Beaver Creek ski resort is just past Vail on I-70 west. While this is a very family friendly ski resort, it has some great expert terrain and some very long runs that I really love. Beaver Creek is the furthest resort on I-70 making the trip a little longer but worth it. While Keystone, Breck and Vail can be swimming with people, Beaver is never too crowded even on a holiday weekend.
The resort itself is very family-focused. You will not find late-night bars and dance clubs here. Instead, you will find lots of kids and family-oriented activities. There is also a performing arts center and an ice skating rink. Parts of Beaver Creek, like Bachelors Gulch are also known to be a little more upscale. But what everyone will tell you about Beaver Creek is the cookies! Every day when the lifts close, employees hand out hot cookies as you come off the mountain. Pretty awesome right?!
Below I have broken down Beaver Creek into three areas, Beaver Creek, Avon and Bachelor Gulch.
Where To Stay In Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek sits between Vail and Edwards above the town of Avon. The main area of the resort is beaver creek. There are two other ski areas on the mountain known as Bachelors Gulch and Arrowhead.
Coming with kids? I would recommend staying on the mountain in Beaver Creek. Older group? You may enjoy staying in Avon, putting you within walking or short driving distance to bars and restaurants in the area.
Westin River Front Resort and Spa – Avon
I have stayed at Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon twice now and love it! The Westin has its own gondola that takes you from the hotel to the ski lifts! We loveeed the infinity hot tubs and lap pool. The Hotel has two restaurants including Chef Richard Sandoval’s Maya. Highly recommend this spot!
The Christie Lodge
The Christie Lodge is another great option in Avon. Each suite has a full kitchenette making it group for longer stays and groups. They also have Indoor and outdoor hot tubs and heats the pool. The accommodations are dated but if your looking for a place to soak and lay your head after a long day on the slopes this is it.
The Ritz Bachelors Gulch
Looking to ritz it up? Bachelor Gulch! The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is amazing, as are all Ritz’s right? The Ritz and surrounding condos offer great ski-in, ski-out access. I really love all the blues and tree skiing around Bachelor Gulch so this is often where I ski in Beaver. We actually stayed here in the summer and it’s easily one of my favorite spots in Colorado!
Airbnb Beaver Creek
Airbnb, of course, is always a great option and you will find available houses and condos in each of these areas.
Where to Eat and Drink in Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek
CBar: I have only stopped in here for drinks but the nachos we kept seeing looked incredible. Plus they have really great Happy Hour specials like $3 beers! Can’t beat that!
Beano’s Cabin: Looking for an amazing dining experience while on vacation? Look no further than Beano’s Cabin. Book an open-air sleigh ride (pulled by a snowcat) to the top of the mountain for an incredible five-course meal. Stating at $140 ahead, this is pricey. But it’s totally worth every penny! Upon arrival, you unbundle and swap out your snow boots for slippers. Beano’s Cabin has a great cozy feel with a roaring double-sided fireplace and live music. Everything we ate was decadent. Read more about our meal here.
Other spots: Blue Moose Pizza, Dusty Boot Roadhouse
Dinner at Beano’s Cabin
Avon
Gondola Pizza: We ordered delivery pizza from here while staying at the Westin and WOW! Just wow! So unexpectedly good! Highly recommend.
Agave: A trendy Mexican restaurant that also has a music venue. Check the calendar as this venue gets some killer bands.
Avon Bakery & Deli: Call ahead or swing by here to pick up a bagel or breakfast sandwich before hitting the slopes or the trail.
Bachelor’s Gulch
Zacks’s Cabin: Similar to Beano’s Cabin, you can ride a cat up to a cabin for a fun dining experience. This is not a set menu but still a pricey dinner for the experience. I did this a few years ago with about 10 friends and had a great time.
Where to Ski in Beaver Creek
I really do love to lap the Bachelor Gulch/Arrowhead area. If you’re looking for a little more expert terrain head over to Birds of Prey. If you are more of a blue skier then head to the base and all the way up to the top to ski some great long blue runs.
Centennial, which runs from top to bottom, and switches from green, blue to black may be one of my favorite runs in Colorado! Beaver Creek does not have the Back Bowls like Vail but Strawberry Fields is their alternative, which has is some good blue runs and lots of steep black runs back here too.
Now that you know where to stay and where to eat, time to figure out what to pack! Check out my ski weekend 101 for all of my favorite gear to wear on and off the mountain.
Looking for more Colorado Ski Towns – Check out my complete guide here.
Vail // Breckenridge // Steamboat
