The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Beaver Creek's summit reaches 11,437 feet, dropping 4,040 vertical feet to a base at 7,398 feet across 150 runs spread over 1,832 acres near Avon, Colorado. Terrain splits 38 per cent beginner, 30 per cent intermediate, 24 per cent advanced and 8 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 232 inches. The resort carries Epic Pass affiliation. Twenty-six lifts, including thirteen quad chairs and one six-person chair, serve the mountain alongside one double chair, one triple chair, three gondolas and seven surface lifts.
Beaver Creek has built a reputation as one of Colorado's most polished, service-oriented luxury resorts, famous for touches like fresh-baked cookies distributed to guests at the end of the ski day. The resort's considerable World Cup racing heritage, hosting the Birds of Prey downhill course, gives it genuine standing among the sport's elite competitive venues.
Earl Eaton and John Burke first explored possible resort opportunities in the area from 1956, though serious planning and negotiations for Beaver Creek did not begin until 1970. The site was initially intended to help host alpine events for the 1976 Winter Olympics, with Denver as the formal host city, but Colorado voters rejected hosting the Games by a margin of three to two, citing transportation, development and environmental concerns.
In 1976, the US Forest Service granted Vail Associates permission to develop the site as ski terrain, with Colorado Governor John Vanderhoof's approval. Groundbreaking took place in July 1977, and Beaver Creek opened for skiing on 15 December 1980 with six chairlifts and a slopeside lodge, going on to host the 1989 Alpine World Ski Championships alongside neighbouring Vail. Adult daily tickets run from 189 to 295 US dollars.
4,042ft
Vertical
150
Runs
1,832 acres
Skiable
19ft
Annual snow
Epic
Pass
The Terrain
150 runs across 1,832 acres skiable
Beaver Creek covers 1,832 acres (741 hectares) above Avon in the Vail Valley, with 150 runs. The base sits at 7,400 ft (2,255 m) and the summit at 11,440 ft (3,487 m), a vertical drop of 4,040 ft (1,232 m). Beginner runs account for 38% of the terrain, with 30% intermediate, 24% advanced and 8% expert. Average snowfall is around 232 inches a year. Beginner runs take the largest share, so it suits learners, while the Birds of Prey and Grouse Mountain zones give advanced skiers something to work with.
The Birds of Prey downhill course, which hosts World Cup racing and is served by the Birds of Prey Express, has steep, sustained runs such as Golden Eagle and Peregrine that hold fresh snow longer than the front side. Grouse Mountain delivers fall-line steeps, best on powder days, and Stone Creek Chutes is a hike-to zone of tight lines, cliff drops and deep snow. Intermediate skiers can explore Larkspur Bowl, Rose Bowl and the upper sections of Bachelor Gulch. Beaver Creek suits families, beginners and intermediates, with enough steeps to challenge advanced skiers for a few days.
Terrain split
150
runs
150 runs across 4 grades
Beginner57 runs · 38%
Intermediate45 runs · 30%
Advanced36 runs · 24%
Expert12 runs · 8%
Time it right
When to visit Beaver Creek
The 2025-26 season at Beaver Creek ran from 27 November 2025 to 29 March 2026, a roughly eighteen-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 232 inches. Season dates can shift depending on early and late-season weather and World Cup race scheduling.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions to Beaver Creek's beginner-and-intermediate-weighted terrain. As an Epic Pass resort within the Vail Resorts network, Beaver Creek draws substantial visitation from Epic Pass holders alongside a genuinely luxury-focused visitor base drawn to the resort's exceptional service standards.
The resort's Birds of Prey World Cup downhill course continues to draw ski racing enthusiasts and spectators during the competitive season. School holiday periods bring substantial family visitation given the resort's considerable beginner-weighted terrain and renowned children's programming. The daily cookie tradition remains a beloved, distinctive touch throughout the season.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations and World Cup racing is not confirmed in available resort information. Since opening in December 1980 following the failed 1976 Olympic bid, Beaver Creek has continued to build on its purpose-built, luxury-focused foundations. The resort's polished service reputation remains central to its seasonal identity.
Season 2026 - 2027
21 Nov 2026
Opens
11 Apr 2027
Closes
141
Days open
19 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Beaver Creek, and where to stay
Beaver Creek sits near Avon, Colorado, in the Vail Valley, with a base elevation of 7,398 feet and a summit at 11,437 feet across a 4,040-foot vertical drop over 1,832 acres. This setting places Beaver Creek within the same broader valley as its considerably larger neighbour, Vail.
Avon and the resort's own purpose-built village provide substantial luxury lodging, dining and shopping directly at the base, giving Beaver Creek a genuinely self-contained, high-end destination-resort character. The broader Vail Valley surrounds the resort with extensive additional amenities.
Interstate 70 provides direct access to the resort via Avon, connecting to the broader Colorado highway network. Winter driving conditions on this route can include snow and ice, though the well-travelled interstate is regularly maintained given the valley's status as a major destination corridor. Complimentary village transportation connects the base area to surrounding lodging.
Eagle County Regional Airport, a short drive away, and Denver International Airport, roughly two hours distant, both serve the resort, with Eagle County offering particularly convenient access for visitors flying directly into the Vail Valley.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Beaver Creek, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
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9 Oct 2026
Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships President Resigns Ahead of Fraud Hearing
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9 Oct 2026
Kelly Canyon, Idaho, Adds Snowmaking, a Bigger Terrain Park and More Parking for 2026-27
Kelly Canyon had a rough 2025-26, and the Idaho resort has spent the summer making sure it doesn’t repeat. Snowmaking now reaches the top of Goldrush, the terrain park is doubling in size with a stereo system, lights and a snack shack, and the car park is getting bigger. Grooming is stepping up too. Target opening is December 4, conditions permitting.
