Nestled within Colorado’s Rocky Mountains just two hours west of Denver, Beaver Creek is a high-altitude village and luxury resort known for its world-class skiing and snow-capped mountain scenery. In winter, Beaver Creek Mountain draws skiers and snowboarders to its 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and more than 150 trails. You’ll find one of the only Nordic ski parks in North America that’s accessible by lift, as well as a dedicated beginner ski area and one of the best ski schools in the country. In the summer, adventurers come for the excellent mountain biking and hiking on more than 60 miles of trails, including the popular Overlook Trail, a hike from the village to the peak with spectacular views of the mountain range.

Beaver Creek Village is home to boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, and spas, as well as an array of bars and restaurants — from fine dining to family diners. Beaver Creek also has a performing arts center, which hosts musicals, concerts, and family entertainment.

The winter ski season in Beaver Creek typically opens in late November and lasts until mid-April, with a range of house and condo rentals to choose for your stay. February and March are the most popular months for skiing, while January is usually a good time to visit if you want to avoid the big crowds. The popular Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition takes place every year on opening day of ski season, when 1,000 cookies are baked and passed out for everyone to judge. In summer, Beaver Creek enjoys mostly sunny days for biking and hiking, but the nights cool down, so pack a jacket with your sunscreen. In August, the Beaver Creek Wine and Spirits Festival showcases wines, drinks, and food from the local area, accompanied by music and dancing.

McCoy Park

Head to McCoy Park at the top of the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift, where you’ll find 20 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Sitting at 10,000 feet, it is regarded as one of the best Nordic skiing locations in the world, offering stunning views of the Gore Range mountains. You can rent equipment at the base of the Strawberry Park Lift, and the staff can offer tips on the best trails to explore.

Walking Mountains Science Center

Learn about Vail Valley’s flora and fauna through a free guided nature walk led by one of the center’s naturalists. As you hike along the riparian corridor, you’ll learn about the surrounding mountain environment and the animals that live there. There’s also wildflower identification walks and family activities like evening walks to observe beavers in the pond.

Beaver Creek Ice Rink

During the winter months, you can go ice skating on Beaver Creek’s scenic rink in the middle of the village. It’s free to use with your own skates, or you can rent skates here. Skate along to the backdrop of a vibrant village atmosphere, while you soak up the mountain views. When you’re done, warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate at a nearby cafe. The rink is open every day during the ski season.