Few places embody the luxurious experience of skiing like Beaver Creek, Colorado. Sure, other ski meccas have lovely hotels, restaurants, and plenty of snow too, but Beaver Creek offers up something those other winter enclaves don’t: All that space and none of the crowds. Beaver Creek is a world-class ski area all its own. Made up of 1,815 skiable acres, 149 trails, and 26 lifts, Beaver Creek is still large but is just out of the way enough to evade the typical crowds that hover at Vail Mountain, which sits just 15 minutes away. And, with an average snowfall of 310 inches, Beaver Creek is almost guaranteed to have fresh powder waiting for you. On your next ski trip to Colorado, here are all the places you should stay, eat, and play during a luxury ski getaway at Beaver Creek.
Where to Stay in Beaver Creek
When it comes to luxury offerings, Beaver Creek has more than its fair share. Visitors to the area can book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property. Located mid-mountain, the hotel offers unparalleled ski-in, ski-out access. The chalet-inspired hotel has both mountain and valley-view rooms available, along with several restaurants, a 21,000-square-foot spa, and even ski nannies available to families.
Guests in Beaver Creek can also check into Poste Montane Lodge, a 24-suite luxury hotel. Thanks to the hotel’s limited rooms, guests will receive personalized service throughout their stay. The hotel offers both lodge rooms and one or two-bedroom suites for larger groups. It is located just steps from both the mountain on one side and the shops and restaurants on the other for convenience. The hotel even hosts Thursday Cookie and Board Game Night, making it a great spot for both kids and kids at heart.
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For a luxe alpine retreat steps from Beaver Creek Village, The Pines Lodge, a Rock Resort is a chic hideaway with ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes. Not only does the resort put you in the heart of the town and the mountain's skiable acreage, it's perfect for the couple looking to relax, with an al fresco pool area and rooms outfitted with marble tubs and mountain-view balconies.
Best Restaurants in Beaver Creek, From Fine Dining to Après
Beaver Creek is home to just 6,400 residents, but just because the town is small doesn’t mean it isn’t the place to be for a five-star meal.
Snag a reservation at Beano's Cabin, an on-mountain dining experience that’s been delighting guests for some 25 years. The dinner actually begins with a 20-minute, open-air sleigh ride through the snow to the restaurant in Larkspur Bowl. There, guests will dine on a rotating list of dishes and sip on glasses from its award-winning wine list. Reservations are required and booking well in advance is advised. Call (970) 754 3463 to get a spot.
Another delicious spot is Toscanini, located right at the base of the mountain, next to the glittering ice rink. The restaurant serves delicious and hearty Italian dishes from its open-air kitchen including classics like spaghetti and meatballs, soups, salads, pizzas, and even offers family-style meals to go.
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Though it may not look as chic as the others from the outside, the Dusty Boot Roadhouse is still another not-to-miss hot spot in Beaver Creek. The restaurant has been a Beaver Creek institution for more than two decades, serving steaks, burgers, and other tasty fare alongside its 16 beers on tap. Head to Dusty Boot for a meal, the après-ski scene, or to grab takeout for a filling meal after a long day on the slopes.
Things to Do in Beaver Creek This Winter
There’s plenty to see and do around town for those either not interested in skiing or those who merely need to give their quads a break. For anyone interested in still staying active in the powder, head to the Nordic Center at Beaver Creek Mountain. There, visitors can take part in cross-country skiing, telemarking, or snowshoeing lessons, or just rent the equipment and head out on their own.
For guests seeking a bit more of a thrill, Nova Guides is happy to take you on a snowmobiling adventure. With access to more than 100 miles of groomed trails, Nova Guides can take you wherever you want to go. The company has offerings for beginners to experts and can tailor the adventure to your needs. Snowmobile rentals are also available.
Another must-try activity is heading out for a few hours with the pups at Winterhawk Dog Sledding. Each trip includes a kennel tour so guests can get to know their dogs. Then, they’ll take you on a journey through the natural landscapes around Beaver Creek and will even make sure to snap several photos along the way for posterity. Don’t worry, blankets and lots of hot cocoa are included.
Hitting the Beaver Creek Mountain Slopes
Heading to Beaver Creek and not going skiing sounds sacrilegious. Luckily, even those who’ve never been on skis or a snowboard before can hit the slopes thanks to the mountain’s robust lesson program for children, teens, and adults. Those looking for one-on-one lessons can even snag a private lesson to learn the basics or hone their expert skills. The mountain welcomes Epic Pass holders, or skiers and riders can pick up a day pass starting at $169 for adults.
