Beaver Creek and Winter Park are two of Colorado’s best-known 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 | Winter Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Ski Trails | 150 | 143 |
| Combined Distance of Ski Trails | 1832 km | 1635 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 Winter Park
Cost
Day pass price at Beaver Creek
Peak season: $209
Off-peak season: $169
Day pass price at Winter Park
Peak seasont: $169
Off-peak season: $139
Accommodation Options
Beaver Creek and Winter Park are two ski resorts that cater to visitors with different budgets and preferences when it comes to accommodation options. Beaver Creek offers luxurious hotels, condos, and vacation homes for rent, including the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, the Osprey at Beaver Creek, and the Beaver Creek Lodge.
Winter Park provides visitors with a choice of hotels, condos, cabins, and vacation homes, such as the Winter Park Resort, the Zephyr Mountain Lodge, and the Fraser Crossing/Founders Pointe. Winter park has a better selection of more affordable accommodation options.
Visitors can select accommodations based on their preferences and budgets, as both resorts offer a range of options.
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 Winter Park is also Denver, which is approximately 67 miles away. The travel time from Denver to Winter Park is around 1.5 hours by car. There are also shuttle services available from Denver International Airport to Winter Park.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Winter Park are easily accessible from Denver, with similar travel times by car or shuttle.
Winner: Winter Park
For Beginner skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Winter Park are suitable for beginners, but Beaver Creek may be more beginner-friendly. Beaver Creek has a reputation for being a luxurious and family-friendly resort, with a dedicated beginner area and gentle slopes.
Winter Park also has beginner terrain, but it is spread out across the mountain and may require more navigating. However, Winter Park does offer a ski and ride school with experienced instructors who can help beginners improve their skills.
Ultimately, both resorts can provide a great experience for beginners, but Beaver Creek may be a slightly better choice for those just starting out.
Winner: Beaver Creek
For Families
Both Beaver Creek and Winter Park are suitable ski resorts for families, but they offer slightly different experiences.
Beaver Creek is known for its luxurious amenities and family-friendly atmosphere. The resort offers a variety of activities for children, including ski school programs, ice skating, and a kids’ adventure zone. The resort also has a dedicated family-friendly area called “Haymeadow Park,” which features gentle slopes and terrain parks for beginners.
Winter Park, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that still offers plenty of family-friendly activities. The resort has a ski school program for children, as well as a tubing hill, ice skating rink, and a snowcat tour. Winter Park also has a variety of terrain options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Winter Park are great options for families looking for a ski vacation. Beaver Creek offers a more luxurious experience, while Winter Park is a more affordable option with plenty of family-friendly activities.
Winner: Tie
For Advanced Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Winter Park have plenty of challenging runs for advanced skiers, but Beaver Creek may be slightly more suitable for those seeking a more upscale experience.
At Beaver Creek, advanced skiers can tackle the steep and narrow Grouse Mountain, which features a 2,000-foot vertical drop and plenty of moguls. The Birds of Prey run is also a favorite among advanced skiers, as it is the site of the annual World Cup downhill race and features a steep pitch and challenging turns.
At Winter Park, advanced skiers can test their skills on the Mary Jane side of the mountain, which is known for its challenging terrain and abundance of moguls. The Vasquez Cirque area also offers steep and challenging runs, including the double-black diamond run, The Cirque.
Overall, both Beaver Creek and Winter Park offer plenty of challenging runs for advanced skiers.
Winner: Tie
Terrain Parks
Beaver Creek and Winter Park both have terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, but they differ in size and features. Beaver Creek’s terrain park is smaller and geared towards beginner and intermediate riders, with smaller jumps and rails.
Winter Park’s terrain park is larger and more advanced, with bigger jumps, rails, and features for experienced riders. Winter Park also has a superpipe for advanced riders. Overall, Winter Park is known for having one of the best terrain parks in Colorado, while Beaver Creek’s terrain park is more suitable for those just starting out in freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
Winner: Winter Park
For Non-Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Winter Park offer a variety of activities for non-skiers. However, Beaver Creek may be a better choice for non-skiers as it has a wider range of options. Some of the activities available at Beaver Creek include snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, spa treatments, and shopping. In addition, Beaver Creek has a variety of restaurants and bars that non-skiers can enjoy while taking in the beautiful mountain views.
Winter Park also offers snowshoeing, ice skating, and spa treatments, but has fewer options overall. However, Winter Park may be a better choice for non-skiers who are looking for a more laid-back and less crowded atmosphere.
Winner: Winter Park
Conclusion
To sum up, both Beaver Creek and Winter Park offer unique skiing experiences for visitors. Beaver Creek boasts luxurious amenities and a more upscale atmosphere, while Winter Park offers a more laid-back, family-friendly vibe. Beaver Creek’s terrain is better suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, while Winter Park has a wider range of terrain for all skill levels.
Ultimately, the choice between these two resorts will depend on personal preferences and priorities and budget. If you’re looking for a more high-end ski vacation then Beaver Creek is for you On the other hand, Winter Park is a more affordable family getaway.
