Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass are two of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts. But how do they compare, and which one is best for your needs? Here we will take a deep dive into both resorts and see how they level up.
Need to know
Ski Area Compared
| Beaver Creek | Aspen Snowmass | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Ski Trails | 150 | 237 |
| Combined Distance of Ski Trails (miles) | 183 | 330 |
| Percentage of Beginner Trails | 19% | 18% |
| Percentage of Intermediate Trails | 43% | 39% |
| Percentage of Expert Trails | 38% | 43% |
If you want to learn more about these two resorts, you can see more in our full review of Beaver Creek or Aspen Snowmass.
Cost
Day pass price at Beaver Creek
Peak season: $209
Off-peak season: $169
Day pass price at Aspen Snowmass
Peak Season: $199
Off-Peak Season: $169
Not much difference in the cost of lift tickets, But Aspen is a few bucks cheaper per day.
Winner: Aspen
Accommodation Options
Both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
In Beaver Creek, visitors can choose from luxury hotels, condos, townhomes, and private homes. The resort has several high-end hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt, and the Osprey, which offer ski-in/ski-out access, spa services, and fine dining.
Several condo and townhome complexes, such as the Borders Lodge and the Highlands, offer more affordable options with access to amenities like hot tubs and fitness centers. For those looking for a more secluded experience, private homes are also available for rent.
In Aspen Snowmass, visitors can choose from similar accommodation options, including luxury hotels, condos, townhomes, and private homes.
The resort has several high-end hotels, such as the Little Nell, the St. Regis, and the Limelight, which offer ski-in/ski-out access, spa services, and fine dining. Several condo and townhome complexes, such as the Snowmass Club and the Top of the Village, offer more affordable options with access to amenities like hot tubs and fitness centers. For those looking for a more secluded experience, private homes are also available for rent.
Restaurants and Cultural
Aspen Snowmass is renowned for its vibrant cultural and social scene, offering an enriching experience beyond the slopes. The resort is a hub for après-ski activities, where visitors can unwind at places like Cloud Nine in Aspen Highlands, known for its lively atmosphere and picturesque mountain views. Aspen’s downtown area is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, boasting a plethora of art galleries, music venues, and high-end shopping options. The town frequently hosts world-class events, from film festivals to music concerts, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd. Whether you’re looking to relax in a luxurious spa, enjoy gourmet dining, or immerse yourself in the local arts scene, Aspen Snowmass provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural sophistication, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a ski vacation with a touch of elegance and a lot of character.
While Beaver Creek may offer fewer options for dining, après-ski, and other cultural experiences compared to some larger resorts, it still boasts a selection of charming and high-quality venues that cater to those looking for a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
The Ritz at Bachelor Gulch is a standout, offering cozy fire pits and comfy couches where visitors can enjoy a drink while watching skiers descend the slopes. For a taste of local flavor, Ein Prosit in Avon is a must-visit for German beer and pretzels lovers. Vin48, also in Avon, is praised for its extensive wine selection and excellent cuisine. Loaded Joe’s in Avon provides a perfect starting point for a casual coffee or a stroll to explore the scenic river path. The Park Hyatt at the main base of Beaver Creek offers a delightful restaurant and bar experience right by the beginner’s area lift. For those willing to venture a little further, the nearby town of Edwards offers quaint spots like the Bookworm for a cozy café experience and the Rose for a delightful lunch or happy hour. While Beaver Creek might not have the bustling nightlife of larger resorts, its quality offerings provide a serene backdrop for those seeking a more tranquil mountain escape.
Winner: Aspen Snowmass
Getting there
Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass are both located in Colorado. The closest major city to Beaver Creek is Denver, which is approximately 120 miles away. The travel time from Denver is around 2.5 hours by car. A shuttle service is also available from Denver International Airport to Beaver Creek.
The closest major city to Aspen Snowmass is also Denver, which is approximately 220 miles away. The travel time from Denver to Aspen Snowmass is around 4 hours by car. A shuttle service is also available from Denver International Airport to Aspen Snowmass.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass are easily accessible from Denver, with shuttle services available for those who do not wish to drive. However, Beaver Creek is closer to Denver and has a shorter travel time.
