Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Five Ski World Cup races are taking place in Beaver Creek this year. The men will be guests from 6 to 8 December for the downhill, super-G and giant slalom. The women will also be here for the first time on 14 and 15 December for downhill and super-G.

Beaver Creek is one of the largest ski areas in Colorado and is located right next to Vail. Both of these ski areas are grouped under Vail Resorts, which operates a total of nine ski areas in the USA, such as Heavenly in California and Park City in Utah. Together with Vail, Beaver Creek was also host to the Ski World Cup in 2015. The ski area extends over 741 hectares, offering some 150 trails. Beaver Creek has a lot to offer for proficient skiers in particular, as around 40% of the trails here are categorised as medium difficult and very difficult.

Perfect terrain for both beginners and experts

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, everyone starts the day in the same place – the Western village of Beaver Creek and the valley station of the Lower Beaver Creek Mountain Express. When you arrive at the top of the lift, you can continue on up the mountain with the Upper Beaver Creek Express or the Bachelor Gulch Express. Both of these lifts offer inexperienced skiers access to plenty of suitable terrain, such as the Maverick, Little Brave and Solitaire runs. There are also plenty of trails suitable for beginners to explore around the Elkhorn Lift.

Children and absolute beginners will also find ideal areas to practice their first turns by the Highlands and Buckaroo Express lifts in Beaver Creek Village. As soon as you’ve gained a little confidence, the next step would be the easy runs further up the mountain like Cinch and Dally, which are fed by the Centennial Lift. In the upper section of Beaver Creek Mountain, kids can even experience a true sense of adventure in the specially designed Kids Adventure Zones.

But take care – the lower section of Beaver Creek Mountain is not to be underestimated. There are numerous black diamond runs, particularly around the Bird Of Prey Lift. In fact, you can even experience the thrills of a real World Cup course on Golden Eagle. Advanced skiers will also enjoy the demanding slopes on Grouse Mountain. Trails like Raven Ridge, Screech Owl and Bald Eagle are a real challenge, so don’t expect to get bored anytime soon. There are also two bowls for powder fans – the Rose Bowl and Larkspur Bowl.

Freestyle skiers and snowboarders can look forward to three terrain parks in Beaver Creek. Park 101 is the terrain park for beginners, with smaller obstacles ideal for kids and beginners to try out their first tricks. After that, you can progress to the Zoom Room Park and its intermediate features. Here, you can try a range of jumps, rails and boxes. Meanwhile, experts can get their fill of adrenaline at The Rodeo terrain park.

At the mountain restaurants in Beaver Creek, you can take your pick between hearty burgers, delicious pizzas and perfectly prepared fries. But there are also home-made soups, sandwiches and salads on the menu to keep you going between meals. Mamie’s Mountain Grill offers incredible views from its sundeck and also has an European-style umbrella bar.

The latest addition to the culinary landscape is Talons Restaurant. Although it is usually a temple for delicious cuisine, the restaurant served as a press centre during the World Cup. If you prefer more home-made fare, then the Broken Arrow restaurant will be just up your street. Here, the emphasis lies on freshly prepared food and healthy eating.

If you’re an experienced and talented skier, you shouldn’t miss the chance to try the FIS World Cup runs Golden Eagle and Kestrel. Tree skiing is another special Beaver Creek has to offer.

Beaver Creek also offers plenty to see and do away from the slopes. Snowtubing is fun for young and old alike, while snowshoe hikes allow you to discover the stunning natural surroundings of Colorado’s backcountry. 2 ½ hour guided tours are offered on a daily basis. There are even special family tours available every Tuesday. Moreover, Beaver Creek Village is home to a large ice skating rink.

And if you thought you’d have to do without après-ski in Beaver Creek, think again. Hotspots include rustic Dusty Boot bar, with a happy hour between 3 PM and 5 PM as well as the popular Broken Arrow and Chophouse bars.

In addition, Beaver Creek has numerous gourmet restaurants to choose from. Beano’s Cabin is one notable highlight, as it can only be reached by horse-drawn sleigh and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Allie’s Cabin is another hot spot on Beaver Creek Mountain with a fantastic view. 

If you enjoy trying regional specialities, look no further than 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill. Here, you can sample the best wines and spirits that Colorado has to offer. The Mirabelle Restaurant on the edge of town is housed in a building constructed at the turn of the century and it exudes a very special charm accordingly.

The ski area is around two hours by car from the airport in Denver, where shuttles to the ski area are available. Alternatively, you can rent a car. By car, take Pena Boulevard to I-70 west, which you follow until exit 167. Then take a left at the roundabout and drive under the I-70. Go straight on at the next three roundabouts and you will soon arrive in Beaver Creek.