Beaver Creek vs Telluride for Skiing

Beaver Creek and Telluride 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.

Ski Area Compared

Beaver Creek Telluride
Number of Ski Trails 150 148
Combined Distance of Ski Trails (miles) 183 148
Percentage of Beginner Trails 19% 23%
Percentage of Intermediate Trails 43% 37%
Percentage of Expert Trails 38% 40%

If you want to learn more about these two resorts, you can see more in our full review of Beaver Creek or Telluride.

Cost

Day pass price at Beaver Creek

Peak season: $209
Off-peak season: $169

Day pass price at Telluride

Peak season: $169
Off-peak season: $139

Accommodation Options

Both Beaver Creek and Telluride offer a variety of accommodation options to cater to different budgets and preferences. While Beaver Creek provides an array of luxurious lodging options like hotels, condos, townhomes, and private homes, including popular choices like The Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, and The Osprey at Beaver Creek, Telluride also offers a range of hotels, condos, vacation rentals, and private homes to choose from, such as The Hotel Telluride, The Peaks Resort and Spa, and Lumiere Telluride.

While Beaver Creek may have more high-end accommodation options, Telluride still offers several luxurious alternatives. However, if cost is a significant factor for your trip, Telluride might be a better choice since it has more affordable lodging options. Nevertheless, both resorts provide convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodations and easy access to the slopes.

Getting there

Beaver Creek and Telluride are both popular ski destinations in Colorado. However, they are located in different regions of the state and have different transport options and travel times from the closest major cities.

Beaver Creek is located in the central Rockies, about 120 miles west of Denver. The closest major airport is Eagle County Regional Airport, which is about 30 minutes away by car. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Denver International Airport and take a shuttle or rental car to Beaver Creek, which takes about 2.5 hours. The drive from Denver to Beaver Creek is scenic and takes visitors through the mountains.

Telluride, on the other hand, is located in the southwestern part of Colorado, about 330 miles from Denver. The closest major airport is Montrose Regional Airport, which is about 1.5 hours away by car. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Denver International Airport and take a shuttle or rental car to Telluride, which takes about 6 hours. The drive from Denver to Telluride is also scenic, but it is longer and more remote than the drive to Beaver Creek.

Overall, Beaver Creek is more accessible from Denver and has a shorter travel time, while Telluride requires a longer drive or additional flight connections.

Winner: Beaver Creek

For Beginner skiers

Both Beaver Creek and Telluride 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. Additionally, the resort offers a variety of beginner lessons and programs. 

Telluride also has beginner terrain and lessons available, but the mountain may be more challenging overall for beginners due to steeper runs and less beginner-specific areas.

Winner: Beaver Creek

For Families

Both Beaver Creek and Telluride are great ski resorts 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. Additionally, Beaver Creek has a pedestrian village with shops and restaurants that are easy to access.

Telluride, on the other hand, is known for its stunning scenery and challenging terrain. While it may not have as many family-specific amenities as Beaver Creek, it does offer a variety of activities that families can enjoy together, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding. The resort also has a ski school for kids, as well as a terrain park for older children and teens.

Overall, both Beaver Creek and Telluride are great options for families, but families with younger children may prefer Beaver Creek for its family-friendly amenities, while families with older children may prefer Telluride for its challenging terrain and variety of activities.

Winner: Tie

For Advanced Skiers

Both Beaver Creek and Telluride are suitable for advanced skiers, but they offer different types of challenges.

Beaver Creek has a reputation for being a bit more groomed and family-friendly, but it still has plenty of challenging terrain for advanced skiers. Some of the more challenging runs at Beaver Creek include:

  • Grouse Mountain: This area has a number 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 located in the back bowls and offer steep, narrow, and challenging terrain.
  • Royal Elk Glades: This area has some of the best tree skiing at Beaver Creek, with steep pitches and tight lines.

Telluride, on the other hand, is known for its steep and challenging terrain. Some of the more challenging runs at Telluride include:

  • Palmyra Peak: This hike-to terrain offers some of the steepest and most challenging skiing in the area, with runs like the double black diamond Black Iron Bowl and the expert-only Gold Hill Chutes.
  • Revelation Bowl: This area has a number of black diamond runs, including the steep and narrow Gold Hill 9 and the challenging and technical Gold Hill 3.
  • The Plunge: This double black diamond run is one of the steepest in North America, with a pitch of up to 52 degrees. It’s not for the faint of heart!

Winner: Telluride

Terrain Parks

Beaver Creek and Telluride both have terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, but they differ in size and features. Beaver Creek’s terrain park is smaller and more beginner-friendly, with smaller jumps and rails. It is located near the base of the mountain and is easily accessible for all levels of riders. Telluride’s terrain park, on the other hand, is larger and more advanced, with bigger jumps and more challenging features. It is located higher up on the mountain and requires more skill and experience to ride. Overall, both resorts offer great options for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, but Beaver Creek is better suited for beginners and intermediate riders, while Telluride is more geared towards advanced riders looking for a challenge.

Winner: Tie

For Non-Skiers

Both Beaver Creek and Telluride offer a variety of activities for non-skiers. In Beaver Creek, non-skiers can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, spa treatments, and shopping in the village. Telluride also offers ice skating, snowshoeing, and spa treatments, as well as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and scenic gondola rides. However, Telluride may be a better choice for non-skiers as it has a more diverse range of activities and attractions.

Winner: Telluride

Conclusion

To sum up, both Beaver Creek and Telluride offer unique and exciting ski experiences. Beaver Creek is perfect for families and those seeking a luxurious ski vacation, with its world-class amenities and groomed runs.

On the other hand, Telluride is ideal for advanced skiers and those looking for a more rugged and adventurous experience, with its challenging terrain and stunning mountain views. Ultimately, the choice between these two resorts will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Regardless of which one you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable ski trip.

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