Beaver Creek
Summit County Colorado Lodging – Click Here to Book Now
Not Exactly Roughing It: Past the Beaver Creek gate lies an idyllic and intimate village where legendary ski terrain meets blissful luxury. A place where immaculate grooming and world-class skiing give way to warm après-ski cookies and five-star cuisine. Here, the mountain brings families together for ice skating, storytelling and frolicking in the snow. The sun shines bright over 300 days a year.
Mountain Stats: 310 inches of annual snowfall / 17 Lifts / 1,815 skiable acres / Vertical Rise: 4,040 ft. / Top elevation 11,040 ft / Base 8,100ft / Number of Trails 149 / Longest run 2.75 miles / 19% beginner, 43% intermediate, 48% expert.
Driving Times: A 2 hour drive from DIA. Take Interstate 70 (I-70) west, proceed for approximately 120 miles (to the Avon exit #167). Enter the roundabout and continue left. You will be heading south, and should go back under I-70. Continue straight on this road through 4 more roundabouts, after which you will see the entrance to Beaver Creek. Proceed to the Welcome Gate.
Beaver Creek Information
- Colorado Ski Resorts Opening Days (8/31/2023)
- What’s the Deal with Ski Season 20/21 in Colorado? (10/16/2020)
- Vail Resorts Announces Opening Days For Sking!! (8/27/2020)
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Mirabelle Restaurant – $$$$
Award-winning fine dining in a turn of the century ranch house. Located just inside the main gates of Beaver Creek Resort.
55 Village Road, Avon, CO 81620970.949.7728
7 – $
Offering quick bites and pick up items to go. Located in The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.
0130 Daybreak Ridge, Avon, CO 81620970.748.6200
Buffalo Bar – $$$
Casual dining for lunch or dinner. Located in The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.
0130 Daybreak Ridge, Avon, CO 81620970.343.1090
Spago – $$$$
Chef Wolfgang Puck teamed up with The Ritz-Carlton and esteemed hospitality designer Tony Chi to create the newest Spago. Located in The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.
0130 Daybreak Ridge, Avon, CO 81620970.343.1555
Zach’s Cabin – $$$$
The cuisine is American with a distinctly Pacific flavor. Located on Bachelor Gulch Mountain.
970.754.6575Allie’s Cabin – $$$$
Located on Beaver Creek Mountain.
970.754.5762Beano’s Cabin – $$$$
Amazing cuisine, well-chosen wines, impeccable service, and a unique transportation option to the restaurant have made Beano’s Cabin a favorite destination for years. In the winter, the only way to get up to Beano’s Cabin is by an open air sleigh ride pulled by a snow cat. Live music is performed while diners enjoy an expertly prepared meal. Adults enjoy a five-course dinner and live musical entertainment for $109 per person. Discounts are available for children 11 and under. Please note; these prices do not include alcoholic beverages, taxes or gratuity. We begin taking dinner reservations for the winter season online at beanoscabinbeavercreek.com or by phone at (970)754-3463 on Monday, November 7, 2011. Beano’s Cabin is open for dinner Monday through Sunday beginning Friday, December 9, 2011.
970.754.3463Broken Arrow – $$
Located at the bottom of the Arrow Bahn Express Lift (Chair 17) in Arrowhead Village.
970.754.6750Mamie’s Mountain Grill – $$
Mamie’s unique menu features “grill your own” options of Colorado lamb or chicken and burgers, homemade signature soups, European style hotdogs and a myriad of other options. Located on-mountain at the top of Bachelor Gulch.
Red Tail Camp – $$
Located near the base of Chairlifts 9, 10, and 11.
970.754.5530SaddleRidge – $$$$
The menu is based on Colorado regional cuisine and featuring steaks, seafood, and signature wild game dishes. Located at the base of the eastern slopes of Beaver Creek Mountain. SaddleRidge is opening December 10th for the season.
970.754.5456Spruce Saddle Lodge – $$
Serving grilled fare and casual cuisine. Located at the top of Centennial Express Lift (Chair 6).
