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Brrrrr. It’s starting to get chilly in Eagle County as we approach the winter season. But its ski town gem, Beaver Creek, sparkles with shimmering snow atop the chalets, trees, and mountain tops.
Just two hours away from Denver and minutes from Avon, Beaver Creek is known as the Vail’s little sister — she’s more low-key, with fewer tourists and terrain that offers plenty of space and tranquility. This kind of peacefulness isn’t common. For example, Utah’s Park City ski resorts are often crowded, with a larger population and endless travelers.
But don’t let Beaver Creek’s small size fool you. She still sits at a 8,100 base elevation. Plus, the area’s tallest mountain, Mount Powell, reaches 13,000 feet into the sky, making it the highest peak of the Rockies’ Gore Range. And its southern glade thrills even the most experienced skiers!
But whether you’re a beginner or a newbie skier doesn’t matter. If you’re considering a ski vacation, Beaver Creek, CO is an excellent choice. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about your Beaver Creek ski vacation, including the trails of the vast terrain parks, best time to visit, and where to rent equipment!
Best Time to Ski at Beaver Creek Resort
Beaver Creek’s ski season tends to last from late November to mid-April (same with Breckenridge and other ski areas). That’s a solid four or so months to ski your heart out with a season pass. While thousands of travelers enjoy skiing throughout the entire season, the time you go might affect your experience.
The sweet spot to visit is January, but the slopes are * chef’s kiss * perfect throughout January to March. The thing is the crowds, though. You’ll avoid them (and long lines for Beaver Creek Mountain lifts) if you make it before the popular February rush and March’s spring break. Peak popular times also tend to be more expensive, so you’ll save a few bucks coming early.
Plus, January tends to be less windy, with more sunshine and relative heat. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! The weather might dip to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but the sun is still out to play — and it bounces off the reflective snow and onto your skin. Trust us; plenty of people get sunburnt on the slopes.
As for the snow? There’s plenty, and January’s cold enough that it won’t melt right away! Historically, January sees at least 41 inches of snow atop the ski area and 98 at the bottom.
Just keep track of the weather temperatures and stay cautious at night, when it gets colder and cloudier. Icy pistes can be dangerous if they form super solid.
Next up, you’ll need to get some gear.
Beaver Creek Ski Resort Equipment Rentals
Beaver Creek Resort takes things to the next level with high-quality rentals and impeccable service.
Maybe you have your own gear? It’s always more comfortable to sport equipment you’re familiar with. But if you’re flying, that’s out of the question. Plus, you don’t have to stay in Beaver Creek Lodgings on the resort to get your skis.
You can schedule a time to pick up equipment either within the resort, Beaver Creek Village, or at your condo/hotel. Most accommodation areas like the Ritz-Carlton and Arrowhead village have dedicated sports equipment shops for you to pick up your gear!
Take your pick from:
- Demo skis: Premium skis compatible with every weather condition
- Demo snowboards: State-of-the-art snowboard for expert athletes
- Sports skis: Simple and flexible, great for beginners
- Sports snowboards: Forgiving snowboard for beginners
- Performance skis: Ideal for intermediate skiers (and smoother turns)
Got your gear? Great. Now, where can you flex those ski muscles? Keep reading to find out!
Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard Trails
Nervous you won’t find the right trail? Put those fears to rest. Beaver Creek Resort boasts a whopping 1,800 skiable acres and 149 unique trails. Even after big snow falls or storms, the resort has dedicated groomers with snowcats to make sure the paths are as smooth as can be!
And one of them is waiting for you to discover it!
Let’s start with the basics.
Haymeadow Park Bunny Hills: Baby Steps
Haymeadow park is Beaver Creek Resort’s dedicated learning area. Here, you’ll find skilled instructors offering skiing and snowboarding lessons to aspiring alpine athletes! Buckaroo Bowl is essentially a bunny hill, perfect for your first time.
