The Spring Ski Guide to Beaver Creek
While the West is home to a bevy of fantastic ski resorts, Beaver Creek, nestled in the heart of the Rockies, sets itself apart with its quiet confidence. While perfect powder days and impeccably groomed runs typically mean long lift lines and crowded slopes, the area feels like a best-kept secret—enjoyed by residents, families, and well-traveled visitors. It’s no wonder that the area’s serene beauty, chic mountain town atmosphere, and world-class ski slopes have made the village and surrounding area a magnet for ski-loving celebs like Goldie Hawn and Jack Nicholson, and was once a favorite ski destination amongst presidential clientele like the Kennedy’s. It's also home to the "Winter White House" where President Ford, an avid skier, would spend his winters.
Whether you’re flying directly into the mountains or coming from Denver International Airport—about a two-hour drive that, may we remind you, is picturesque—getting to the area is relatively seamless, thanks to express mountain shuttles that run regularly. Alternatively, you can rent a car, but with all that great skiing, aprés fun, and ski village charm, you'll probably find the area totally accessible without one.
The Perfect Place to Rest Your Head
True to its roots, Beaver Creek’s accommodations are all about intimate, tailored experiences. For skiers keen to start their day off within a stone’s throw of a lift, stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, tucked away in a private-like enclave in the mid-mountain terrain of Beaver Creek. The alpine-chic ski lodge is cozy, warmed by wood-burning fireplaces, and relaxed with a sprawling sunken great room lounge area where you can unwind before or after your day on the mountains and take in live music from local musicians daily.
The Ritz-Carlton is all about location, location, location. Staying there means you get direct access to a private ski lift and convenient ski valets that ensure your gear awaits you every morning and can be stored, dried, and warmed slopeside every evening. It’s also a highly coveted spot for its aprés ski offerings, with an outdoor bar that has expansive seating and a million-dollar mountain view. Aprés enthusiasts will be delighted with everything from live music to a raw bar to tiny bottles of champagne.
Hit the Slopes (Or Head to the Spa)
A day of skiing on the picturesque runs of Beaver Creek, followed by the full aprés ski experience, is an obvious choice when in the area. With 2,000 acres of diverse terrain, Beaver Creek Mountain makes the area an excellent skiing option for all ski and snowboarding levels, including the little ones with dedicated family-friendly learning terrain, like the McCoy Park area.
After a rigorous day on the slopes, The Ritz-Carlton also has a state-of-the-art 21,000-square-foot spa inspired by the mountain terrain. Relax in the steam room or sauna, challenge yourself to a cold-plunge session, or float the afternoon away in the grotto-style pool.
Tap Into the Culinary Scene
You don’t have to sacrifice great food for a day on the mountain. For a unique slope-side lunch, take the Arrow Bahn Express Lift to Broken Arrow restaurant with a cozy dining room ambiance offering hearty soups and Americana fare like burgers and fries. Alternatively, grab lunch surrounded by picturesque mountain views at indoor-outdoor restaurant Mamie’s Mountain Grill, where you can indulge in gourmet bites.
For dinner and a one-of-a-kind experience, make a reservation at Beano’s Cabin, a restaurant tucked into the mountainside and one of the area’s most luxe experiences only accessible via Bobcat. Inside the luxe mountainside cabin, you’ll dine on seasonal spring dishes from bison to foie gras and black truffle tart. Plus, a wine list that will keep even dedicated oenophiles on their toes.
For an upscale, dinner spot, book a table at Michelin recommended restaurant WYLD, whose menu showcases rustic American cuisine, like chicken-under-a-brick, pastas, and steak. In Beaver Creek village, book a table at Citrea, whose menu showcases fresh Mediterranean cuisine. For apps, order the hummus with house-made pita, roasted garlic, and herbs and the octopus with smoked crema and fingerling potatoes. For your entrees, split the lamb osso bucco and the carmelized gnocchi.