9 Oct 2026
Valle Nevado Extends Season to November 8 After 108 cm in 48 Hours
Winter was meant to be winding down in Chile. Then Valle Nevado took 108 cm in 48 hours in early October, and the resort has pushed its closing date out to November 8 - its latest in 38 years of operation. That makes 143 days of skiing since opening day on June 19, with 690 cm banked for the season. Only part of the mountain is running while the storm settles, so check the mountain report before you plan a trip.
9 Oct 2026
Alps Snow Forecast: Cold Front Brings Thursday Snow to the High Alps
The Alps look a lot more like winter today, for a day or so. A cold front is moving west to east, dropping up to 35 cm on high glaciers and peaks, with snow levels falling to around 1,500-1,800 m at times. Don’t plan a trip around it: mid-elevation snow will be thin and wet, every area is closed bar a limited Sölden glacier opening tomorrow, and warmer weather returns by Monday.
8 Oct 2026
California Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: Mammoth Leads, Tahoe Follows
Mammoth Mountain is first up in California, targeting Friday 13 November after a dusting of September snow. Heavenly and Northstar follow on 20 November, Palisades Tahoe on Wednesday 25 November and Sugar Bowl on 27 November, with Kirkwood on 4 December and June Mountain on 19 December. Plenty of smaller areas have no date yet. A super El Niño favours the Sierra, but a warmer storm track is the catch.
7 Oct 2026
Colorado Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: A-Basin and Keystone Race to Be First
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone and Winter Park are all chasing an October start, though none has a firm date yet. The first dated openers are Breckenridge and Copper on Friday 6 November, then Vail on 13 November, with most of the rest bunched around US Thanksgiving. Hesperus did not open at all last season. A super El Niño offers hope but no guarantee, and forecasters say the southern mountains have the better odds.
5 Oct 2026
Dolomiti Superski 2026-27: Four New Gondolas, New Reservoirs and an €89 Peak Day Pass
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4 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Lift Tickets
Beaver Creek lift tickets & passes
Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Nov 21, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Beaver Creek typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.
Our lift ticket pricing was last updated on Oct 8, 2026.
Day passes start from US$146, with peak rates up to US$271.
Epic6 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 13–64
Adult 1-Day Lift Ticket (13-64)
US$211up to US$271 peak
1-Day Lift Ticket at Beaver Creek Resort for the 2026/27 season, ages 13-64. Beaver Creek (Vail Resorts) uses fully dynamic date-based pricing; regular/peak reflect the confirmed low/high price observed on the resort's own booking calendar (Dec 2, 2026 non-holiday to Dec 26, 2026 holiday). December sample only - January/February peak weeks may run higher.
Buy passChild 5–12
Child 1-Day Lift Ticket (5-12)
US$146up to US$187 peak
1-Day Lift Ticket for children 5-12 at Beaver Creek Resort for the 2026/27 season. Dynamic date-based pricing; regular/peak reflect the confirmed low/high price observed on the resort's own booking calendar (Dec 2, 2026 non-holiday to Dec 26, 2026 holiday). December sample only.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior 1-Day Lift Ticket (65+)
US$203up to US$262 peak
1-Day Lift Ticket for seniors 65+ at Beaver Creek Resort for the 2026/27 season. Dynamic date-based pricing; regular/peak reflect the confirmed low/high price observed on the resort's own booking calendar (Dec 2, 2026 non-holiday to Dec 26, 2026 holiday). December sample only.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 13–64
Epic Day Pass (Adult 13-64, Restricted, 1+ Days)
US$144
Epic Day Pass (Restricted, Adult 13-64) - a flexible 1-7+ day multi-resort pass covering Beaver Creek among other Epic destinations, with blackout dates on the restricted tier. Confirmed 26/27 starting price from the resort's own site for the 1-day restricted option; price varies by number of days and rises as the season progresses.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 31–64
Epic Pass (Adult 31-64, Unlimited, Unrestricted)
US$1,145
Epic Pass (Adult 31-64) - Beaver Creek does not sell its own season pass; season-long access is via the Vail Resorts-network Epic Pass, which grants unlimited, unrestricted access to Beaver Creek plus 90+ mountains worldwide. Confirmed current 26/27 price from epicorikon.com (post the September 7, 2026 increase); price is scheduled to rise again after October 7, 2026. Ages 13-30 receive a 20% discount off this price.
Buy passAdult 31–64
Epic Local Pass (Adult 31-64, Limited Blackouts)
US$849
Epic Local Pass (Adult 31-64) - a lower-cost alternative to the full Epic Pass; grants access to Beaver Creek with holiday blackout dates. Confirmed current 26/27 price from epicorikon.com (post the September 7, 2026 increase); price is scheduled to rise again after October 7, 2026. Ages 13-30 receive a 20% discount off this price.
Buy passLift tickets FAQ
How much does a Beaver Creek day pass cost?
Beaver Creek day passes range from US$146 to US$271 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Beaver Creek lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Beaver Creek lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Beaver Creek, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Beaver Creek lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Beaver Creek - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Beaver Creek lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Beaver Creek offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Beaver Creek directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Beaver Creek.
More Beaver Creek intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.