Beaver Creek Deals & Travel Info
Generally considered a world-class resort on its own, it is usually best known as the resort that is down the highway from Vail. Make no mistake about it, this is a top-notch ski resort and it has hosted the World Cup ski racing circuit many times. Beaver Creek is very beginner-friendly, and new skiers and riders won’t be confined to one single part of the resort. You’ll find a few locals here early in the morning on weekdays turning fast laps down the groomers.
Beaver Creek Ski Resort Highlights
Prices in Beaver Creek are similar to Vail (expensive), but there is less terrain here. There are lots of great high-end accommodations in the village and the gondola system extends all the way down to the Westin Resort in Avon.
- Luxury mountain village
- Lots of terrain choices for beginners
- Close to Vail
Getting to Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is located in Avon, CO, where a gondola rises up from downtown Avon to take skiers toward the resort. The main base area is about a 10-minute drive up from the main exit in Avon.
If you are driving here from Denver, you might encounter issues with Vail Pass or the Eisenhower Tunnel closing. The passes can close for weather, accidents, or avalanche mitigation. The drive from Denver will take about 2 hours in reasonable weather. Coming from the east is much simpler. The Eagle County airport is only about a 30-minute drive down the interstate from Avon.
Beaver Creek, CO FAQ
The mountain is smaller. Vail’s pedestrian villages are larger, but very similar to Beaver Creek. These are both very nice alpine villages with lots of luxury shops, dining and lodging.
Yes! Beaver Creek lift tickets can be used at Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Crested Butte.
The Stone Creek Chutes should be at the top of your list if you like challenging terrain. The Birds of Prey area is great for fast skiing. This is where the World Cup races at Beaver Creek are traditionally held and here you’ll find the trails: Kestral, Peregrine, and Golden Eagle.
The Royal Elk Glade on Grouse Mountain is also a good target for expert skiers and there is some great tree skiing there.
Yes! One of our favorites in Colorado. The mountain is littered with features that the kids enjoy including parks, courses and obstacles. There is a beginner’s learning area right at the base that is accessible by foot.
Sorry. The closest night skiing is at Keystone.
Tips for Skiing at Beaver Creek
Head to Grouse Mountain for tree skiing. Take the Grouse Mountain Express Lift to access the Royal Elk Glade. This area has some of the best tree skiing on the mountain and is least likely to be skied-out where there is fresh snow.
Take the Centennial Express Lift -> Cinch Express Lift for early morning top to bottom runs. You’ll find good groomers right below the lifts here, and this is a good place to rip full runs first thing in the morning on freshly groomed snow. You can also access Birds of Prey from this lift if you want to ski something a bit steeper.
The Stone Creek Chutes are a gnarly experience. Tucked away at the edge of the trail map and on the edge of the Beaver Creek ski area boundary, you will find the Stone Creek Chutes. This is likely the toughest skiing on the mountain and a cool experience for experts that want to push the limits. Be aware that you need to take a lift out of here and that lift closes early in the day. Make sure you know what you are doing if you enter this area.