970.754.55208100 Mountainside Bar & Grill
Live action bar and grill specializing in local, organic dishes and Colorado’s best microbrews, wines and spirits. Located in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
50 W Thomas Road, Avon, CO 81620970.827.6600
Beaver Creek Chophouse – $$$
Featuring the best deck in Beaver Creek offering some of the most spectacular views of the mountain. Located slopeside in One Beaver Creek.
15 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.845.0555
Beaver Crepes – $
Stop by and watch as we prepare your sweet or savory crepe. Located next to the ice rink.
60 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620Blue Moose Pizza – $$
Hand-tossed NY style pizza, salads, sub sandwiches, and Italian entrees. Located in Poste Montane near the ice rink.
76 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.845.8666
Coyote Café – $$
Beaver Creek’s first bar/restaurant and still the local’s favorite. Serving Mexican food, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Located in Ford Hall next to the ticket office.
210 The Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.5001
Dough – $
Stop in for a pastry and coffee on your way to the slopes. Located next to the covered bridge by the shuttle stops.
60 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.331.5288
Dusty Boot Steakhouse & Saloon – $$$
Offering Colorado cowboy cuisine for lunch and dinner. Located in St. James Place.
210 Offerson Rd , Avon, CO 81620970.748.1146
Flying Pig Sandwich Shop – $
Simply serving delicious sandwiches. Located in the heart of the Beaver Creek Plaza.
45 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620Foxnut Slopeside Sushi – $$$
Serving a wide array of sushi plates and Asian dishes. Now located steps from the Centennial Lift.
45 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.845.0700
Golden Eagle Inn – $$$
Serving a wide selection of fish, beef, chicken, lamb, and Colorado elk. Located in Ford Hall, plaza level.
118 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.1940
Grouse Mountain Grill – $$$$
Mountain fine dining with breathtaking views. Featuring regionally-influenced, seasonally-focused cuisine. Located in The Pines Lodge.
141 Scott Hill Road, Avon, CO 81620970.949.0600
La Cantina – $
Convenient walk-in spot featuring affordable grab-and-go burritos, wraps, snacks, and drinks. Located in Beaver Creek Lodge near the covered bridge.
26 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.845.1735
McCoy’s Cafe and Bar – $$
Ideal for a quick breakfast and lunch. Daily Apres-ski featuring Shannon Tanner. Located at the base of Centennial Lift.
970.949.1234Osprey Lounge – $$$
Featuring an ever-evolving tapas-style menu with signature dishes and a hand-picked wine list in a casually elegant atmosphere. Located in The Osprey.
10 Elk Track Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.754.7400
Rendezvous Club – $$$
Serving contemporary American cuisine. Located at the Beaver Creek Golf Club.
51 Offerson Road, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5760
Rimini – $
Serving Italian gelato, chocolate, wine, coffee, paninis, and more. Located in Ford Hall, plaza level.
45 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.949.6156
Rocks Modern Grill – $$
Serving classic American grill cuisine for the entire family. Located in Beaver Creek Lodge.
26 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.845.1730
Splendido – $$$$
Serving the finest contemporary American cuisine. Located in The Chateau.
17 Chateau Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.845.8808
Starbucks – $
Serving coffee and pastries. Located in One Beaver Creek at the top of the escalators.
1 Beaver Creek, Avon, CO 81620970.754.6245
The Café – $
Offering quick bites, coffee, pastries, complete salad bar and picnic lunches to go. Located off the lobby of the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
136 E Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.949.1234
Toscanini – $$$
Serving contemporary Italian cuisine in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Located in Market Square next to the ice rink.
60 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5590
When the sun goes down in Beaver Creek and the kids are tucked in bed, the good times will just be starting. Here is just a glimpse of the night life you’ll find throughout the Beaver Creek Village:
Beaver Creek’s unique Bavarian style village comes alive at night with enchantment in the air, good food and drinks to be had, Beaver Creek provides a unique après ski scene. Whether it’s location, music, food, or setting that’s important, there’s a nightlife venue in Beaver Creek to fit any agenda. After the children are all cozy in bed, the good times will just be starting.
The Coyote Café
Daily drink specials and the local’s stomping ground. Village Hall.
