Beaver Creek
Skiing Beaver Creek is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your skiing trips. The high elevation of the surrounding mountains means the resort enjoys an enviable snow record, matched by just a handful of resorts south of the 49th parallel.
Beaver Creek was developed into a ski resort as recently as 1980, by Vail Associates, now Vail Resorts (the quoted company than operates several other mega ski facilities, including Vail and Heavenly). The resort was designed in traditional ski-village mould, which helps give Beaver Creek a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.
The skiing is spread across three high mountains – Beaver Creek Mountain (11440′), Grouse Mountain (10688′), and Arrowhead Mountain (9100′). Whichever you choose, you’re in for a skiing treat. The quality of the skiing at Beaver Creek was fully endorsed by skiing’s World Cup, when the decision was made to host a leg of the tour at Beaver Creek (starting in 1989). The frightenly steep downhill course, called ‘Birds Of Prey’ follows the double black Golden Eagle trail at the top of the mountain, so accomplished skiiers on Golden Eagle can experience some of the thrills of being a professional WC racer.
Aside from the WC downhill course, Grouse Mountain can be particularly recommended for Advanced skiiers. A couple of wonderful runs are Royal Elk Glades – a soaring descent through the trees, and Screech Owl, a sweeping left turn through some challenging moguls.
A favorite of Intermediates is Beaver Creek’s longest run. At nearly 3 miles, Centennial Trail winds down Beaver Creek mountain, starting at the very summit. The trail covers green, black and red graded terrain, so make sure to hold on to your hat!
The Beginners area and ski school is situated just next to the main village. There’s plenty of novice-friendly terrain, so it doesn’t get too crowded. When you start to feel confident, head up the Centennial Express chairlift, and tiptoe down the Cinch trail, a long winding green with more switchbacks than Lombard Street.
Good Snowboarders can test their metal at the advanced terrain at Sone Creek. Here lie very steep chutes, wonderful after a fresh dump of snow. If you prefer terrain packs you’re spoilt for choice – there are 5 to choose from: Park 101, Lumber Yard, Zoom Room, Moonshine and Halfpipe.
Now to come to the downside of Beaver Creek. It’s very expensive. Accomodation in the village may be top drawer, but it comes with a big price tag. There is an option though. A new gondola to the slopes has recently been constructed from the town in the main valley, Avon. Accommodation here is less pricey than in the Beaver Creek itself.
Best Ski Resort’s (from 100BestEverything) rating : Experts 4 stars out of 5, Intermediates 4 out of 5, Beginners 3 out of 5. Family Friendly 3 stars out of 5. Happy times 3 stars out of 5.
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