Our Day at Beaver Creek: Skiing on the Epic Pass.
If luxury had a home in the mountains, it would be Beaver Creek. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this isn’t your average ski resort. Known for its refined elegance—think fire pits, boutique shops, and even a Ritz-Carlton tucked away at the base—Beaver Creek delivers an experience that feels as curated as its meticulously groomed trails.
Armed with the Epic Pass, we spent a day exploring this Colorado gem. Here’s what stood out—the skiing, the service, the charm—and a few things to consider if you’re planning your own trip.
Arriving at Beaver Creek: Convenient and Scenic.
Our day began in Breckenridge, and the drive over Vail Pass to Beaver Creek was stunning. Fresh snow blanketed the peaks, making the scenic route a memorable part of the experience.
To avoid Beaver Creek’s pricey parking near the village, we researched ahead of time. The resort offers two affordable parking lots with free shuttle service to the slopes. We chose the Bear Lot, which cost just $13 for the day—a great deal compared to premium village parking. We selected this lot over the Elk Lot because we planned to explore McCoy Park, a 250-acre area featuring beginner and intermediate terrain with natural, groomable glades. To see parking options visit this site. Check out Beaver Creek’s parking options here to find the best spot for your day on the slopes.
The process was simple. After parking, we waited a few minutes before the shuttle arrived, taking us directly to the Lower Beaver Creek Mountain Express Lift. It was a quick ride from there to start our day on the mountain.
It’s worth noting that Vail Pass serves as a major corridor for several popular ski resorts, including Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Beaver Creek. During peak ski season, the pass often experiences heavy traffic, especially on weekends and holidays.
Westbound: Traffic peaks on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Eastbound: Traffic builds by 1 p.m. on weekends, peaks around 4–5 p.m., and clears after 7 p.m.
By leaving early and timing our trip to avoid these peak hours, we enjoyed a smooth and stress-free start to our day.
Beaver Creek Mountain Overview
Beaver Creek Mountain offers over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, thoughtfully designed to cater to all levels of skiers. Known for its exceptional grooming and uncrowded slopes, the mountain delivers a premium skiing experience in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Easier Terrain: Red Buffalo Park and McCoy Park are perfect for skiers looking for wide, approachable runs with incredible views. These areas are ideal for beginners or anyone easing into their day.
Intermediate Trails: Runs like Centennial and Gold Dust offer long, flowing groomers that are fun for cruising while offering a bit of challenge.
Advanced and Expert Terrain: Test your skills on the steep glades of Grouse Mountain or tackle the legendary Birds of Prey downhill, famous for its World Cup races.
Beaver Creek is known for its smooth, well-maintained trails and thoughtfully placed lifts, allowing you to make the most of your day without long waits or crowded slopes. Its variety of terrain makes it a great mountain for skiers of all abilities, whether you’re looking for high-speed cruisers or technical challenges.
Download the Beaver Creek trail map.
McCoy Park: Where We Started Our Day.
After several days of skiing, our legs were tired, so we decided to take it easy on our one day at Beaver Creek. Most of the terrain on the lower mountain consists of green and blue runs, which aligned perfectly with our plan for a relaxed day.
A skier’s view gliding through the trees at McCoy Park on a partly cloudy day, with no one else in sight.
We started at McCoy Park, a bowl-like area on the backside of the mountain. The park is known for its broad, open terrain, rolling runs, and peaceful atmosphere. Getting there required a few lifts:
First, we took the Lower Beaver Creek Mountain Express Lift (Lift 15), where the shuttle conveniently dropped us off.
From there, we rode the Upper Beaver Creek Mountain Express Lift (Lift 18).
Finally, we skied down Exploration, an easy green run, to reach the McCoy Park Express Lift.
View from the entrance to McCoy Park, with a beautiful expanse of trees ahead, perfect for skiing into the glades.
What we enjoyed most about McCoy Park is that it’s ungroomed, offering the freedom to ski in any direction. The area is dotted with aspen groves and evergreen trees, creating a mix of open spaces and treed sections that make the terrain feel both adventurous and serene. Skiing through the glade-like areas surrounded by these trees added to the scenic and peaceful vibe. It was the perfect spot to appreciate the mountain's natural beauty without pushing our tired legs too hard.
Front view of Eaton Haus, featuring a thick snow-covered roof and mountain in the background.
Pro tip: At the top of McCoy Park, you’ll find Eaton Haus, a cozy spot to grab snacks and beverages and warm up or take a break during your day.
Exiting McCoy Park: Easy Trails and Connectors.
Trailhead for Unwind with a sign indicating 'Exit McCoy Park' at the beginning of the trail.
To exit McCoy Park, we followed the Unwind trail from the McCoy Park Express Lift. This trail leads to Primrose, a laid-back run perfect for cruising down the mountain. Along the way, you can drop back into McCoy Park on one of the blue runs, including Endeavor, Freedom, and Discovery.
