What not to miss in Beaver Creek, Colorado?
February 21, 2013 12:46 AM Subscribe
My boyfriend is taking me on my first ski trip to Beaver Creek, Colorado. This is my first time both skiing and seeing the Rockies. Besides skiing and relaxing sore muscles in a hot tub afterward, what else is a must see or must do in this area? Thanks!
Must see: Dinner. Try not to fall asleep until after dinner.
Must do: Try and find the energy to get in the shower when you get back.
That's as much as I ever manage on a ski trip...
posted by emilyw at 3:04 AM on February 21, 2013
Must do: Try and find the energy to get in the shower when you get back.
That's as much as I ever manage on a ski trip...
posted by emilyw at 3:04 AM on February 21, 2013
If you need to take a break from skiing they have an awesome Nordic center at the Beav. You need a ski pass or a discounted Nordic center pass to take the chair lift up and you can rent snow shoes. The view from the trails up there are just as beautiful as anywhere else on the mountain and every time I've been there's hardly anyone else there so it's a nice peaceful break from the crowds.
They serve hot fresh chocolate chip cookies at the base of the ski resort in the afternoons! Definitely grab one if you see them handing them out.
posted by shornco at 4:51 AM on February 21, 2013
They serve hot fresh chocolate chip cookies at the base of the ski resort in the afternoons! Definitely grab one if you see them handing them out.
posted by shornco at 4:51 AM on February 21, 2013
Seconding Beano's Cabin, it is excitingly expensive though.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 6:05 AM on February 21, 2013
posted by Confess, Fletch at 6:05 AM on February 21, 2013
Not your question, but please take lessons. Teaching skiing is a real skill; if you can swing it, a private or quasi-private session or two can do wonders, especially because that way you can learn using an adult's understanding of balance, physics, etc. Or take a class limited to adult beginners.
Because the equipment has changed drastically in recent years, along with the skills needed to excel, teaching methods have changed too. Relying on your boyfriend for instruction could set you out on a course of bad habits if he's essentially mimicking the training he received in his younger years. There are many skiers who are tired because they don't know how to let the skis do the work of taking you through the turns; they use their legs too much and so they tire. And I can't speak for your relationship, but it may not be a good idea for you as a couple either.
posted by carmicha at 6:39 AM on February 21, 2013
Because the equipment has changed drastically in recent years, along with the skills needed to excel, teaching methods have changed too. Relying on your boyfriend for instruction could set you out on a course of bad habits if he's essentially mimicking the training he received in his younger years. There are many skiers who are tired because they don't know how to let the skis do the work of taking you through the turns; they use their legs too much and so they tire. And I can't speak for your relationship, but it may not be a good idea for you as a couple either.
posted by carmicha at 6:39 AM on February 21, 2013
From a non-skiier: Crazy Mountain brewery in Edwards is a really chill place. Be forewarned that some of their beers are very strong and sneak up on you.
The drive down US24 from the interstate is, to me, an essential "Rockies" drive.
posted by notsnot at 7:21 AM on February 21, 2013
The drive down US24 from the interstate is, to me, an essential "Rockies" drive.
posted by notsnot at 7:21 AM on February 21, 2013
In the mornings they will give you free hot chocolate at the top of some of the lifts. At the end of the ski day, be sure to get the free freshly baked cookies that they pass out.
As for other things to do, I agree that if you ski a lot you are likely going to be wiped out by the end of the day. The Beaver Creek village is very swank so there is lots of opportunities for high end window shopping and gallery viewing. The BC website lists lots of Winter Activities that may keep you occupied. If you do take a day off from skiing you might find something like snowshoeing to be very peaceful. My spouse is a non-skier and this is her favorite thing to do when we go on ski trips. Being out in the trees and the snow is very beautiful and serene.
Another possibility for something that is unique is most of the mountains will have some sort of restaurant on top of the hill that you can only reach through some sort of novel transportation (gondola, sleds, snowcats, etc.). That might be an interesting "remote" experience. You should also keep in mind that the Vail resort is only 10-15 minutes away so if you have a car or can use public transit then you can do things at Vail as well.
posted by mmascolino at 8:33 AM on February 21, 2013
As for other things to do, I agree that if you ski a lot you are likely going to be wiped out by the end of the day. The Beaver Creek village is very swank so there is lots of opportunities for high end window shopping and gallery viewing. The BC website lists lots of Winter Activities that may keep you occupied. If you do take a day off from skiing you might find something like snowshoeing to be very peaceful. My spouse is a non-skier and this is her favorite thing to do when we go on ski trips. Being out in the trees and the snow is very beautiful and serene.
Another possibility for something that is unique is most of the mountains will have some sort of restaurant on top of the hill that you can only reach through some sort of novel transportation (gondola, sleds, snowcats, etc.). That might be an interesting "remote" experience. You should also keep in mind that the Vail resort is only 10-15 minutes away so if you have a car or can use public transit then you can do things at Vail as well.
posted by mmascolino at 8:33 AM on February 21, 2013
The Gashouse is pretty good if you're looking to eat away from the mountain. Get smores in front of the Park Hyatt at the end of the day, after cookies. Beyond that, what is must-do depends on your interests. If you're into the locals vibe, swing by Prost for beer in sausages in Frisco on your way in or out. Overall, Beaver Creek is the "poshest" of the I-70 corridor ski resorts; good food and the like can be found in the village for a price, and you could do worse than wandering around the village and looking at all of the menus posted in the windows to decide where you want to eat.
Vail is very similar; I wouldn't recommend heading over that way just to see it unless you're getting bored with Beaver Creek.
Drive over Loveland Pass on your way in or out of the mountains for some good views of the Great Divide, weather permitting.
posted by craven_morhead at 9:20 AM on February 21, 2013
Vail is very similar; I wouldn't recommend heading over that way just to see it unless you're getting bored with Beaver Creek.
Drive over Loveland Pass on your way in or out of the mountains for some good views of the Great Divide, weather permitting.
posted by craven_morhead at 9:20 AM on February 21, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks for all your great answers, everyone! Beaver Creek is overwhelmingly beautiful. And those cookies, I don't know what they put in 'em, but sooo good!
posted by gardenbex at 4:06 PM on February 22, 2013
posted by gardenbex at 4:06 PM on February 22, 2013
Best answer: It is my understanding that cookies are different every year and they hold a competition to select the cookie that is used for that ski season. The linked to site contains the recipe. However cookies always taste good when they are hot, fresh, made by someone else and after you've had a great day of skiing.
posted by mmascolino at 11:36 AM on February 25, 2013
posted by mmascolino at 11:36 AM on February 25, 2013
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posted by three blind mice at 1:02 AM on February 21, 2013