Beaver Creek Chophouse
Featuring slopeside views, an extensive martini and wine menu and famous infused vodkas. Base of Centennial Lift
Dusty Boot Saloon
If you like tequila and microbrews, belly up to this bar. St. James.
Whiskey Elk
Located in the Park Hyatt, this lounge offers nightly entertainment and serves small batch bourbons, single malt scotch, ports and wine by the glass.
The Vilar Center for the Performing Arts
Beautifully designed and located in the heart of the village, experience a magical performance at the intimate 530-seat Vilar Center for the Performing Arts which hosts an all-star lineup of world-class performances
Beaver Creek Sports, Arrowhead
The best in ski & snowboard rentals featuring Salomon, Dynastar, K2, Volkl, Rossignol, and Burton. Slopeside rental & retail locations. Packages for all levels. Free over-night ski storage. The best full-service tuning in the valley. FREE Ski & snowboard delivery
0188 Terrell Creek Rd., Avon, CO 81620970.754.6740
Beaver Creek Sports, Westin
The most complete selection of summer casual, outerwear, technical clothing and footwear from Salomon, Arc’teryx, Ex Officio, Tommy Bahama, 7 for All Mankind Denim, Patagonia, Cushe, Desigual, Reef, Keen, and more. We specialize in fashionable and technical clothing to prepare you for the outdoors. Offering top-of-the-line summer sports equipment and footwear.
126 Riverfront Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.748.3080
Beaver Creek Sports, Ritz-Carlton
The most complete selection of summer casual, outerwear, technical clothing and footwear from Salomon, Arc’teryx, Ex Officio, Tommy Bahama, 7 for All Mankind Denim, Patagonia, Cushe, Desigual, Reef, Keen, and more. We specialize in fashionable and technical clothing to prepare you for the outdoors. Offering top-of-the-line summer sports equipment and footwear.
0130 Day Break Ridge, Avon, CO 81620970.748.6880
Spruce Saddle Retail-Beaver Creek Sports
Unique gifts and clothing. Located at the top of the Centennial Lift (Chair 6) in the Spruce Saddle Lodge.
111 W Beaver Creek Blvd, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5410
Beaver Creek Sports, Beaver Creek Village
Beaver Creek Sports has the most complete selection of summer casual, outerwear, technical clothing and footwear from Salomon, Arc’teryx, Ex Officio, Tommy Ba¬hama, 7 for All Mankind Denim, Desigual, Mystery, Reef, Keen, and more.
111 W Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5400
Michele’s
Specialists in estate jewelry, sterling flatware and holloware.
61 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949.7717
Patagonia
Depend on Patagonia to keep you comfortable and committed to having the most fun in the elements. Located in Gerald R. Ford Hall near the base of the escalators.
45 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.748.8820
Allegria Spatique
A chic boutique featuring women’s casual apparel and spa lifestyle accessories. Located in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
100 E Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.748.7500
Allegria Spatique
A chic boutique featuring women’s casual apparel and spa lifestyle accessories. Located in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
100 E Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.748.7500
Avalon Clothing
Sophisticated casual wear for men and women featuring Vail Valley’s finest in shearling and leather outerwear. Please call store for hours. Located in Market Square.
66 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.845.9700
Base Mountain Sports
Beaver Creek’s premier full service ski and snowboard shop. Located in Poste Montane.
76 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949.4327
Beaver Creek Gear
A leader in quality resort apparel and gifts for the entire family. Located across from the ice rink at the Park Hyatt.
136 E Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.845.9330
Beaver Creek Golf Club/Pro Shop
Beaver Creek Pro Shop has much to offer all golf enthusiasts. Offering a full range of high quality merchandise from companies such as Wilson, Slazenger, Callaway, Titelist, Nike, and Ashworth. Located in Elkhorn Lodge.
10 Elk Track Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.845.5775
Beaver Creek Market
Gifts, souvenirs, gourmet foods and groceries, homemade ice cream, smoothies, chocolates and fudge, health and beauty aids and beer. Located in St. James Place.
