Beaver Creek and Steamboat are two of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts. But how do they compare, and which 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 | Steamboat | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Ski Trails | 150 | 169 |
| Combined Distance of Ski Trails | 1832 km | 1910 km |
| Percentage of Beginner Trails | 19% | 23% |
| Percentage of Intermediate Trails | 43% | 47% |
| Percentage of Expert Trails | 38% | 30% |
Cost
Day pass price at Beaver Creek
Peak season: $209
Off-peak season: $169
Day pass price at Steamboat
Peak season: $169
Off-peak season: $149
Accommodation Options
Both Beaver Creek and Steamboat offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
In Beaver Creek, visitors have a wide array of lodging options to choose from, ranging from luxurious hotels to more affordable condos and townhomes, as well as private homes. The resort boasts 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, offering top-notch amenities like ski-in/ski-out access, fine dining restaurants, spas, and fitness centers. However, for those who prefer more affordable options, there are also cozy condos and townhomes available for rent, such as the Beaver Creek Lodge and the Borders Lodge.
Similarly, in Steamboat, visitors can select from a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, condos, townhomes, and private homes. The resort features several hotels, such as the Steamboat Grand, the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas, and the Lodge at Steamboat, offering amenities like ski-in/ski-out access, restaurants, and fitness centers. Furthermore, for those who crave privacy and ample living space, there are also condos and townhomes available for rent, such as the Trappeur’s Crossing Resort and the Torian Plum Condominiums. Overall, both Beaver Creek and Steamboat have something for every type of traveler, regardless of their budget or preferences.
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 Steamboat is also Denver, which is approximately 157 miles away. The travel time from Denver to Steamboat is around 3 hours by car. There are also shuttle services available from Denver International Airport to Steamboat.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Steamboat are easily accessible from Denver, with similar travel times. However, Beaver Creek may be slightly more convenient for those looking for a shorter travel time.
Winner: Beaver Creek
For Beginner skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Steamboat are suitable for beginners, but Beaver Creek may be slightly more beginner-friendly with its dedicated beginner area called Haymeadow Park, featuring gentle slopes and a magic carpet lift. The resort also offers a variety of beginner lessons and programs.
Steamboat also has beginner terrain and lessons available, but it may be more geared towards intermediate and advanced skiers. Overall, Beaver Creek may be a slightly better choice for those just starting out.
Winner: Beaver Creek
For Families
Both Beaver Creek and Steamboat are great ski resorts for families, but they have different strengths. Beaver Creek is known for its luxurious amenities and family-friendly atmosphere. The resort offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations, a dedicated family ski area, and a variety of activities for kids, including ice skating, tubing, and a children’s museum.
Steamboat, on the other hand, is known for its friendly locals and laid-back vibe. The resort offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers, as well as a dedicated family ski area and a range of off-slope activities, such as hot springs and snowmobiling.
Overall, both resorts are great options for families, but Beaver Creek may be better suited for those looking for a more upscale experience, while Steamboat is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and authentic ski vacation.
Winner: Tie
For Advanced Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Steamboat are suitable for advanced skiers, but Beaver Creek may have more challenging runs overall.
At Beaver Creek, some of the more challenging runs include:
- Grouse Mountain: This area has a variety of black diamond runs, including the steep and narrow Birds of Prey and the mogul-filled Raptor.
- Stone Creek Chutes: These double black diamond chutes are accessed via a short hike and offer steep, technical terrain.
- Royal Elk Glades: This area has some of the steepest tree skiing at Beaver Creek, with tight lines and challenging terrain.
At Steamboat, some of the more challenging runs include:
- Chutes 1-3: These double black diamond chutes are located on the upper mountain and offer steep, narrow terrain with rocks and cliffs.
- No Names: This area has a variety of black diamond runs with steep pitches and moguls.
- Shadows: This double black diamond run is known for its steep, narrow chute and tight trees.
Overall, both resorts offer plenty of challenging terrain for advanced skiers, but Beaver Creek may have a slight edge in terms of overall difficulty.
Winner: Beaver Creek
Terrain Parks
Beaver Creek and Steamboat 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 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 and a mellow slopestyle course. However, there are also more advanced features for experienced riders, including a 50-foot jump and a 22-foot halfpipe.
Steamboat’s terrain park, called Mavericks, is located at the base of the mountain and is known for its large jumps and challenging features. The park is designed for intermediate to advanced riders, with a mix of jumps, rails, and boxes that require technical skill and precision. Mavericks also features a 22-foot superpipe, which is one of the largest in Colorado.
Overall, Beaver Creek’s terrain park is more beginner-friendly and focused on progression, while Steamboat’s park is geared towards more experienced riders looking for a challenge.
Winner: Beaver Creek
For Non-Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Steamboat 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. Steamboat also has non-skiing activities such as hot springs, snowmobiling, and tubing, but it has a more laid-back and casual vibe. Ultimately, the choice between the two resorts depends on personal preferences and interests.
Winner: Steamboat
Conclusion
To sum up, both Beaver Creek and Steamboat offer unique skiing experiences for visitors. Beaver Creek is known for its luxurious amenities and groomed runs, while Steamboat offers a more laid-back atmosphere and diverse terrain and at a slightly cheaper price.
Ultimately, the choice between the two resorts will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or a challenging ski adventure, both Beaver Creek and Steamboat have something to offer.
