Beaver Creek is a premier destination resort area located just west of Vail, Colorado off Interstate 25, and up a short valley. Cordillera is a rural, mostly residential development located a bit further west of Beaver Creek, up a valley, and then around to the top of a ridge. Although the two areas are in relatively close proximity on the mountain range, it’s about a 20 minute drive from Beaver Creek to Cordillera.
From our perspective, there is a very interesting appeal about Beaver Creek, which is quite unique within the choice of destination resorts in Colorado, or anywhere else for that matter. Like most mountain resort areas in the world, the majority of Colorado mountain resorts are located at the base of a valley. It’s hard to complain, since the views are fabulous as you look up at the majestic mountains from the valley floor. And, of course, once you get up on the mountain, the vistas are incredible.
But this is not so with Beaver Creek. One of the things we love about the area is that the Beaver Creek Village is located up a bit on the mountain. As a result, there is a more European village feel, and from certain locations in the village, the views looking down and across the Beaver Creek Valley are absolutely stupendous. You don’t have to be on the top of the ski hill to enjoy the vistas! Such is the case right out your own lodging window from our prestigious member, the Pines Lodge.
Beaver Creek has a bounty of great restaurants and shopping, and like most Colorado destination resorts, has ample activities year round, including an incredible golf course, horseback riding, and mountain biking – all within a very few minutes of Beaver Creek Village. And if you are a skier or snow boarder, you won’t be disappointed. Beaver Creek’s location assures plenty (averages 310 inches per year) of world famous Colorado snow, and the ski hill provides miles of terrain (1625 acres) for all abilities.
One of our favorite summer activities is hiking up along side Beaver Creek, from which the resort gets its name, and which runs right though the heart of the village. Even following the creek a short distance out of the village provides ample opportunities for glimpses of pristine Colorado stream settings – good for photographs, contemplation, or just a bit of soothing outdoor company. If you have the stamina, you can take this trail all the way up to some alpine lakes - but be forewarned, it keeps going up and up and up!
Although the Beaver Creek Valley was first settled in 1881, like many other mountain regions in Colorado, unless the mining rushes of the 19th century created a bustling mountain town, they were destined to remain rural and undeveloped. Such was the case with Beaver Creek, until the opportunity arose in the 1970’s to expand the booming ski industry in Colorado.
From it’s inception, Beaver Creek was designed and built to rival such prominent international resorts such as St. Moritz, Switzerland, Cortina, Italy and Val d'Aran, Spain. Beaver Creek Resort is essentially brand new, opening in 1980, and seeing most of its development in the 90’s. It is known as an upscale, modern, & full service ski resort with a bent toward luxury. Beaver Creek is a classic village-centered design, that combines the warm, close feel of a European mountain village, with the fun, activities, and grandeur of an alpine mountain ski resort. If you’re looking for something upscale and unique, choosing Beaver Creek as your destination in Colorado will certainly provide wonderful memories.
