Beaver Creek Colorado

When it became evident to the developers of Vail Ski Resort that usable area had almost reached its saturation point, they created the satellite resort of Beaver Creek, Colorado.

By the 1980s, "the Beave" gained recognition in its own right establishing a reputation as a low-key alternative to Vail. Like Vail, Beaver Creek is the very definition of a full-service ski resort with all the amenities. There are endless choices for terrain on and off the mountain. There are a number of high end to more (relatively) affordable accommodations offered as well as an assortment of fine restaurants.

On the hill, Beaver Creek proves to be one of the best ski areas in America for lower intermediates. The top third of the mountain is almost entirely easygoing. The more adventurous skier can find the steeper terrain on the lower portion of the mountain. Anyone not up to the task can ride chairlifts to the base. More recently with the linking of neighboring Arrowhead Resort and Bachelor Gulch, developers have added 30 percent more novice and intermediate terrain. Authorities relate this "village-to-village" ski experience to the European style. Despite the fact that Beaver Creek has less expert terrain than Vail, many local experts prefer skiing Beaver Creek's Grouse Mountain. They choose its110-acre steep runs because far fewer experts ski there than at Vail. Check out expert skier's Birds of Prey on a Colorado powder day. Overall, Beaver Creek's strong suit remains its uncrowded slopes of accessible beginner and intermediate terrain as well as its (relatively) down-home, low-key vibe.