Winner: Beaver Creek
For Beginner skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass are suitable for beginners, but Beaver Creek may be slightly more beginner-friendly. Beaver Creek has a dedicated beginner area called Haymeadow Park, which features gentle slopes and a magic carpet lift. The resort also offers a variety of beginner lessons and programs.
Aspen Snowmass also has beginner terrain and lessons available, but some of the beginner runs may be steeper than those at Beaver Creek.
Winner: Beaver Creek
For Families
Both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass are a great options for families, but they have different strengths. Beaver Creek is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and amenities, such as the Beaver Creek Children’s Ski and Snowboard School, which offers lessons for kids as young as three years old. The resort also has a variety of activities for families, including ice skating, sleigh rides, and a tubing hill.
On the other hand, Aspen Snowmass is known for its extensive terrain and variety of ski runs, which can accommodate skiers of all levels. The resort also has a number of family-friendly activities, such as the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, which offers childcare and ski lessons for kids, as well as a tubing hill and ice skating rink.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass are great options for families, but families with younger children may prefer Beaver Creek for its focus on family amenities and activities, while families with older children or more experienced skiers may prefer Aspen Snowmass for its extensive terrain and variety of runs.
Winner: Tie
For Advanced Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass are suitable for advanced skiers, but Aspen Snowmass may have more challenging runs overall.
At Beaver Creek, some of the more challenging runs include the Birds of Prey World Cup downhill course, which features steep pitches and technical turns, as well as the Grouse Mountain area, which has a variety of black diamond runs with moguls and glades.
At Aspen Snowmass, there are several areas that offer advanced skiers a variety of challenging terrain. The Highland Bowl is a popular spot for expert skiers, with steep chutes and open bowls. The Cirque at Snowmass is another area with challenging terrain, including steep pitches and tight trees. Additionally, the Hanging Valley Wall at Snowmass offers some of the steepest terrain in the area, with runs like AMF and Gowdy’s that are not for the faint of heart.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass offer plenty of challenging terrain for advanced skiers, but Aspen Snowmass may have a slight edge in terms of overall difficulty and variety.
Winner: Aspen
Terrain Parks
Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass both have excellent terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. However, there are some differences between the two resorts.
Beaver Creek’s terrain park, called Park 101, is located at the top of the mountain and features a variety of jumps, rails, and boxes for all skill levels. The park is designed to be beginner-friendly, with smaller features for those just starting out, but also has more advanced features for experienced riders. The park is well-maintained and regularly updated with new features.
Aspen Snowmass has several terrain parks spread throughout the resort, each with its own unique features and challenges. The largest park is located at Snowmass and features over 100 features, including jumps, rails, and boxes. The park is designed for intermediate to advanced riders and is known for its large jumps and creative features. Aspen Snowmass also has a smaller park at Buttermilk, which is designed for beginners and features smaller jumps and rails.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass offer excellent terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, with options for riders of all skill levels. However, Aspen Snowmass may be a better choice for more experienced riders looking for larger and more challenging features.
Winner: Aspen
For Non-Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass offer a variety of activities for non-skiers. Beaver Creek has a variety of options such as snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and spa treatments. Aspen Snowmass also offers snowshoeing, ice skating, spa treatments, and options such as snowmobiling, hot air balloon rides, and cultural activities like visiting art galleries and museums.
In terms of which resort is a better choice for non-skiers, it ultimately depends on personal preferences. Beaver Creek may be a better choice for those looking for a more relaxed and luxurious atmosphere, while Aspen Snowmass may be better for those looking for a wider range of activities and a more vibrant nightlife.
Winner: Tie
Conclusion
To sum up, both Beaver Creek and Aspen Snowmass offer exceptional skiing experiences with their unique features and amenities. While Beaver Creek is known for its luxurious atmosphere and family-friendly activities, Aspen Snowmass boasts a larger ski area and a vibrant nightlife scene. Ultimately, the choice between the two resorts will depend on individual preferences and priorities.
