
Beaver Creek, perhaps the greatest ski resort to almost never happen, is located 13 miles west of Vail, Colorado. Beaver Creek development was inspired by nearby Vail and opened in 1980 following tensions from local environmentalists who did not want additional development of the front range. Promising to steward the land, an agreement was reached, and now Beaver Creek proudly stands as one of the most prestigious and exclusive ski resorts in North America!
With the motto “Not Exactly Roughing It” you can be confident that every experience at Beaver Creek is laid-back yet luxurious, especially the lodging. Read below to guide your planning for where to stay in Beaver Creek. You can expect to stay in modern mountain digs with an array of alpine amenities to relax in, from five-star hotels to quintessential mountain residences. Once you’ve booked your lodging, check out What to do in Beaver Creek!
When to go to Beaver Creek
Open from mid-late November through mid-April. The best time to go is February, when the base is usually deepest with plenty of powder dumps still coming in. Tip: Just avoid the crowds around Presidents Day.
How to get to Beaver Creek

Unless you plan day trips and excursions or stay outside of the resort, you do not need a car in Beaver Creek. The resort is pedestrian-friendly, with heated pavement and escalators for trekking around the village and to the slopes. Plus, village-to-village access via ski lifts and trails.
Below are transit options from Denver and Eagle County Airports. The town of Avon provides the Avon Skier Express for easy access between the town and the resort. UberSKI is usually available in Colorado every winter, too!
✈️ | 🚏 | 📲 | 🚘 |
Denver | Fly into Denver. Rent a car, or book a shuttle or private driver. | Denver Airport Transportation Overview | ~ 129 miles ~ 2-2.5 hour drive |
Eagle County | Fly into Eagle County Airport. Rent a car or book a shuttle or private driver. Taxi and bus options are also available. | Airport Park and Transportation | ~ 28 miles ~ 30-35 minute drive |
Where to stay in Beaver Creek
Considerations
Beaver Creek offers a variety of lavish lodging to suit your dream ski vacation style. You will choose between three resort village areas: Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead. Don’t stress too much about which village to stay in since you can ski village-to-village at Beaver Creek. Below you can see the layout of the different village areas on the mountain (plus Grouse MTN).

Recommendations
Beaver Creek
The main village at the base of Beaver Creek is best for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Though tamer than other villages such as Breck or Vail, this is an ideal resort and village for active families looking for quality time together.
- Convenient central location with easy access to skiing and exploring the village
- Don’t miss the signature Aqua Sanitas Roman Baths spa experience
- Boutique hotel defining ski-in/ski-out access, boasting as the closest hotel to a ski lift in North America
- Modern mountain amenities await at this signature hotel
Bachelor Gulch
Best for luxury hotels and condominiums with more peace and privacy than Beaver Creek Village.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
- Secluded mountain luxury with views of Vail Valley and ski-in/ski-out access to Bachelor Gulch lifts
- 21,000-square-foot spa
- Inspired by America’s national parks and Colorado’s natural beauty, an elevated alpine experience awaits with convenient access to ski lifts.
- Family-friendly resort with services and activities catering to children, including a kids’ club and babysitting services.
Arrowhead
Best for condominiums and private homes. Thanks to the ArrowBahn ski lift in the heart of Arrowhead Village, you can ski village-to-village between Beaver Creek, Arrowhead, and Bachelor Gulch.
- Arrowhead Village Private Homes: Privacy with resort amenities
- Arrowhead Village Condos: Steps away from the Arrow Bahn Express lift
Conclusion
Beaver Creek is hard to beat for a premium and luxurious ski vacation for families. You may be wondering how to choose between other luxury Summit County resorts, especially with Vail’s closeness. However, the highlights of Beaver Creek are many!
- Great for families looking to kick back in luxury
- Better for weekends or short trips since you can experience the resort fully in a few days, versus other large resorts that take several days to explore
- Good for snowboarders since there is less traversing than in Vail
Use this guide on Where to stay in Beaver Creek to help you plan your ultimate ski vacation!