Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Beaver Creek has far fewer skiers than its neighbors to the east, so it's easier to find powder even late in the day. Grab a grooming report before taking the first chairlift ride so you'll know where the powder isn’t.

Many days only half of Larkspur Bowl is groomed, and the rest is pure powder. If the Centennial Trail is un-groomed, catch one of the first chairlifts up and then turn around and head right back down for an extended powder skiing romp. 

When it snows all day, you'll even find advanced skiers floating through powder on the green runs off the Cinch Express at the very top of Beaver Creek. The high-speed quad in Rose Bowl promises powder much of the day, too.  

On big dump days, the runs under the Birds of Prey chairlift are tempting, but be aware that the fluffy-looking surface usually hides big moguls. Experts race to Grouse Mountain early for freshies on Royal Elk Glade and Black Bear, both double-black diamonds.

Best Breakfast in Town

• Join the locals in line at the Avon Bakery & Deli to order a breakfast burrito or a bacon, egg and cheese bagel. Nothing fancy here, just a few tables in the back and stools at a small counter. The big draw: tasty breakfasts, and lunch sandwiches with delicious, imaginative fillings tucked into freshly baked artisan breads. 25 Hurd Lane, Avon, CO 81620
• For an upscale breakfast made-to-order, head to the 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. 136 East Thomas Place, Beaver Creek, CO, 81620

Our Favorite Lunch Spots

• In the cafeteria at the mid-mountain Spruce Saddle restaurant, you'll find pho, sushi, pizzas, sandwiches and more all at separate counters. Views are excellent, but the tables get packed mid-day. 210 Beaver Creek Plaza, Beaver Creek, CO 81620
• A quieter, fast place for lunch is the Café at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa. Ski up, and leave your equipment with the hotel's valet. Buy gourmet sandwiches made to order, a cappuccino and a pastry at the counter then find a quiet table nearby. 136 East Thomas Place, Beaver Creek, CO, 81620

Dinner

• At Mirabelle, expect imaginative preparations of classic dishes, artfully presented. Its unique style of cooking and choice of wines have been acclaimed by many, including Bon Appétit and Wine Spectator. Have a drink before the fireplace in the bar, and then move to one of the intimate dining rooms for your meal. 55 Village Road, Beaver Creek, CO 81620
• Blue Moose Pizza serves subs, pasta and New York-style hand-tossed pizza. You also have a wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails. 76 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620

Apres/Nightlife

• As the name implies, the Dusty Boot Steakhouse and Saloon is a noisy, large saloon with an old-fashioned tin ceiling and big TVs, and features wicked burgers and steaks. 210 Offerson Road #C304, Avon, CO 81620

Airports

Denver International Airport and Eagle County Airport

Eagle County Airport is 30 miles from Beaver Creek. American, United, Delta and Continental all fly into Eagle. Wintertime direct flights are available from major cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. 

Denver International Airport is 120 miles from Beaver Creek. You can book nonstop or direct flights from most major U.S. airlines to fly into Denver including United, Frontier, Southwest, Delta, American, Continental and Jet Blue. 

Transportation to/from the Airport

Several companies offer shuttle services in shared vans, limousines, and private cars. The major rental car companies have airport booths, but the car lots are several miles away. It's best to book in advance and ask for an SUV or a winterized car. If there's a snowstorm, you'll want snow tires on the car.  

Colorado Mountain Express offers both shared rides in vans and private car service to and from both Eagle County Airport and Denver International Airport. Check the "Specials & Packages" section under "Rates" online for deals. 800-525-6363; http://www.coloradomountainexpress.com/beaver-creek.aspx 

VailCoach offers limousine and private car service to and from Eagle County Airport and Denver International Airport. 877-554-7433; www.vailcoach.com

Getting Around the Village

The heart of Beaver Creek is a pedestrian village and outdoor escalators move guests between the different levels. If you're staying up in Beaver Creek Village or in Bachelor Gulch, parking is expensive and you don't need a car unless you're planning to explore the region and head to Vail or Edwards for dinner.

Beaver Creek's buses shuttle skiers between the covered bridge at the base of the lifts, and the free parking lots at the base of the resort, and between the resort's villages (Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead). ECO Transit runs buses from the Elk and Bear Lots at the base of Beaver Creek to Vail with stops along the way.