Beaver Creek winter landscape under a blue skyBeaver Creek winter landscape under a blue sky

A complete guide to Beaver Creek

Everything you need for your Beaver Creek ski holiday
6th January, 2025
5 min read time

Beaver Creek is a premier ski destination in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, renowned for its luxury, family-friendly atmosphere, and exceptional skiing. As part of the Vail Valley, this gated alpine village offers heated sidewalks, escalators to the slopes, and a vibrant après-ski scene. Beyond the meticulously groomed trails, visitors can enjoy award-winning dining, unique off-slope activities, and a touch of indulgence with the resort's famous 3pm Cookie Time tradition.

This guide provides everything you need to know for the ultimate Beaver Creek ski holiday, including its ski terrain, dining hotspots, après-ski options, and unforgettable winter experiences.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

  1. Where is Beaver Creek?
  2. Beaver Creek the resort
  3. Beaver Creek ski area
  4. Skiing in Beaver Creek
  5. Beaver Creek ski season dates
  6. Beaver Creek snow history
  7. Restaurants in Beaver Creek
  8. Things to do in Beaver Creek
  9. Beaver Creek après-ski, and nightlife
  10. Beaver Creek village map
  11. Practical information

Where is Beaver Creek?

Beaver Creek is nestled in the Vail Valley, just west of Vail, along the I-70 corridor in Colorado.

For a detailed view of Beaver Creek's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.


Nearest airport

  • Eagle County Regional Airport: 46 km (28.6 miles)

Transfer time

  • Eagle County Regional Airport: 35 minute drive

Beaver Creek the resort

  • Resort elevation: 2,469 m (8,100 ft)
  • Resort permanent residents: Approx. 11,131

Beaver Creek blends the charm of an alpine village with modern sophistication, thoughtfully designed with three distinct base areas—Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead.

  • Beaver Creek Village serves as the vibrant heart of the resort, with car-free streets, heated sidewalks, and boutique shops. Visitors can enjoy après-ski, fine dining, and cultural events at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, adding a dynamic touch to the alpine experience.
  • Bachelor Gulch offers a refined, tranquil setting with premium accommodations like the Ritz-Carlton and cosy fire pits. It’s a haven for couples and those seeking an intimate alpine retreat.
  • Arrowhead is the resort’s most laid-back area, offering a cosy village vibe and easy access to dining and wide-open runs. It’s a serene escape for those wanting a slower pace without compromising access to Beaver Creek’s terrain.
Complimentary shuttle services connect all three base areas seamlessly, ensuring easy navigation.
                                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Good mix of skiable terrainLimited true nightlife
Ski-in ski-out accommodationsCan be pricy
Great amenitiesRestaurant reservations can be challenging
Car-free centreLimited off-piste terrain
Big ski areaParking can be a problem

Here is how Beaver Creek looks like

Preview of Beaver Creek showcasing a snowy wood roof

Watch Beaver Creek on YouTube .

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Beaver Creek ski area

  • Summit elevation: 3,488 m / 11,440 ft
  • Skiable terrain: 843 ha / 2,082 acres
  • Pistes: 167
  • Vertical drop: 1,019 m / 3,340 ft
  • Ski lifts: 24

Beaver Creek's three base areas offer convenient starting points to explore its varied terrain, with trails catering to all skill levels:

  • Beaver Creek Village is the perfect spot for beginners and intermediates, with the Ski and Ride School located here and easy access to gentle green and blue runs via Centennial Express (Lift 6) and Haymeadow Express Gondola (Lift 1).
  • Bachelor Gulch is ideal for families and intermediates, offering scenic blue runs and the dedicated McCoy Park area, known for its groomable glades and relaxed skiing environment. The Bachelor Gulch Express (Lift 16) seamlessly connects this area to neighbouring base areas.
  • Arrowhead Village provides a serene atmosphere and wide-open trails for casual skiers. The Arrow Bahn Express (Lift 17) ensures easy access to the rest of the resort through interconnected trails.

Skiing in Beaver Creek

Beginners

First-timers will feel right at home with Beaver Creek’s top-notch facilities. Haymeadow Park and Red Buffalo Park are dedicated beginner zones offering gentle slopes, magic carpets, and panoramic mountain views. McCoy Park’s all-green terrain is perfect for building confidence.

Intermediates

Intermediate skiers will delight in the resort’s wide, rolling blue runs. Rose Bowl and Bachelor Gulch are highlights, offering a mix of groomed pistes and tree-lined trails. Don’t miss the cruisy runs like Centennial and C Prime for a memorable experience.

Advanced

Advanced skiers can test their skills on Grouse Mountain and the iconic Birds of Prey runs, including the thrilling Golden Eagle downhill course. Steep moguls, challenging blacks, and tree skiing offer endless thrills for seasoned skiers.

Snowboarding

Beaver Creek boasts wide pistes and powdery bowls for carving, alongside three terrain parks featuring jumps, rails, and natural obstacles.

Beaver Creek ski season dates

The ski season in Beaver Creek for 2024/25 began on November 27th and is expected to run until April 14th. If you're planning a ski holiday to Beaver Creek next winter, be sure to explore our Beaver Creek deals for the best ski offers available.

Beaver Creek snow history

Beaver Creek offers optimal snow conditions from December through April. December and January consistently bring about 21 cm (8.26 inches) and 20 cm (7.87 inches) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall increases ( 24cm/9.44 inches) and occurs more frequently, averaging 4.2 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the fourth week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Beaver Creek, with an impressive 28 cm (11.02 inches) of snow over 4.1 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 19 cm (7.48 inches) of snow over 3.2 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.

                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December21 cm (8.26 in)3.3 days
January20 cm (7.87 in)3.5 days
February24 cm (9.44 in)4.2 days
March22 cm (8.66 in)3.6 days
April19 cm (7.48 in)3.2 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek with over 20 unique restaurants, provides a mix of slope-side options and gourmet experiences. Highlights include:

  • 8100 Mountainside bar and grill: Enjoy hearty mountain classics on a heated patio or indulge in a decadent breakfast.
  • Beaver creek chophouse: Cozy interiors and a diverse menu make this a must-visit for lunch or dinner.
  • Spruce saddle lodge: A perfect slope-side pitstop for burgers and sandwiches at the top of the Centennial Express Lift.
  • Grouse mountain grill: Renowned for its locally sourced dishes and award-winning wine list, this fine-dining gem offers panoramic views.

Things to do in Beaver Creek

  • Scenic gondola rides
  • Ice skating
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Telemark
  • Vilar performing art centre

Beaver Creek après-ski and nightlife

Après in Beaver Creek is laid-back and family-friendly, with cozy spots offering comfort food and craft beverages.

Top spots

  • Dusty boot roadhouse: A saloon-style bar in the heart of the village, offering craft beers, cocktails, and filling après snacks.
  • 8100 Mountainside bar and grill: Sip on Colorado beers or fine wines as you unwind near the slopes.
  • Beaver creek chophouse: Sing along with live music or enjoy the floor-to-ceiling mountain views

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Beaver Creek village map

Beaver Creek village map

Download Beaver Creek village map here

Practical information

  • Information center: comments@vailresorts.com
  • Information centre: +1 (970) 754-4636
  • Address: 26 Avondale Lane Avon, CO 81620
  • For visa & passport travel advice, visit here

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