210 Offerson Rd, Avon, CO 81620970.949.0742
Beaver Creek Sports Rentals
The best in ski & snowboard rentals featuring Salomon, Dynastar, K2, Volkl, Rossignol, and Burton. Slopeside rental & retail locations. Packages for all levels. Free over-night ski storage. The best full-service tuning in the valley. FREE Ski & snowboard delivery
202 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5418
Beaver Creek Sports, BC Landing
The best in ski & snowboard rentals featuring Salomon, Dynastar, K2, Volkl, Rossignol, and Burton. Slopeside rental & retail locations. Packages for all levels. Free over-night ski storage. The best full-service tuning in the valley. FREE Ski & snowboard delivery
300 Prater Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949-1686Beaver Creek Sports, Beaver Creek Village
Demo the best skis, and gear up in our boutique shops with refined, yet casual clothing, ski equipment & accessories.
111 W Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5400
Beaver Creek Sports, Kids
Outdoor clothing, casual wear, accessories, and toys for the young ones. A helpful staff will make sure your child has the right gear for his or her mountain adventure. Located in Beaver Creek Children’s Center in Gerald R. Ford Hall.
228 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5407
Beaver Creek Sports, Pines Lodge
The best in ski & snowboard rentals featuring Salomon, Dynastar, K2, Volkl, Rossignol, and Burton. Slopeside rental & retail locations. Packages for all levels. Free over-night ski storage. The best full-service tuning in the valley. FREE Ski & snowboard delivery
141 Scott Hill Road, Avon, CO 81620970-845-1083
Beaver Creek Trading Company
Would you like to remember your vacation forever? Take a piece of Beaver Creek home with you. Offering the best in logo wear, official Beaver Creek posters, glassware, frames, and souvenirs. Located in the heart of Beaver Creek Village.
111 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.1893
Bouquets
Elegant floral arrangements, unique gifts and accessories. Wedding and party consultation. The only AIFD florist on the Western Slope. Located in One Beaver Creek next to the covered bridge.
61 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949.5900
By Nature Gallery
A fine selection of beautiful fossils, minerals, and other decorative and collectible objects from nature. Located in Market Square.
61 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949.1805
C. Anthony Gallery
A highly eclectic gallery exhibiting an array of classical, impressionistic and modern paintings, oil, bronze sculptures and lithographs. Located in Market Square.
61 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.845.8645
Charlie’s Resort Wear
Offering the best selection and value in embroidered sweatshirts, turtlenecks and other sportswear. Please call store for hours. Located next to the bus stop and covered bridge in Beaver Creek Lodge.
26 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.845.8824
Charter Sports
Unsurpassed customer service and competitive rental prices on snowboards and demo gear. Please call store for hours. Located in The Charter at Beaver Creek.
120 Offerson Road, Avon, CO 81620970.949.4891
Christy Sports
A specialty shop featuring a master boot-fitter and a very knowledgable staff that can satisfy all your retail, rental and repair needs. Please call store directly for hours. Located in the Beaver Creek Lodge next to the bus stop.
26 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949.5576
Colorado Footwear
A unique men’s and women’s fashion shoe store featuring exclusive styling and designs from Europe at a reasonable price. Located in One Beaver Creek next to the covered bridge.
15 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.748.8681
Eye Pieces
Staff of professionally trained opticians provide excellent customer service for exclusive prescription eyewear as well as an extensive inventory of the finest goggles, sunglasses, and eyewear accessories. Located in Park Plaza.
15 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620Freewheel Cyclery
Beaver Creek’s only bicycle boutique. Located in Villa Montane.
76 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.376.2608
Generation BC
Beaver Creek’s premier children’s store with everything from ski wear to t-shirts, infant wear, footwear, toys, and games. Located in Park Plaza.
111 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.1652
Giovanny Alexander
Featuring the finest collection of mens and ladies furs and accessories for every occasion. Located in Park Plaza.
123 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.9570
Gorsuch Home
Beautiful home furnishings, fine linens, exquisite crystal and china, and unique gifts. Located in Market Square.
61 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949.8091
Gorsuch, Ltd
Specialists in ski and fashion apparel, ski rentals, demos and service. Located on the Park Hyatt Promenade across from the ice rink.
