Choosing Beaver Creek Resort for your annual ski trip means landing in the lap of luxury in the form of “little things” that place this resort a notch above the rest: escalators throughout the village, trails systematically refilled with snow, and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies every afternoon. When it comes to ramping comfort up another level, Beaver Creek gets it done.
Situated a mere 30 minutes away from the Vail/Eagle County Airport, the ease of the journey to reach the slopes of Beaver Creek is a treat unto itself. But once you’ve stepped foot in this gated oasis of literal and figurative high living, here’s how to maximize the splendor.
Hotel and Spa
With everything from hotels to condos to single-family homes available, Beaver Creek has plenty of lodging options. But when you’re looking for luxury, there are two that stand out from the rest.
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The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
Nestled in its own neighborhood of perfectly groomed cruising slopes at Bachelor Gulch, The Ritz-Carlton features intricate, custom-designed woodwork on the walls, airy goose-down comforters and 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens on the beds, and the entire property resembles an enormous château on the mountainside.
The ski-in, ski-out hotel features not only a concierge who readies your gear and warms your boots, but also a nanny to assist parents in delivering children to ski school. The Ritz’s five dining options include a private dining experience at Anderson’s Cabin and locally-sourced meals at WYLD. The enormous spa and fitness center features a heated outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas, and waterfall-filled grottos.
<<When you rent your gear from the Ritz you get 5-star treatment. Heated boots? C’mon. Book now.>>
Even the pet-friendliness goes above and beyond with its own dog ambassadors (Bachelor the Saint Bernard and Scout the Bernese Mountain Dog) and four-legged visitors have their own room service menu.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa
Situated at the top of Beaver Creek Village with easy access to shopping, restaurants and the ice skating rink, the Park Hyatt is surrounded by a sprawling fire pit where they host a nightly s’mores happy hour, complete with handmade Grand Marnier marshmallows and gourmet chocolate. After sitting by the fire, settle into one of the five hot tubs or the large outdoor heated pool.
The property’s Allegria Spa has won awards for its creative pampering treatments and body-melting massages, the valet offers ski-in convenience, and there is a boot-fitting and equipment rental/demo shop onsite.
Snuggle up by the fire in a hotel suite, or watch the sunset on your balcony overlooking the slopes. If it’s too cold to sit outside, don’t worry – you won’t miss a thing with the floor-to-ceiling windows. Onsite dining options include seasonal and locally sourced dishes at the upscale 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill as well as a grab-and-go, deli-style café.
On the slopes
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Besides the escalators doing the stair climbing for you to reach the slopes above Beaver Creek Village and the velvet smoothness of the groomed runs, there are countless ski trails that carry an extra air of bliss. What constitutes bliss on a ski run? Maybe the treat of having it all to yourself or the constant coverage of new snow. Here’s the most luxurious trail or area to ski at Beaver Creek, depending on your level.
Beginner : Gold Dust Trail. What makes it special? It’s outfitted with its own snowmaking guns, ensuring that even when Mother Nature isn’t guaranteeing a soft surface, there’s always a velvety groomed surface to glide on.
Intermediate : This is a tie for Bachelor Gulch with its all-groomed system of blue cruisers and Larkspur Bowl, which also features its own snowmaking system to keep the wide open, nearly treeless bowl covered in a healthy layer of white glory.
Expert : If you want to take lap after lap of long, steep, black or double-black diamond runs full of moguls or glades, Grouse Mountain is the place to do it. You can ski onto the Grouse Mountain Express with no wait even on a busy Saturday.
Insider Tip : Get the rare opportunity to hit the slopes before everyone else with White Glove First Tracks, an early morning guided tour of the slopes followed by an exclusive gourmet breakfast at Allie’s Cabin.
Shopping
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Beaver Creek Village is home to numerous boutique stores, where you can find everything from state-of-the-art equipment and outerwear (Beaver Creek Sports, ski jackets designed by a European race champion (Kjus), a one-of-a-kind oil painting (C. Anthony is one of a large handful of art galleries), designer footwear, and high-end home décor (Gorsuch. It’s possible to spend an entire day meandering through the unique collection of shops.
Restaurants
There are 32 different dining options at Beaver Creek. Here are a couple recommendations to get you started.
Breakfast : Provided you’re taking the time to sit down for breakfast, the creatively stuffed potatoes and the steak and eggs at Revolution will not disappoint.
Lunch : The Elk Chili at Golden Eagle Inn is the perfect warm-up to strengthen your ski legs for the afternoon.
Dinner : Of Beaver Creek’s many exquisite dinner haunts, Grouse Mountain Grill consistently ranks at the top of the list. From the bread to the sauces, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant makes every single menu item from scratch and sources most of its meat and ingredients locally.
If you prefer a sleigh ride out to a warmly lit cabin, ending in a mouth-watering meal, book a reservation at Beano’s Cabin (they also offer a three-course meal for kids).
Aprés/Nightlife
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Take a seat at a lively slopeside patio with an upscale cocktail at the Beaver Creek Chophouse, which also hosts live music and magicians (not just for kids) at dinner. For a more relaxed scene, a large, glowing hearth awaits along with a soothing beverage at The Osprey Fireside Grill.
Once the sun goes down, there is a relaxed, sophisticated vibe at Splendido. In addition to its sumptuous steak and seafood menu offerings, there is live piano entertainment daily throughout the winter.
Also, be sure to check the calendar for the onsite Vilar Performing Arts Center, which hosts internationally-acclaimed musicians, ballets, and traveling Broadway shows throughout the year.
With its easy access, world-class restaurants and shopping, and (of course) plenty of terrain for all levels, Beaver Creek Resort is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a truly luxurious ski trip. But don’t take our word for it – come see for yourself! You won’t be disappointed.
