creek Resort offers terrain for every skill level, spread across three interconnected mountain areas and 1,832 skiable acres.
High-speed chairlifts, gondolas, and a dedicated ski train provide uphill access. Beginner skiers can enjoy the terrain at McCoy Park, while non-skiers can swoosh down groomed trails on sleds and snow tubes at the tubing hill or test their stamina on a snowshoe trek.
No matter the season, Beaver Creek serves up plenty of opportunities to embrace the Rocky Mountain lifestyle.
Accommodations and Dining
Beaver Creek lodging options range from multi-bedroom vacation rental homes to conveniently located hotels and intimate lodges. For example, The Charter at Beaver Creek offers elegant condos steps from the Centennial Express Lift. Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch pampers guests with premier services. The Pines Lodge puts rustic elegance on display with its mountain-modern rooms featuring exposed beams, stone fireplaces, and panoramic views.
When hunger strikes, Beaver Creek’s restaurants cater to refined palates with creative cuisine spotlighting regional flavors. Splurge-worthy experiences include Allie’s Cabin for dazzling multicourse dinners served in a vintage mountain hideaway. The rustic-chic Beaver Creek Chop House pairs hand-cut steaks and seafood with over 200 wines and specialty cocktails.
For farm-to-table fare made with seasonal ingredients, visitors rave about the tasting menus at Mirabelle. Those craving a casual bite can relax on the creekside patio at Blue Moose Pizza, famous for its hand-tossed artisan pies.
With bars, bistros, and cafes rounding out the dining scene, Beaver Creek offers a taste to satisfy every appetite.
Seasonal Activities
One of Beaver Creek’s biggest draws is the myriad of seasonal activities that showcase the area’s natural beauty. When the aspens flaunt their golden fall foliage, visitors head out on scenic hikes and bike rides to soak up the spectacular views. The resort also hosts special events like the annual Beaver Creek Oktoberfest, complete with beer tastings, live music, and Bavarian fare.
Late fall brings early snowfall, allowing Beaver Creek to open its ski slopes ahead of most Colorado resorts. By mid-winter, all three peaks offer top-to-bottom skiing and riding accessed by high-speed lifts. Off the slopes, guests can glide along Nordic trails, cheer on sled dog teams, or unwind with spa treatments.
Spring is marked by long sunny days, wildflower blooms, and melting snow revealing rugged peaks. For those eager to hit the links, spring means the resort’s championship golf courses are open for play. Summer then brings activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and rafting until the fall foliage sets the mountains ablaze once more.
Family and Group Travel
From pint-sized skiers to grandparents, Beaver Creek welcomes families and groups of all generations. At the Children’s Ski School, experienced instructors teach kids as young as 3 years old how to glide on snow. Private lessons allow families to learn together, while multi-week programs help budding skiers progress. The resort also offers daycare programs to occupy kids too young to ski.
After lessons and slope time, families can let loose by tubing down the dedicated tubing hill. Other family-friendly activities include snowshoe tours, winter horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, and swimming in the heated outdoor pool.
For large gatherings, many properties provide multi-bedroom homes perfect for reunions or ski trips with friends. Group ski packages simplify logistics by bundling lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and dining credits. Some hotels also offer discounted group rates and special perks for group bookings. No matter its size, every group can find their own brand of fun in Beaver Creek.
Wellness and Relaxation
While Beaver Creek delivers no shortage of heart-pumping adventures, visitors can also find zen-inducing experiences across this relaxing alpine village. Local spas pamper guests with massages, body treatments, and healing arts like acupuncture and cupping.
Yoga classes held atop the mountain allow students to find their center against the backdrop of awesome vistas. For the ultimate in relaxation, Beaver Creek hosts guided meditation hikes concluding with a gong meditation session beside a tranquil mountain lake.
Après-adventure options run the gamut from chilling in a bubbling hot tub to sweating out toxins in a dry cedar sauna. Creative cocktails and craft beers offer the chance to sip and savor in slope-side restaurants with epic views. There are even designated “quiet areas” perfect for reading a book amidst the beauty of nature.
Planning Your Trip
Beaver Creek offers world-class skiing and luxury amenities year-round. While winter reigns supreme for ski buffs, summer and fall offer scenic hikes and bike rides with fewer crowds and lower prices. For deals, watch for value packages bundling lodging, lift tickets, rentals, and other perks. Flexible travelers can also score last-minute discounts on rooms and activities.
Flights are available to Eagle County Regional Airport, a 30-minute drive from Beaver Creek. Shuttle services and rental cars offer transportation to the resort. Consider adding on a few nights in nearby Vail Village or Breckenridge to experience more of Colorado’s ski country on your trip.
Once in Beaver Creek, take advantage of the town’s pedestrian-friendly layout and free shuttle system to explore without a car. For trip planning, reserve popular winter activities like ski lessons, sleigh rides, and dining experiences in advance.
FAQ
How do I get to Beaver Creek?
Beaver Creek is located in central Colorado, about 100 miles west of Denver. The closest airport is Eagle County Regional Airport, with shuttle services and rental cars available to reach the resort. But many guests find it easiest to fly into Denver International Airport.
When is peak ski season?
Peak ski season is generally from mid-December through mid-April when all lifts and terrain are open. Holiday periods like Christmas, New Year’s, and spring break are the busiest.
What is there to do in the summer?
Summer activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, golf, hot air balloon rides, and rafting. The village also hosts festivals and events like the Blues, Brews & BBQ festival.
What are the best family activities?
Top family activities include ski lessons, tubing, snowshoe tours, sleigh rides, ice skating, swimming, and activities through the children’s program.
How early should I book a ski trip?
Ideally, book a winter ski trip 6-12 months in advance for the best rates and availability for flights, hotels, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and dining reservations. The Beaver Creek Ski Area is extremely popular with guests across Colorado and the United States, so plan accordingly.