61 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949.7115
Hawick Cashmere of Scotland
Men’s and women’s cashmere apparel and accessories. Please call for hours. Located in Gerald R. Ford Hall on the plaza level.
112B Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.845.8888
J. Cotter Gallery
A unique collection of jewelry and contemporary art. Located in Market Square.
61 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949.8111
J. Scott Jewelers & The Balance Wheel
Offering the finest in diamond, gold, precious and semi-precious jewelry from exclusive, award winning designers. The Balance Wheel at J. Scott features fine Swiss watches. Located in Market Square.
61 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.949.7020
Karin’s
Home antiques, accessories and design. Located in Park Plaza.
117 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.5628
Knox Galleries
Representing the works of America’s best sculptors and painters. Located in Park Plaza.
123 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.5564
Micheles Jewelry
Specializing in Estate and Antique Jewelry, Sterling Silver Flatware and Holloware all at affordable prices.
111 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.7717
Mistral
Beaver Creek’s only designer boutique specializing in outerwear and clothing for the discriminating shopper. Please call for hours. Located in One Beaver Creek near the covered bridge.
15 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.748.9700
Mudhead Gallery
Features Native American/Southwestern and Western bronzes, Navajo rugs, pottery, storytellers, Kachinas, baskets and jewelry. Located in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
50 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.949.1333
One Track Mind
An eclectic snowboard shop with a great selection of snowboards, boots, bindings, outerwear, lifestyle clothing, and accessories from Salomon, Ride, Burton, Thirty-Two, Bonfire, 686, Volcom, K2, Never Summer & more. Located in Beaver Creek Village at the base of the escalators.
108 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5420
Paderewski Fine Art and The Sportsman’s Gallery, Ltd.
Representing the finest in sporting, wildlife and western artwork by some of today’s most acclaimed artists. Located in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
158 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.6036
Pismo Gallery
Contemporary glass art by Chihuly, Kuhn, Tagliapietra, Darni and many others. Located in Gerald R. Ford Hall.
45 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.949.0908
Princess World Jewelers
Located on the plaza level of Gerald R. Ford Hall.
45 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.479.7368
Q Boutique
Beaver Creek’s newest women’s boutique featuring a unique collection of accessories, jewelry, gifts, handbags, and clothing. Please call for hours. Located in Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
156 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.7733
Rentskis.com Gold
Premier guest service and ski and snowboard rentals in a personal setting. Complimentary overnight ski and boot storage with rental. Boot-drying and daytime shoe storage. Located near Starbucks and Beaver Creek Ski School.
1 Beaver Creek Plaza #C-8A, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5430
RentSkis.com Gold Club
The Rentskis.com Gold Club offers premier guest service and ski & snowboard rentals in a personal setting. Complimentary overnight storage with rental. Boot drying & daytime shoe storage. Located near Starbucks and the Beaver Creek Ski School.
1 Beaver Creek Place, Avon, CO 81620970.754.5418
Roxy
Casual, cotton clothing in this season’s fashion colors for ladies and little girls. Located in the Gerald R. Ford Hall on the plaza level next to the waterall.
124 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.845.7774
Ski-Lockers.com
Store your skis, snowboard and personal gear in a private locker and enjoy easy year-round secure access to our exclusive facilities. Located in Beaver Creek Lodge.
26 Avondale Lane Suite 136, Avon, CO 81620888.754.1988
SureFoot
The leader in custom footwear will help you enjoy your sport at its highest level. Located on the upper level of One Beaver Creek.
15 Thomas Place , Avon, CO 81620970.949.4545
The North Face
The most complete selection of North Face available. Specializing in fashionable & technical clothing systems. Best in jackets, fleece, thermal underwear, hiking boots, trail running shoes & packs. Located in Park Plaza adjacent to the ice rink.
45 W Thomas Place, Avon, CO 81620970.748.0408
Walt Horton Fine Art
Representing the work of the namesake of the gallery, whose whimsical children and animals are known throughout the world. The gallery also hosts a diverse collection by well known contemporary and traditional artists. Located in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
158 Beaver Creek Plaza, Avon, CO 81620970.949.1660
Wilderness Wonders
Limited edition nature and wildlife photography from Colorado, Alaska, Africa, and more. Please call for daily hours. Located in Market Square.
