Beaver Creek and Keystone are two of Colorado’s best-loved. 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 | Keystone | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Ski Trails | 150 | 135 |
| Combined Distance of Ski Trails | 1832 km | 1600 km |
| Percentage of Beginner Trails | 19% | 25% |
| Percentage of Intermediate Trails | 43% | 50% |
| Percentage of Expert Trails | 38% | 25% |
If you want to learn more about these two resorts, you can see more in our full review of Beaver Creek or Keystone.
Cost
Day pass price at Beaver Creek
Peak season: $209
Off-peak season: $169
Day pass price at Keystone
Peak season: $149
Off-peak season: $109
Winner: Keystone
Accommodation Options
Both Beaver Creek and Keystone offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.
In Beaver Creek, visitors can choose from luxurious hotels, condos, and vacation homes. The resort has several high-end hotels, such as the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, and the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa. These hotels offer upscale amenities, such as spas, fine dining restaurants, and ski-in/ski-out access. For those looking for more space and privacy, Beaver Creek also has a range of condos and vacation homes available for rent. These properties range from cozy one-bedroom condos to spacious multi-bedroom homes with private hot tubs and fireplaces.
In Keystone, visitors can also choose from a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, condos, and vacation homes. The resort has several hotels, such as the Keystone Lodge and Spa, the Inn at Keystone, and the Hyatt Place Keystone. These hotels offer comfortable rooms and amenities such as hot tubs, fitness centers, and shuttle service to the ski lifts. Keystone also has a range of condos and vacation homes available for rent, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious properties with ski-in/ski-out access and mountain views.
Getting there
The closest major city to Beaver Creek is Denver, which is approximately 120 miles away. The travel time from Denver to Beaver Creek is around 2.5 hours by car. There are also shuttle services available from Denver International Airport to Beaver Creek.
The closest major city to Keystone is also Denver, which is approximately 90 miles away. The travel time from Denver to Keystone is around 1.5 hours by car. There are also shuttle services available from Denver International Airport to Keystone.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Keystone are easily accessible from Denver, with similar travel times and transport options available.
Winner: Keystone
For Beginner skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Keystone are suitable for beginners, but Beaver Creek may be a better option for those who are new to skiing. Beaver Creek has a reputation for being a more upscale and family-friendly resort, with a focus on providing a high-quality experience for all levels of skiers. The resort offers a variety of beginner-friendly terrain, including dedicated learning areas and gentle slopes that are perfect for those who are just starting out.
Keystone also has plenty of beginner terrain, but it is known more for its challenging runs and terrain parks. Overall, both resorts are great options for beginners, but Beaver Creek may be a better choice for those who want a more relaxed and supportive environment for learning to ski.
Winner: Beaver Creek
For Families
Both Beaver Creek and Keystone are suitable ski resorts for families, but they have different features that may appeal to different families.
Beaver Creek is known for its luxurious atmosphere and family-friendly amenities. The resort offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations, a dedicated family ski area, and a variety of activities for kids such as ice skating, tubing, and a children’s museum. The resort also has a reputation for excellent customer service, which can make a family’s stay more enjoyable.
Keystone, on the other hand, is known for its affordability and variety of terrain. The resort offers a range of ski runs for all skill levels, including a dedicated learning area for beginners. Keystone also has a variety of family-friendly activities such as snow tubing, ice skating, and a mountaintop snow fort. The resort also offers affordable lodging options, which can make it a more budget-friendly option for families.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Keystone are suitable ski resorts for families, but families should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between the two.
Winner: Keystone
For Advanced Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Keystone have runs suitable for advanced skiers, but Beaver Creek is generally considered to be more challenging and better suited for experienced skiers.
At Beaver Creek, some of the more challenging runs include the Birds of Prey World Cup Downhill course, which features steep pitches and tight turns, as well as the Grouse Mountain and Larkspur Bowl areas, which offer a variety of challenging terrain including moguls, glades, and steep pitches.
At Keystone, advanced skiers can enjoy runs like the North and South Bowls, which offer steep terrain and challenging moguls, as well as the Outback area, which features a mix of groomed runs and off-piste terrain.
While both resorts have plenty to offer advanced skiers, Beaver Creek is likely to provide a more challenging and rewarding experience for those looking for the most difficult runs and terrain.
Winner: Beaver Creek
Terrain Parks
Beaver Creek and Keystone both have terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, but there are some differences between the two.
Beaver Creek’s terrain park, called Park 101, is designed for beginners and intermediate riders. It features small jumps, rails, and boxes, as well as a mini halfpipe. The park is located near the base of the mountain and is easily accessible from the Centennial Express lift.
Keystone, on the other hand, has a much larger and more advanced terrain park. The A51 terrain park is one of the most renowned parks in the country and is designed for expert riders. It features a variety of jumps, rails, and boxes, as well as a superpipe and a rail garden. The park is located on the front side of the mountain and is accessible from the River Run Gondola.
Both resorts offer great terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, but Keystone’s A51 park is more advanced and challenging than Beaver Creek’s Park 101.
Winner: Keystone
For Non-Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Keystone offer a variety of activities for non-skiers. However, Beaver Creek may be a better choice for non-skiers as it has a more upscale and luxurious atmosphere with options such as ice skating, snowshoeing, spa treatments, and fine dining. Keystone, on the other hand, has a more laid-back vibe and offers activities such as tubing, snowmobiling, and a large indoor water park.
Winner: Beaver Creek
Conclusion
To sum up, both Beaver Creek and Keystone offer fantastic skiing experiences, but they cater to different types of skiers. Beaver Creek is ideal for those seeking a luxurious and upscale ski vacation, with its high-end amenities and world-class dining options.
On the other hand, Keystone is perfect for families and budget-conscious skiers, with its affordable lift tickets and wide range of beginner and intermediate runs.
Ultimately, the choice between these two resorts will depend on your personal preferences and priorities.
