Planning a premium ski vacation to Beaver Creek, Colorado, is a breeze with our guide on what to do in Beaver Creek. Before planning your activities, check out Where to Stay in Beaver Creek so your lodging allows easy access to your chosen activities.
Compared to other Colorado ski resorts, Beaver Creek offers more boujee experiences versus fun nightlife, such as Breckenridge or even their famous sister resort, Vail. Since it’s one of the farthest resorts from Denver in Summit County, it tends to be less crowded. Though smaller than other resorts, the size and distance make it ideal for families looking for quality time together on and around the slopes.
The village is incredibly chic, with ritzy dining, shopping, and winter experiences. In my opinion, this is the best Summit County resort for active skiers looking to decompress from the day-to-day of city life in an upscale setting. The serene mountain atmosphere lets you relax in style after skiing all day. Though Beaver Creek is boasted as a beginner’s paradise, there is still plenty of intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain to explore!
Read on to plan your ideal itinerary for what to do in Beaver Creek!
Skiing Adventures
Resort
World-renowned terrain with +2,000 acres to traverse. The resort has five mountains: Beaver Creek, Grouse Mountain, Larkspur, Arrowhead Mountain, and Bachelor Gulch. Just under half of the resort’s skiable terrain is beginner, which is ideal for new skiers and mixed-level ski groups.
In between Larkspur and Arrowhead Mountain is McCoy Park – 250 acres of beginner and intermediate terrain added in 2022. The terrain is dedicated to learning in natural groomable glades, giving the same feel as being in an advanced bowl setting while being accessible to newer skiers.
To sharpen your skills, go for a group lesson or hire a private instructor.
- Child Group Ski Lessons: Ages 3-15, all levels
- Adult Group Ski Lessons: Ages 16+, all levels
- Private Ski Lessons: Custom instruction for individuals or groups of up to 6 people
But wait, there’s more! You can also ski the famous World Cup race course, Birds of Prey, and enjoy freshly baked cookies daily at 3 p.m. at the base.
Spas
As you would expect, there are many world-class spas and indulgent treatments to enjoy at Beaver Creek. Relax and rejuvenate with bespoke treatments, from therapeutic massages to refreshing facials, your perfect spa treatment awaits.
In Resort – Beaver Creek
Exhale Spa at Park Hyatt: Refresh yourself from the slopes at Exhale Spa, known for the signature Aqua Sanitas Roman Baths treatment. Plus, plenty of pampering options exist at the onsite salon or boutique fitness classes for when you need a break from skiing.
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch: Imagine immersing yourself in a 21,000-sq.-ft. spa oasis with 19 treatment rooms inspired by its mountain surroundings. Locally sourced herbs, plants, and minerals are used in signature treatments, including activated charcoal sourced from Colorado mines.
In Town – Avon
Spa Anjali: Inside the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa you will find a 27,000-sq.-ft.haven with three different styles to choose from for your healing spa journey: Native American, European, or Ayurvedic.
Dining
Beaver Creek boasts several dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual cafes, plus on-mountain cabin dining experiences. We’ve rounded up our favorites below!
Dining Experiences
Have you ever gone to dinner via open-air Snow Cat or sleigh rides? Imagine the starry night above and the twinkling town below as you are swept away for a proper mountain dining experience.
Allie’s Cabin: Best for comfort food in an intimate and cozy setting centered around a massive stone fireplace.
Beano’s Cabin: Best signature Rocky Mountain menu. Located in a mountain meadow, a nod to the pioneer farmer, Frank “Beano” Bienkowski, who once called this former lettuce patch home.
Zach’s Cabin: Best for European-style dining. Based in Bachelor’s Gulch, the views of Gore Range are not to be missed.
Fine Dining
Mirabelle: Farmhouse setting with an extensive garden and greenhouse that prepares elevated seasonal menu offerings.
Hooked: Seafood flown in daily from around the world. You can even order a whole fish to have prepared however you want!
Splendido: Renowned contemporary American cuisine amidst an elegant ambiance.
Casual Dining
Alpine and Antlers: Enjoy wood-fired favorites and handcrafted cocktails in the heart of Beaver Creek Village.
Beaver Creek Chophouse: In the mood for a slopeside steak? That’s what you’ll find here, plus a large patio and live music in the evenings!
Après:
Given Beaver Creek’s family-oriented nature, expect minimal late-night bars and dance clubs during your stay. However, the après scene is solid, with many excellent options to suit your style.
Casual
Coyote Cafe: Cozy staple of Beaver Creek since the 1980s claiming to be Beaver Creek’s first bar and restaurant. Serves Mexican specialties and American bites, plus a killer margarita.
CBAR Part of Beaver Creek Chophouse, the CBAR patio is amazing for people watching on a bluebird day.
Dusty Boot Roadhouse: Welcoming environment with an extensive menu loved by locals and visitors alike.
Upscale
8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill: Located in the Park Hyatt with stunning mountain views and an extensive global menu that will have something to satisfy everyone after the ski day.
Golden Eagle Inn: Self-described as “modern mountain comfort cuisine,” focused on game-centric dishes that are perfect for a quick bite during après or a more formal dinner in the evening.
Explore the Town
While skiing is the heart of Beaver Creek, the experience extends beyond the slopes. Enjoy activities like snowshoeing through serene forests, ice skating on the village rink, or indulging in art and culture amid the natural beauty of the Rockies.
I found the Village Connect App helpful while planning what to do in Beaver Creek during my stay. Here are links to download: App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android.
Nordic Center: Offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures through picturesque forests and snowy meadows. Guided tours are available for even more adventure.
Ice Skating: The Beaver Creek Village Ice Rink is a charming spot for ice skating, offering picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a fun activity for all ages and skill levels when you need a break from the slopes.
Vilar Performing Arts Center: Beyond skiing, Beaver Creek is steeped in culture. You can find all sorts of performances, from concerts to dance & theater productions, in town during your stay.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to make the most of your time on the slopes or simply seeking a premium mountain experience, Beaver Creek delivers across the board. The natural beauty of the Rockies makes Beaver Creek the perfect setting for a luxurious and modern mountain escape. See for yourself why the resort has earned the motto “Not Exactly Roughing It.”