61 Avondale Lane, Avon, CO 81620970.845.7230
Not Exactly Roughing it…
Past the Beaver Creek gate lies an idyllic and intimate village where legendary ski terrain meets blissful luxury. A place where immaculate grooming and world-class skiing give way to warm après-ski cookies and five-star cuisine. Here, at this luxurious Beaver Creek ski resort, the mountain brings families together for ice skating, storytelling and frolicking in the snow. The sun shines bright over 300 days a year, lighting up 1,805 acres of pristine powder. This is the Ivy League of Beaver Creek skiing and snowboarding schools, with classes to challenge and excite experts and beginners alike. Both on and off the slopes, our attentive staff anticipates your every need with unrivaled guest service – to provide you with a Colorado ski vacation you’ll never forget. Luxury this grand beats roughing it, any day.
Before the first ski run was ever envisioned, Beaver Creek’s founders and proponents had already laid the groundwork for interminable fish and wildlife habitat protection, travel management, and water and air quality guidelines.
These guidelines, still in place today, resulted in the beginning of a continually improving environmental effort.
The Vision
Planners envisioned the most environmentally friendly ski area and village ever built, focusing on sustainability, and being good stewards to the lands. Creation of a village, which blends harmoniously with the environment, gives a sense of permanence and timelessness, and which above all projects a total human quality.
The Mountain Design
The primary mountain ecosystem – the integration of forest and meadow land – has been diligently preserved. A strong concern for the natural ecology of the mountain was carried through the entire design and development process. Resort planners respected, wherever possible natural landforms, existing vegetation, and diverse views. Mountain planners balanced ski-ability with a respect for visual impact.
Beaver Creek was one of the most environmentally scrutinized projects of its time:
Developing Beaver Creek into a ski area was and still is today, a partnership between the Forest Service and Vail Resorts. The approval process involved multiple agencies and groups, a considerable amount of conditions and approvals, and a lot of forward thinking from all those involved, it was a long process.
The entire process of developing Beaver Creek into a World-Class ski resort from the drawing board to an operating resort took a long time. The major factor, which led to this lengthy procedure, was the need for a full recognition and reconciliation of numerous environmental impacts.
Beaver Creek encompasses 2,775 acres of public lands. The United States Forest Service has the responsibility of balancing the demands of recreational facilities against the need to preserve wilderness. The Forest Service has stated that recreational development is a form of economic activity, which is one of the least destructive to the area’s long-term productivity.
The Forest Service’s jurisdiction over Beaver Creek ends where the privately owned lands begin. In the village of Beaver Creek, a whole new set of environmental rules come into play. Resort officials worked with county officials in formulating and implementing environmental guidelines.
The Village Design
Beaver Creek was designed to be a mountain village retreat respecting the historic architectural precedents of mountain buildings and resort communities in both Colorado and Europe, while being an environmentally sensitive project. The village has been designed to emphasize simple understated forms, complementing rather than competing with the natural landscape. Native stone, rough stucco, heavy timbers, and weathered wood were specified as the primary building materials to provide an overall unity, while allowing for individual expression, richness and vitality.
Statements from a Few of the Resort Planners:
Beaver Creek’s village will look like it belongs there. The design will complement the landscape, not try to upstage it.” Jack Zehren, Project Architect
There is so much interdependency of factors here—people, machines and the environment—that it’s a lot more complicated to build a quality ski mountain product than the average skier ever perceives. Environmentally sound, efficient to operate, and excellent to ski.” Roger Lessman, Director of Mountain Operations
Ski-ability, environmental respect and operational effectiveness, what I consider to be the three major design criteria for the mountain, should be synthesized into one product.” “Snow retention, sun exposure, elevation, wind erosion minimization—all the environmental components—are as important to successful trail maintenance as they are to the skier’s skiing and visual experience.” Dean Kerkling, Trail Design Planning.
