Heading to Colorado in the winter but not sure if Vail or Beaver Creek is right for you? Which one is better? Both are owned by Vail resorts, and both are, therefore, on the Epic Pass.
I mean honestly, both are expensive and 1-day lift ticket prices at the window are $200 a person. That’s what makes the Epic Pass so appealing. Make sure to watch for early deals and you can get passes for as little as $85/day.
But I am getting ahead of myself. Let me break down the pros and cons for you, to help you make the decision that is right for you.
Beaver Creek
Known for it’s spa culture, families and couples come here to ride the mountain during the day and experience the spa’s on their day off.
Mountain
Mountain
Here are the stats:
- Vertical drop – 3,340 ft (1,018 m)
- 167 trails
- 2,082 skiable acres
There is a good mix of skiable terrain for all ages and abilities and is a great place for beginners with some dedicated terrain off the Haymeadow Express gondola. If you are brand new to skiing or snowboarding you can take advantage of their instructors by getting a few lessons.
For more advanced skiers and riders, there is the option to see terrain that others might miss out on by hiring a guide. For the best of the expert terrain, head to Grouse Mountain for an entire mountain dedicated to black diamonds and double black diamonds, Stickline for those that love tree runs, and follow the Birds of Prey express lift for expert racing terrain.
Beaver Creek Village
This extremely pedestrian-friendly village is a cute mini version of Vail with an outdoor ice rink, shops, restaurants, a resort on site and escalators to take you to the mountain. They also come around with trays of freshly baked chocolate cookies once a day!
There are families who have been coming here every year for 10+ years and booked a year in advance. The whole trip. I mean, they book lodging, lift tickets, and where they are going to eat, a year in advance. Making it challenging for the rest of us. So, how can you make the most out of your stay then?
Stay in Avon. This cute little town is one bus stop away from the resort, a less than 10 minute drive to the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. There is also a free skier shuttle that runs regularly throughout the day. Lodging is cheaper, there’s an abundance of restaurants that you don’t need a reservation for, and it’s got everything you need.
Dining
In Beaver Creek, there is some fantastic dining and some not so fantastic dining. Most places need a reservation in the resort area. At the base of the mountain there is a restaurant, but I would avoid it if you can. We had the worst service I have ever experienced there.
Due to people booking their trips a year in advance getting a table on the mountain is almost impossible. My recommendation? Eat in Avon. And if you stay in Avon, you can make you trip more budget friendly by staying in a hotel with a kitchen in your room. This way you can enjoy both, the great dining options and save a few bucks by making a couple of meals in your room.
Getting There
The closest airport is the Denver International Airport and the drive to Avon is around 2 hours through scenic mountain passes. If the weather is bad, this road will close and your out of luck. They do a great job on the roads though, so I wouldn’t worry too much.
I use the Turo app to make sure I get a vehicle with good tires and snow ready; those car rental places are not going to have that kind of selection.
There are buses that run between Denver and Avon and Beaver Creek. From the Epic Mountain Express to the Greyhound, and others, there is a range to choose from.
Lodging
Like I said the resort area books up fast but if you are looking for that luxury stay with ski-in-ski out options, book early.
One cool aspect of Beaver Creek and it’s connection to Avon is there is a gondola from the town of Avon that takes you right up into Beaver Creek. It’s a little bit of an adventure with the need to take a couple lifts once you get off the gondola but there are a lot more lodging options in Avon.
I recommend the Christie Lodge in Avon. It has indoor and outdoor hot tubs, full kitchens, balconies, and food options right outside your door. There is also a free shuttle that will pick you up and drop you off right at the lodge.
Pros
- Can find more affordable lodging with the town of Avon a short (and free) shuttle ride away
- Free cookies once a day
- Family friendly
- Escalators – you know, in case your legs aren’t working by the end of the day
- Lots of beginner terrain
Cons
- Impossible to get a reservation in some of the restaurants and the service in the ones you can is horrendous
- Expensive
Vail
This iconic mountain is just that. An icon. And I think everyone needs to experience it at least once in their life if they are serious about riding or skiing. Vail’s back bowls, with its advanced terrain are a must see for the experienced rider.
Mountain
There is so much terrain here it’s ridiculous, having one of the largest ski areas in the United States. You cannot possibly see it all in one day. So, go into this with a plan, otherwise you are going to be stuck riding lifts all day and seeing nothing of the mountain.
My recommendation is hit Vail’s back bowls first, particularly Blue Sky Basin, and spend the morning there. Especially on a powder day. This is more advance terrain and a must see for the upper intermediate skier and rider and of course the expert skiers and riders. When you are ready for lunch come to the front side, have lunch and pick an area to check out.
- Vertical – 3,450 ft
- 5,289 skiable terrain
- 195 trails (35 beginner, 57 intermediate, 89 advanced, and 14 expert)
If you like open spaces, with trees and a feeling like you are in the backcountry and not at a ski resort, head to the back bowls. Not for you? There are plenty of groomers to ride on the front side, so don’t worry if you are a beginner, they have you covered.
Vail Village
Vail is one of the most beautiful mountain resorts I have ever seen. Their sidewalks are heated and it is like stepping into a European Village with fountains and German Style buildings.
If you want to stay in the town of Vail, however, it will cost you around $1000/night. Is that a little too rich for your blood? Yeah, mine too. So, again, like for Beaver Creek, Avon is an excellent option. Especially with the convenient and budget friendly bus service.
Dining
There are a ton of eating options here and they are not all overly pricey. Yes, you will pay a little more, but I find it’s comparable to other ski resorts. With 2 breweries, a distillery, and a multitude of food styles, you could spend your whole time checking out different places to eat.
I highly recommend the tacos at El Segundo and the beer at 7 Hermits Brewing Company.
Getting There
Arriving in Denver, the options are the same as that for Beaver Creek, though Vail is about a half hour closer to Denver than it’s little sister mountain.
If you are staying outside of Vail and planning to drive, plan to spend a small fortune to park for the day. My recommendation is to just take the bus. In Avon, there are buses that will take you to Vail for a nominal fee ($8). It’s convenient.
Just make sure you are at the bus before the last one leaves for the day (which is around 4:30).
Lodging
Like I said, if you want to stay on site and experience all that Vail has to offer, you are going to pay extensively for it.
Otherwise, head to one of the outer parts, like North Vail, or stay in Avon, where you can have the best of both worlds (budget friendly plus the Vail experience).
Pros
- Iconic mountain with some of the best terrain anywhere in North America
- Famous back bowls – LEGENDARY
- Tons of eating and drinking options
- It’s like being in a European ski town
Cons
- EXPENSIVE
- Shops have very pushy salespeople
- Gets super busy, especially on weekends and holidays, oh and powder days
- More challenging terrain, even the beginner terrain is a bit steeper, so keep that in mind if you are new to the sport
Final Verdict?
They both have their own unique things to offer, and no matter which one you choose you can’t go wrong. Personally, I pick Vail. It has so much terrain and the back bowls are truly legendary and an absolute blast. I continually felt like I wasn’t on a resort.
But if you are looking for family friendly head to Beaver Creek. Want some of the best terrain in the country? Go to Vail.
