Looking for a staycation with lots of family Winter fun? Take the short two-hour drive from Denver and head West to Beaver Creek. It has all the fixins for an activity-filled weekend, even for the non-skier or snowboarder in the family (that would be me :). We kicked off Winter break with an extended weekend stay in Beaver Creek just before Christmas. We stayed at the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt, just steps from the ski lifts. It offers a full-service spa, nightly entertainment by Dave (kids LOVED him), and outdoor, heated hot tubs and pool. Beaver Creek offers a variety of accommodations including condos and hotels, as well as a complimentary shuttle to take you around town.
Immediately after arriving we joined other snow enthusiasts and sat fireside by the ski lifts, taking in the views and chatting about things we’d like to do. We were just in time for the free, warm chocolate chip cookies served daily at 3:00 PM at the base of the mountain. The following day a snow storm was scheduled to arrive. One of the nice things about Beaver Creek (and other local resorts) is it doesn’t shut down for the weather! Business blossoms from snow, and everything is in walking distance so you don’t have to think about driving during your stay.
Family Activities (All Ages)
- Weekly Activities. Each week Beaver Creek offers a plethora of family activities including snowshoeing, story time, skating specials, etc.
- Winterfest. A special, daily event offered during the Holiday season. It was in full swing during our stay and included games for the kiddos, a parade, holiday characters, and more.
- Ice Skating. Daily ice skating is available on the rink located in the center of the resort and my kids couldn’t wait to strap on some skates! We also enjoyed an evening ice show featuring local talent.
- Tubing Hill. Designed for young kids, it is comfortable and not super fast. If your family prefers height and speed (mine does :), hop on over to Vailfor a turn on their tubing hills.
Beaver Creek Ski School includes both private and group lessons for children and adults, from beginners through those looking to master blacks and diamonds. Special offerings include:
- Ski Girls Rock. Designed by US Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn for girls ages 7 to 14. It offers a small group atmosphere led by a female instructor, focused on improving skills, empowering girls through the sport, and creating opportunities to bond and build confidence. (this class is offered during select periods of the season).
- Ultimate 4 Children’s Lesson. Full-day lesson limited to four students, allowing for more personalized instruction.
- Telemark Children’s Workshop (Ages 6-15) – Combines elements of Alpine and Nordic Skiing. Kids should be Level 4 or above.
- Adult Lessons – Last winter, I took an adult beginner’s class in Vail, for those who have never been on skis. Beaver Creek also offers such a class as well as a First-timers Series, which takes place over three days. It’s an awesome introduction to the sport.
Other Snowy Activities
Although my husband and kids love to ski and I enjoy watching it, I’ll admit I do not have confidence to fly down the side of a mountain. However, Beaver Creek is about much more than skiing or snowboarding. I decided to partake in a snowshoe nature hike, where I met a wonderful couple from Cincinnati (my prior hometown). We had an awesome guide in Nick F. from England, who took us from the Nordic Center up the Strawberry Park Express lift. A snow storm was brewing so we were unable to view distant peaks but Nick educated us about area wildlife and geography, and we shared quite a few laughs.
- Snowshoe– Chosen by Snowshoe Magazine as the #2 Snowshoe Friendly Resort in America! A variety of snowshoe options are available, from short jaunts to full-day excursions. Teen twilight tours and family hikes are also offered periodically. Some of the terrain I experienced would be more difficult for the younger set so find out your hike's complexity for suitability.
- Cross-Country Skiing – This is on my to-do list for next time. A great elliptical workout, tours offered for beginners on up via the Nordic Center.
- Spas – Enjoy some pampering while the rest of your party toils in the snow!
On select dates throughout the winter season, Beaver Creek comes alive with activities to entertain the young adult crowd including Twilight Snowshoe & Pizza Party, Tubing, and Teen Trick Class. Check their website for dates.
Open seven days a week from 8:30-4:00 PM, kids will enjoy playing while mom and dad hit the slopes.
Don’t Miss!
- Candy Cabin – New this year, it is located at the top of Strawberry Park Express. It is filled with barreled candies, old fashioned Pepsi products, and custom chocolates. (I found some yummy treats!)
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – Served daily at 3:00 PM at the base of the main mountain by chefs holding silver trays filled with warm cookies. Stop by the new Beaver Creek Cookie & Crepe Company for more cookies and flavorful crepes.
- Outdoor, Heated Hot Tubs – Yes, that’s right. If you have access to an outdoor, heated hot tub, you must take a few minutes (or thirty) to hop in and enjoy! I resisted this venture, then finally joined my husband and kiddos as snow was falling one evening and I must admit it was awesome! This is a pastime enjoyed by many after a full day of winter fun.
There are lots of family-friendly options to meet every budget and desire, whether you need a quick breakfast or snack, or prefer a relaxing evening meal. Some favs include:
- Saddle Ridge – We dined here our first night. Menu includes several dishes local to Colorado including Elk and Buffalo. It is also home to the largest living museum of Western artifacts outside of a museum.
- Beano’s Cabin – Located atop the mountain, it is only accessible by a scenic, 20-minute, open air sleigh ride pulled by a snow CAT. It is VERY popular and books way in advance.
- Toscanini– A scrumptious Italian restaurant located by the ice rink. We enjoyed this tremendously!
Cost Saving Tip
Hotel points, frequent flyer miles, credit card points. If you or a spouse travel for business, be sure to take advantage of frequent traveler programs offered by many hotels and airlines. Credit cards such as American Express also offer membership rewards. Over time, these accumulate and can be used towards hotel stays, airline tickets, and/or other activities.
Beaver Creek and Vail have the honor of hosting the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, second only to the Olympics. It will feature 700 athletes from over 70 nations and a television audience of 750 million people. The majority of the competition will take place in Beaver Creek while Vail serves as the official hub of ceremonies and nightly events. It is FREE to spectators, so take a day trip and see some of the world’s best athletes!
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with several vouchers to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with several vouchers to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.
