Beaver Creek is a Great Ski Destination for all Ages
Colorado's Beaver Creek Ski Resort was designed to please skiers of varying abilities.
The designers of the Beaver Creek had one thing in mind when they were putting together the plans for their ski resort. Their goal was to design a mountain that was truly accessible to everyone, from beginner to expert. They succeeded.
Beaver Creek, which opened in 1980, is that perfect ski resort which has a little something for everyone. The mountain has enough beginner runs to satisfy even the newest skier and for experts, this place is so good that it's been the site of many a ski championship.
The Villages
The name Beaver Creek actually refers to three distinct villages, each with their own charm and unique characteristics and advantages.
Beaver Creek Village is characterized as the center of the resort and is home to restaurants, bars, shops, galleries and more, all connected by climate-controlled walkways and escalators. What could be more convenient?
On the western side of the mountain, there's Arrowhead Village. Here you'll find many private home and condominium rentals for your ski holiday as well as some excellent restaurants and easy access to the runs on this side of the resort.
Bachelor Gulch Village, located between the other two, also boasts a number of different types of accommodations, including the posh Ritz-Carlton. It's not as busy as Beaver Creek Village, especially at peak times.
The Mountain
It's no wonder skiers love Beaver Creek Mountain! There are 146 fabulous runs at this resort and the average annual snowfall is 310 inches, meaning that the conditions are good most of the time.
The runs are divided quite evenly between the three classifications. About 34% are touted as beginner runs, 39% are intermediate, and the remaining 27% are classified as expert trails. In total, there are 1,625 skiable acres at this resort.
Sixteen lifts, including ten high-speed quads, take skiers up the mountain and can carry approximately 26,000 passengers per hour. The sun shines a lot here and the average daily temperature on the mountain is a comfortable 45 degrees.
Boarders will find a total of three terrain parks and one half-pipe. Park 101 is for beginners, Zoom Room has a number of interesting features for intermediate snowboarders, and Moonshine is for the experienced boarder who's ready to tackle large tables, jumps, rails, and logslides.
Other Winter Activities
Beaver Creek has a Nordic Ski Center which oversees its dedicated cross-country and snowshoeing area. Guests can also try dog-sledding, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
The resort is also home to Race World, which offers daily NASTAR races that are exciting to watch. You can also try your hand at racing on this giant slalom course instead of just watching, and everyone gets a medal!
An All-Season Resort
Summers are nearly as busy at Beaver Creek as the winters. As is the case with many ski resorts, mountain biking and hiking are two of the most popular summer pursuits. Dry, unused ski runs provide the ideal place for practicing these two sports.
Others choose to try their hand at fly-fishing while some visitors play golf at the Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed course that's located on site. The Beaver Creek Stables provide horseback riding and wagon rides, including sunset dinner rides.
Getting to Beaver Creak Ski Resort
If you're flying to this wonderful resort, you'll have a few choices. The closest large airport is Denver International, about a two hour drive from Beaver Creek. You may also choose a connecting flight into Vail/Eagle County Airport, just 25 minutes from the slopes.