About two hours from Denver and located just west of Vail in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, the resort town of Beaver Creek is one of the more luxurious ski destinations in Colorado — a state known for its world-class skiing.
In the winter, perks such as heated sidewalks, ski valets, a first-tracks program, and complimentary, fresh-baked cookies (warm out of the oven) every afternoon at 3 p.m. set the stage for amazing cold-weather fun, while the stunning ski terrain and well-manicured slopes invite guests to spend as much time as possible on the mountain. But Beaver Creek is more than just a ski destination.
In summer months, the town becomes a bustling — but laid-back — mecca for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and solo travelers interested in exploring mountain trails on foot or bike, fly fishing, playing golf or enjoying guided wine excursions or free weekly outdoor concerts on the village stage.
Beaver Creek is close enough to major airports to access it easily throughout the year, but far enough away to offer a relaxing vacation with fewer crowds than you might find in places like Aspen or Snowmass. It’s the best of both worlds — upscale, but friendly; refined, but not pretentious.
Whether you’re planning your first-ever vacation in Beaver Creek or revisiting with family or friends, your experienced Destination Manager is happy to help with all of the arrangements. In the meantime, she’s sharing her own ideal short-and-sweet itinerary for three perfect days of fun and thrills in this inviting Colorado town.
DAY 1: On the Mountain
On your first full day, get an early morning start to catch first tracks on the mountain. Lifts typically open daily at 8:30 a.m., so grab your skis from the private ski storage early and take the ski-way to be one of the first to go up.
Spend the morning on Beaver Creek’s well-groomed corduroy runs, taking in the fresh air and panoramic views. There are over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain with three base areas and 167 trails ranging from gentle beginner and family-friendly slopes to intermediate cruisers and expert-level, challenging runs boasting steep lines and deep powder.
In warmer months, trade skis and snowboards for hiking boots and get out on one of the area’s 60+ miles of walking trails. Our pick: the Royal Elk Trail, a moderate five-mile out-and-back trail that takes you past fields of wildflowers and beautiful lake views.
For lunch, hit up Blue Moose Pizza in the heart of the village for an authentic NY-style pie. Try the daily special pizza, a tried-and-true favorite, or build your own.
In the afternoon, pamper yourself and recover from the morning’s outing with a personalized spa treatment at exhale at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. Enjoy a full-body massage, rejuvenating water therapies, sauna, and more — customized to your specific needs.
That night, you’ll be back on the mountain for a special dinner at the Four Diamond rated Beano’s Cabin. Tucked into a meadow at the base of Larkspur Bowl, this log cabin restaurant is a full experience. You’ll travel by horse drawn carriage to reach Beano’s where you’ll be greeted with an unbelievably delicious five-course meal. Specializing in local fish and game, seasonal herbs and vegetables, and immaculate presentation, you’ll take your time enjoying delicious flavors and excellent service in a luxuriously rustic space.
DAY 2: Explore the Village
Kick off day two with a walk into Beaver Creek village for a fun day of boutique shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Make sure you have your camera with you as you look for the cool, oversized sculptures found throughout the village. From a giant snow globe to ice bikes and frost flowers, these Instagram-worthy art installations are the perfect backdrops for your vacation photos.
For a curated collection of clothing and home goods from around the world, make sure to visit Gorsuch. If you’re looking for quality Beaver Creek souvenirs, check out Beaver Creek Made or Alpine Kind. Or for active wear and gear, stop by the local Patagonia and The North Face shops. Beaver Creek Village is also home to jewelry stores, a community market, wine shop, and several art galleries that are worth taking a stroll through.
After exploring the village, take a break at Coyote Café for fantastic Mexican specialties alongside Tex-Mex cuisine. Indoor and outdoor dining make it the perfect place to gather year-round for mouthwatering skirt steak fajitas, carnitas tacos, and green chili enchiladas.
Post-meal, take a few spins around the outdoor ice-skating rink if you’re visiting November through April, or head over to the Adventure Center (June through September) for mini golf, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and more.
Later, enjoy relaxing at home (or by the pool) before heading out for dinner at the charming Beaver Creek Chophouse.
Located slope side with views of the mountain and village, this classic steak house features fine American cuisine, excellent steak and seafood dishes, and signature cocktails, served in an elegantly casual space. The menu is loaded with fantastic options, but you can’t go wrong with the charcuterie board and bread service starters, decadent lobster mac n’ cheese, seafood bar entrees, and the Creekstone Farms prime bone-in ribeye. Add a Chophouse Old Fashioned (there’s a regular version and a summer version to choose from), local beer, or glass of wine to round out an unforgettable meal.
The restaurant also features tableside magic shows each week with in-house magician Dan Fleshman. Check the calendar for dates and times and enjoy an evening of unique entertainment as well as a great meal.
End the day with a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in the heart of Beaver Creek Village. The 530-seat center plays host to a variety of concerts, comedy shows, films, and family programs throughout the year, with tickets available online in advance.
DAY 3: More Outdoor Adventure
Wrap up your Beaver Creek vacation with a final day of outdoor adventuring.
In winter, bundle up and dive into a second day of skiing — this time on the Nordic terrain at McCoy Park, a lift-accessed natural area featuring groomed and rustic alpine trails that are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Your DM can arrange a private lesson or tour, or you may grab your gear and head out on your own.
During summer months, get the adrenaline pumping with a guided white water rafting excursion down the class II-III rapids on the Shoshone section of the Colorado River, deep in the historic Glenwood Canyon. Perfect for family outings, couples, or friends’ groups, it’s a thrilling way to admire the natural beauty of the area from a different perspective.
In any season, fill up mid-day with hearty American comfort food at local favorite Dusty Boot Saloon. We recommend the house-special Boot Burger, loaded with crispy onions, bacon and house-made guacamole or one of the power bowls if you want something a little lighter. For really good, sharable appetizers, dig into the Buffalo chicken loaded tots or warm pretzel bites with queso — or choose both if you’ve worked up an appetite.
That afternoon, consider a different kind of adventure by going on a guided fly-fishing outing on one of the local rivers. Experienced guides will get you suited up, share tips and techniques, and take you out on the water for a great afternoon, whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced angler.
If fishing isn’t your thing, consider a guided one-to-two-hour horseback riding tour through some of the most beautiful trails in Beaver Creek instead. Ride over to Beaver Lake, up mountain trails, or travel just outside Beaver Creek for rides with breathtaking views of Castle Peak and Sawatch Range.
That night, dine in style at Splendido at the Chateau, where you can feast on elevated New American fare, including oysters with rose mignonette, duck with barley, bok choy and foie gras, and the Berkshire pork chop with black lime and cilantro. Add a house-special craft cocktail to accompany the meal and save room at the end for the lemon souffle or strawberry shortcake — a delicious way to wrap up your special Beaver Creek vacation.
Planning Your Beaver Creek Getaway
Your Destination Manager will work with you to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless. Leave the details to us and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.
If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call.
