These 10 Resorts in the West Know How to Treat a Skier Right
Find out which Western resorts were ranked highest by SKI readers for guest service in the 2022 Resort Guide.
Beaver Creek’s reputation precedes it. Not a bad thing when what you’re known for is excellent grooming, lots of family terrain, one of the best ski schools in the industry, beautiful hotels, top-notch service, and delicious dining—on-mountain and off. Did we mention the free cookies served at the base at day’s end? The skiing itself is largely underrated—most visitors come expecting wide, groomed boulevards and mostly mellow terrain. And they leave satisfied, but so do those who come looking for world-class steeps (Birds of Prey, the men’s World Cup downhill), bumps (anything on Grouse Mountain), and extreme terrain (Stone Creek Chutes).
And while Beaver Creek has always been a great place to learn, it gets even better with the debut of McCoy Park this season. (This is in addition to Haymeadow Park and Red Buffalo Park, the resort’s other mountaintop beginner areas.)
No matter your skiing ability, everyone congregates in the cute village for a glide on the skating rink, drinks, dinner, or a stroll through an art gallery. There’s nothing wrong with expectations, especially when they’re met.
Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
325″ | 1,832 | 24 | 150 |
Beaver Creek is on the Epic Pass. Pass holder get unlimited access to the resort, while Epic Local Pass holders get 10 blackout-restricted days.
Epic PassFrom lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Beaver Creek, Colo.
An expansion into McCoy Park that adds 250 skiable acres of lift-served beginner and intermediate terrain.
Stone Creek Chutes serve up arguably some of the best in-bounds steep-n-deep terrain anywhere, and negates the argument that the Beav is all corduroy. (But go early; the entrance closes at 2:30 p.m.)
The Coyote Café is a chill option at the bottom of the Centennial Lift, with great craft beers, margs, and tacos. If the weather cooperates, snag a patio table at the Beaver Creek Chophouse for sunny slope views.
Snowmaking isn’t always the sexiest of upgrades, but this season Beaver Creek expands it into Red Buffalo Park, which could ensure a 3,300 vertical drop on opening day.
Take a 20-minute sleigh ride through snowy aspen groves to Beano’s Cabin, tucked into the base of Larkspur Bowl. Named after Frank Bienkowski, an original homesteader here, Beano’s has been setting the fine-dining standard for more than 30 years.
Head to local favorite Dusty Boot Roadhouse for a snack and a beer or wine for $8.
Allie’s Cabin offers a Family Dinner catered to the young ones, accessed via sleigh ride from the village.
Bird of Prey, when it’s freshly brushed. Period.
Settle in for a Euro-style leisurely lunch at SaddleRidge. The food is divine.
Stay at the Ritz-Carlton and get the Bachelor Gulch slopes mostly to yourself.
Cruise down Centennial with the whole family—three miles of perfect blue corduroy that exemplify the Beav’s superior grooming standards.
Rimini is a gelato shop, but stop by before 11 for some delicious breakfast crepes.
Find out which Western resorts were ranked highest by SKI readers for guest service in the 2022 Resort Guide.
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