Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Beaver Creek, located in Colorado’s central Rocky Mountains near the town of Avon, offers 2,082 acres of skiable terrain served by 25 lifts and 173 trails. With a base elevation of 8,100 ft and a summit reaching 11,440 ft, the resort delivers a vertical drop of 3,340 ft and averages 235 in of annual snowfall. Snowmaking ensures reliable coverage across the mountain, and the longest run—Centennial—spans 2.8 mi from top to base.

Families are especially well served at Beaver Creek, with dedicated beginner zones like Haymeadow Park and Red Buffalo Park, plus four tubing lanes and a signature Cookie Time tradition at 3 PM daily. The resort features three terrain parks, a halfpipe, and a thoughtfully designed layout that separates beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain. The pedestrian-friendly village offers ice skating, dining, and cultural events, making it a complete winter destination.

Visitors choose Beaver Creek for its refined atmosphere, meticulously groomed runs, and seamless guest experience. Whether you're carving cruisers, tackling steep chutes, or enjoying a fireside meal, the resort blends luxury with adventure in a way that appeals to skiers of all levels.

Beaver Creek is accessible via two main airports: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), just 30 minutes away, and Denver International Airport (DEN), approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes by car. Shuttle services like Epic Mountain Express offer direct transfers from both airports, with private and shared options available. ECO Transit and Avon Transit provide public bus service to the resort, with stops at the Elk Lot and Covered Bridge.

Once at Beaver Creek, guests can use the complimentary Village Connect shuttle system, which operates from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily. Free parking is available at the Bear and Elk lots, with shuttles running continuously to the village. Ski-in/ski-out lodging and gondola access from Beaver Creek Village streamline arrival, while escalators and heated walkways enhance convenience throughout the resort.

Beaver Creek’s terrain is spread across three interconnected base areas—Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead Village—offering 2,082 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 3,340 ft. The resort features 173 trails served by 25 lifts, including gondolas, high-speed quads, and surface lifts. Snowmaking and grooming are extensive, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season.

Beginners will find ideal terrain in Haymeadow Park and Red Buffalo Park, both accessible via the Haymeadow Express Gondola and Cinch Express Lift. These zones offer wide, gentle runs with scenic views and dedicated learning areas. The McCoy Park expansion adds 250 acres of beginner and intermediate terrain, with two new lifts and 17 trails designed for progression.

Intermediate skiers can explore Larkspur Bowl, Rose Bowl, and the upper sections of Bachelor Gulch. Runs like Larkspur, C Prime, and Gunder’s offer smooth descents with varied pitch and excellent grooming. Centennial, the resort’s longest run at 2.8 mi, provides a scenic and satisfying ride from summit to base.

Advanced and expert terrain is concentrated in Grouse Mountain and the Talons area. Birds of Prey, home to the World Cup downhill course, features steep pitches and technical descents. Stone Creek Chutes offers hike-to terrain with tight lines and deep powder, while Royal Elk Glade delivers tree skiing for those seeking solitude and challenge.

Freestyle riders can choose from three terrain parks: Park 101, Zoom Room, and The Rodeo. Park 101 is ideal for beginners, while Zoom Room offers medium-sized features. The Rodeo, accessible via Centennial Express, is the largest park with advanced jumps and rails. A halfpipe and 75 park rails round out the freestyle offerings.

Natural features include open bowls, ridgelines, and glades that enhance the skiing experience. Bachelor Gulch offers sun-soaked cruisers, while Grouse Mountain delivers fall-line steeps. The resort’s layout allows skiers to progress naturally, with clear signage and terrain suited to every ability level.

For powder days, head straight to Grouse Mountain. The Birds of Prey Express lift gives access to steep, sustained runs like Golden Eagle and Peregrine, which hold fresh snow longer than the frontside. Early mornings here are quiet, and the grooming is top-notch if you’re chasing corduroy instead.

Stone Creek Chutes is a must for advanced skiers. This hike-to zone offers tight lines, cliff drops, and deep snow. The entrance closes at 2:30 PM, so get there early. It’s one of the few places at Beaver Creek that feels truly off-piste while still being in bounds.

McCoy Park is underrated. Added in the 2021–22 season, it’s a dedicated learning area with 250 acres of mellow terrain and stunning views. It’s perfect for families and those looking to escape the crowds. The new lifts—McCoy Park Express and Reunion Lift—make access easy.

Red Buffalo Park is ideal for beginners who want top-of-mountain views. Accessible via Cinch Express, it offers gentle green runs with panoramic vistas. It’s also a great warm-up zone before tackling intermediate terrain in Rose Bowl or Larkspur Bowl.

For a quiet run, try Intertwine from Bachelor Gulch to Arrowhead. It’s a long blue with rolling terrain and minimal traffic. The Arrow Bahn Express lift at the bottom connects you back to the main mountain, making it a great loop for intermediate skiers.

Après-ski at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is unbeatable. The Mountainside Terrace has live music, fire pits, and an ice bar serving cocktails and BBQ. It’s slopeside and lively without being overwhelming. For something more casual, Coyote Café in Beaver Creek Village is a local favorite with Mexican fare and draft beer.

Want solitude? Ride the Grouse Mountain lift and drop into Raven Ridge. It’s a black run with consistent pitch and fewer skiers. The views are dramatic, and the snow stays fresh longer. It’s a great choice after a storm or late in the day.

Families should check out Haymeadow Park. It’s not just for beginners—it has adventure zones, interactive features, and wide-open space for playful skiing. The Haymeadow Express Gondola makes it easy to lap with kids or regroup between runs.

Dining on-mountain? Talons Restaurant near the base of Birds of Prey offers modern southwestern cuisine and a sunny deck. For a sweet treat, visit the Candy Cabin at 9,840 ft—it’s stocked with nostalgic sweets and has a cozy alpine vibe.

Don’t miss Cookie Time. Every day at 3 PM, warm chocolate chip cookies are handed out at the base of Centennial Lift and the escalators. It’s a Beaver Creek tradition that adds a touch of charm to your ski day—and yes, adults get cookies too.