Depending on your skill level, you might actually enjoy beaver creek more than vail like I did. Popular among locals since it's far less busy than vail, and the snow gets eaten up less. Vail will have more groomed trails and options in general, though the 2 eastern facing bowls (off left from cinch lift down to rose bowl lift & off grouse lift) high up here are as good or better than anything you'll find at vail. Glade runs are less traveled here and snow is better. Free parking at elk lodge area but not the main village - but if staying in Avon, plenty of free shuttles.
From the Nordic center take the lift up to McCoy Park then you have over 30 km of well groomed trails. It is in the middle of a big ski resort, but on the days I went skiing in McCoy we were one of the few folks. A true wilderness feel.
What a beautiful way to enjoy the mountain! Tom was our guide and he was very attentive to everyone in the group. He was entertaining as well as knowledgable. It was a little pricey but after a morning guided tour Tom mapped out an afternoon route for us to take on our own. I highly recommend snow shoeing with the Nordic Center.
Taking a break from skiing/snowboarding? Or just not a skier? Visit the Beaver Creek Nordic Center and take the Strawberry lift to McCoy Park. The staff is amazing and the views are spectacular even on a cloudy day! It is easy to snowshoe and I suggest renting them at Sports Authority or Christy Sports. They are cheaper than than the resorts charge. At Beaver Creek you can park for free at the Bear Lot and take the green shuttle. It runs so frequently and drops you off right at the Nordic Center. It is a not miss if you are in the area.
I'm not a down hill skier, so when I heard Beaver Creek had the only "top of the hill" cross-country skiing, I knew I had to try. The skiing lesson was great and the scenery was breath-taking. I went snow-shoeing the following day and honestly loved that even more. The trails for snow-shoeing at the top of the mountain wind between the trees and come out at beautiful vistas.The nordic center employees were so helpful and friendly - I highly recommend going!
Came here for my first cross country ski in February (I am not a regular skier either) and the ladies were super helpful and nice. Helped with putting on the skates, the best routes for 1st timers. The view at the top and the trails were awesome. Definitely recommend it.
Just returned from a great weekend visit to Beaver Creek. The resort is wonderful. I enjoyed two great days of snowshoeing. One day I went on the Nature Tour and it was great. John did a wonderful job of ensuring a great time on the tour and was very attentive to the guests. The other day I rented equipment and headed out on my own, which was also great. The McCoy Park up on the mountain is one of the best snowshoe trail systems I have seen. It offers lots of variety and breathtaking views! It is great to be able to get up on the mountain to enjoy the views and atmosphere without being a skier. I would highly recommend a tour or outing! Great experience!
My husband is a down hill skier, but I am a snow shoer. The Nordic center provides rentals of excellent equipment and there are also tours and classes available. The staff always seems helpful. I really enjoy this facility.
The village at Beaver Creek is always a treat. There is something here for the entire family. A great way to conclude a day of skiing or for the non-skiers to enjoy a piece of the mountain.
We rented snowshoes at the Beaver Creek Nordic Center and took the lift to McCoy Park. We had a fantastic experience. The trails are beautiful and the vistas are awesome. You have views without houses or traffic, which is rare in my experience for a place that is so accessible. The folks at the Nordic Center are very helpful. We parked for free in the Bear Lot and took the shuttle to the Village. Make sure to take plenty of water and food!