You’ll notice two chairlifts here: the Highlands Lift and the Haymeadow Express Gondola. After your lesson, take the gondola up to The Parlour for some ice cream!
And once you have your bearings? You can try out some easy hills!
- Difficulty: Super easy, first-time skiers
- Map: Haymeadow Park
Nordic-McCoy Park Trails – All-Level Hills!
Surrounded by the Bachelor Gulch Mountain, McCoy Park has three chairlifts that bring you to various trails: Larkspur Express Lift, McCoy Park Express Lift, and Reunion Lift.
No more bunny hills for you! It’s time to put your skills to work with some smaller, downhill trails. McCoy Park has tons of beginner-friendly ski and snowboard trails like:
- Little Lulu
- Morningstar
- Marmot Way
- Aurora Loop
- Pegasus Loop
- Mamie’s Cut
These are all fabulous trails for people just learning to ski, or family groups new to the mountain. Some of the trails are in the dedicated family zone, so you won’t have to worry about Birds of Prey World Cup competitors shooting through your family! If you venture here in the summer, many of the trails double as mountain biking adventures, too. You’ll also find first-aid and ski patrol nearby.
But if you’re up for a challenge? The Wildside, Buckskin Cut-off, Kinship, and Morningstar (black diamond editions) are calling your name for intense, double-black diamond runs!
And once you finish? Take the lift back down to Mamie’s Mountain Grill at the base area for a delicious cheeseburger!
- Difficulty: All levels!
- Map: Nordic-McCoy Park
Red Buffalo Park – Continued Family Fun
Brace yourself! You’re cruising to the top of Beaver Creek Mountain to reach Red Buffalo Park! This area has 13 ski trails, but most of them are beginner-friendly. A relatively new addition to the resort, Red Buffalo Park has interactive trails meant to gamify the learning experience.
For example, Mystic Maze takes you through a mini labyrinth of snow-covered trees and even passes through a log tunnel at the bottom! And at the top of the hill? You’ll find a patrol center, as well as the Cookie Cabin Ski and Snowboard School!
Other trails include:
- Powell
- Jack Rabbit Alley
- Booth Gardens
- Red Buffalo
- Golden Eagle (Double-Black Diamond)
Don’t forget to take the Zoom Room to the woods, with little ramps to give you some jump to your glide!
- Difficulty: Mostly easy, with a couple of more difficult hills nearby
- Map: Red Buffalo Park
Best Lunch Spots After a Beaver Creek Ski Sesh
Whether you’re craving a burger mid-slope or a gluttonous, end-of-day steak — Beaver Creek has you covered with tons of delectable options. End your epic pass with a Colorado, rustic meal at any of these Beaver Creek restaurants:
- 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill: Open-concept kitchen with a glamorous interior at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
- Beano’s Cabin: Upscale cabin with wraparound deck and gourmet, five-course meals
- Golden Eagle Inn Restaurant: Cozy tavern with unique dishes like elk chili
- Gondola Pizza: An Avon classic with delicious specialty pizzas and calzones
- Spruce Saddle: Atop the Centennial Express Lift #6, ski-in lunch spot with classic American fare
Still hungry? Check out our guide on the most delish restaurants in Beaver Creek!
Indulge in a Beaver Creek Winter Vacation with Rent By Owner!
Ready to hit the double black diamond slopes with gut-wrenching vertical drops? Or maybe you’re itching for a cabin dinner at Beano’s.
Hold your horses. A great ski vacation isn’t complete without a comfortable, unique, and luxurious abode to call home.
Rent By Owner helps travelers all over the US and Colorado (including Beaver Creek) find perfect accommodations to meet every need. From pet-friendly apartments to ultra-luxe, ski-out villas and reputable ski resorts — we’ve got it all.
It’s time to take that long-awaited ski vacation to Beaver Creek. You take care of the rentals and lift tickets, and we’ll handle your accommodations. Start planning and book a Beaver Creek rental today!
Featured Image Credit: jweller