Primrose eventually connected us to Beaver Creek Expressway, where we paused to take in incredible views of the resort’s black diamond terrain. From there, we took the Strawberry Park Express Lift, which allowed us to explore new mountain areas.
Exploring Strawberry Park and Bachelor Gulch.
After finishing up at McCoy Park, we headed to the base and took the Strawberry Park Express Lift to access Primrose. This trail is more of a connector, parallel to the mountain's base. It’s slow and long, designed to funnel skiers into other trails. From there, we transitioned onto Sawbuck, a more direct trail that led us downhill.
At one point, I mistakenly ventured onto Solitaire, a closed side trail. Luckily, it was short, and I reconnected to Sawbuck without any trouble.
View of the top of Bachelor Gulch Lift with skiers dismounting and getting ready to ski down the mountain.
Next, we hopped on the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift, arriving at the top just in time for lunch. We enjoyed a relaxing meal at Mamie’s Mountain Grill, which offered beautiful views and a great place to recharge.
Entrance to Mamie’s Mountain Grill with stunning mountain views in the background.
After lunch, we tackled Gunder’s, a blue run that provided a fun and satisfying ride. We then returned to the top of Bachelor Gulch via the lift and took Intertwine, a long green trail that winds its way toward the resort's central hub. Intertwine was the perfect way to end this stretch of the day, offering stunning views and a laid-back ride.
A Special Easter Dinner Treat: Zach’s Cabin
Front of Zach’s Cabin at night, featuring a red carpet leading from the Snowcat to the entrance.
Perched on the mountainside high above Bachelor Gulch, with uninterrupted views of the magnificent Gore Range, Zach’s Cabin epitomizes fine dining at its peak. Guests are whisked away for a magical starlit snowcat ride, adding to the unforgettable experience.
The snowcat ride begins at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, a destination worth visiting in its own right. I recommend starting your evening with a drink at Buffalo’s Bar, conveniently near the Snowcat departure point. The Ritz’s elegant interior perfectly embodies the luxury mountain aesthetic that Beaver Creek is known for.
Snow Cat parked at the top of the mountain, ready to take guests back down after an evening dinner.
At Zach’s Cabin, the service was impeccable, and the menu showcased fresh, Alsatian-inspired dishes crafted with the finest regional and seasonal ingredients. Each dish is paired with excellent vintages for the perfect dining experience. I enjoyed the Braised Local Short Rib, which was exceptional. Another group member had the Smoked Colorado Elk Loin, which, by all accounts, was to die for.
Pro Tip: Availability for lunch is limited to Signature Club members, but dinner reservations are open to all. For more information about Zach’s Cabin or to book your reservation, visit their official website here.
What We Liked About Beaver Creek
Uncrowded Slopes: There were moments when it felt like we had the mountain to ourselves. Lift lines were short, which meant more time skiing and less time waiting.
McCoy Park: The ungroomed, natural terrain with a mix of open spaces and tree-lined sections was one of the highlights of our day. It offered a peaceful and adventurous skiing experience.
Dining: Allie’s Cabin was unforgettable, from the snowcat sleigh ride to the incredible meal. It truly showcased the luxurious side of Beaver Creek.
What We Didn’t Like
Long Connector Runs: Trails like Primrose felt more like long connectors than exciting ski runs. While not a flaw of the resort, we would have planned our routes differently if we had more time.
Missed Opportunities: We didn’t make it over to Beaver Creek Mountain to ski or visit the iconic Cookie Cabin, something we’d prioritize on a future visit.
Ski on the Epic Pass: Why It’s Worth It.
The Epic Pass is a game-changer for skiers who love variety and value. Here’s why it’s a great choice:
1. Access to Top Resorts
Get unlimited or limited access to over 40 world-class resorts, including Beaver Creek, Vail, and Whistler Blackcomb.
2. Incredible Value
For frequent skiers, the pass quickly pays for itself with lift ticket savings, especially at premium resorts.
3. Seamless Experience
Enjoy streamlined access at Beaver Creek and other resorts, letting you focus on skiing, not logistics.
4. Multi-Resort Adventures
Ski multiple mountains in one trip. We hit Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, and Vail on the same pass without paying extra. At under $800, the pass is a no-brainer compared to daily lift tickets, which can cost $200 or more at these resorts.
Visit the Epic Pass site here for more details and to purchase your pass!
Conclusion
Beaver Creek is more than just a ski resort—it’s an experience. From the pristine, uncrowded slopes to the luxury touches like McCoy Park’s natural terrain and Allie’s Cabin’s gourmet dining, this resort offers something special for every skier.
While we didn’t get to explore everything Beaver Creek has to offer, our day was filled with memorable runs, breathtaking views, and impeccable service. Whether you’re looking for world-class skiing or a luxury escape, Beaver Creek is well worth a visit.
We’re already planning a return trip to check out the Cookie Cabin and explore even more of the mountain. Until then, this adventure at Beaver Creek will stand out as one of our favorite ski days in Colorado.