In case you’re dreaming of an elevated (actually and figuratively) mountain escape the place luxurious meets family-friendly journey—and the place your children may lookup from their telephones for greater than 5 seconds—Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado is your subsequent must-visit vacation spot.
I lately took Eden and Jonah, two of my children, on a household getaway to Beaver Creek in the summertime. Nestled simply up the highway from Vail, this alpine village one way or the other pulls off that uncommon combo of being laid-back and splendid on the similar time. Right here’s what to anticipate and what we liked.
The Vibe: Refined Household Playground (With out the Snobbery)
Beaver Creek isn’t only a ski resort. In summer time, it transforms into an all-ages playground the place mountain climbing boots substitute skis, and all the pieces smells like pine bushes and freshly grilled burgers. The resort has over 60 miles of mountain climbing trails, scenic gondola rides, reside music, horseback using, fishing ponds, 4×4 excursions, yoga within the park, a model new in depth playground, and sufficient sugar to maintain your children bouncing all the way in which again to your resort.
We checked into The Osprey, a boutique slopeside resort that feels half luxurious lodge, half trendy ski chalet. It’s cozy and stylish with a heated pool, steam room, and scorching tub—aka heaven for sore legs after mountain climbing uphill at altitude. One factor I appreciated was the snacks. They’d granola bars and fruit accessible 24 hours a day, and when you find yourself touring with youngsters and their bottomless-pit stomachs, this can be a huge deal.
Day 1: Gondola Rides, Mountain Views, and Mediterranean Eating
After checking in, we headed to the Summer time Journey Heart to choose up our scenic gondola passes and signal waivers to journey the elevate up the mountain. The employees have been extremely useful with the few questions I had. I observed all through our keep that regardless of the place we have been or what we have been doing, the employees was superior. The individuals who reside and work listed below are completely satisfied to be right here, and it reveals.
We took the gondola to the highest of Chair 6 and had lunch at Spruce Saddle Lodge, which has gorgeous views of the encompassing mountains and meals that hit the spot after the journey day. I like to recommend the pulled pork sandwich and skipping the caprese rooster sandwich. Eden and Jonah advocate getting two orders of fries. If you wish to eat up on the mountain, that is the one place to eat. They provide $5 off most gadgets you probably have an Epic Cross.
After lunch, we determined to hike down the mountain, a 4-mile hike. We began on the Discovery Loop after which dropped onto one other path so we might preserve descending.
5 days later my legs are nonetheless sore, so should you’re going with youthful children, I recommend not mountain climbing down the mountain like we did and as an alternative do Aspen Glade for a straightforward stroll among the many bushes or Village to Village to Allie’s Method if you wish to really feel such as you’re truly incomes your dinner.
After such an extended hike down, we have been tremendous completely satisfied the resort had a scorching tub, sauna, and steam room!
For dinner, we had a reservation at Citrea, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant proper within the coronary heart of the village. I anticipated it to be good. I didn’t anticipate it to be the most effective meals of the journey, Jonah mentioned his lamb was phenomenal. Their Aper Sol is by far the most effective Aperol Spritz I’ve ever had, and the bread they serve was ridiculously good.
Day 2: Off-Roading, Free Concert events & Recreation Meat
We kicked off the following morning with The Osprey’s breakfast buffet. It had all the pieces from bagels and cheese to pastries and yogurt parfaits. Jonah made it his private mission to attempt each merchandise. He succeeded.
Fueled up, we headed again to the Summer time Journey Heart for our 4×4 Mountain Tour. This was one of many highlights of the journey. The guided journey up the rugged terrain delivered panoramic views, native wildlife sightings (deer and marmots, no moose), and a few fascinating insights into the realm’s ecology and mining historical past. It’s thrilling with out being too intense—excellent for households with children 8+. Remember, you probably have a neck or head harm, you shouldn’t do that tour. Eden has post-concussion syndrome, and it was very laborious on her.
Our plan was to return to Spruce Saddle Lodge for lunch, however after ready an hour and 20 minutes for the elevate to reopen, we gave up. If there’s lightning within the space, they shut the elevate, so make sure you examine the climate earlier than making your plans. As a substitute, we hit Blue Moose Pizza. It’s kid-friendly with crayons and paper tablecloths children can draw on.
Afterwards, we had just a few hours of downtime earlier than the BC Unplugged live performance on the Village Inexperienced. The Village Inexperienced has cornhole, shuffleboard, and ping pong tables for households to make use of.
Each Thursday in summer time, Beaver Creek hosts these free concert events with nationwide touring acts. We noticed the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, and even when ska/swing music isn’t your factor, the environment is infectious. Households have been dancing, canine have been lounging, and the mountains served because the world’s most epic backdrop.
Dinner that night time was at The Golden Eagle Inn, a basic Beaver Creek spot recognized for game-forward dishes. Eden had the elk, as a result of when within the Rockies… It was wealthy, tender, and the sort of dish that makes you want winter would come early simply so you might curl up with it once more. I had the rooster, and Jonah had the gnocchi. We additionally had the brie appetizer and cut up the pear salad. All the pieces we had was nice.
Day 3: Yoga within the Park
On our final morning, we strolled right down to Creekside Park for a free outside yoga class led by Kenneth. The category was approachable, with modifications for all ranges, and mats have been offered. In case your children are sufficiently old to take part, carry them. If not, allow them to roll round within the grass or play on the close by playground when you attempt to recenter your overstimulated trip mind.
After yoga, it was time to take a look at of The Osprey and head to the airport.
Bonus Actions to Add to Your Beaver Creek Itinerary
You probably have extra time—or in case your children are allergic to downtime—listed below are just a few different family-friendly actions value testing:
Hawk’s Nest Cabin
An “underage membership” that seems like a Gen Z dream den. Eden declared this the good place she’d been all week. There’s a ski simulator, charging stations, video games, and mocktails. In case your teenagers want a break from nature, that is the place.
Flood’s Pond
This one’s a hidden gem: free catch-and-release fishing for teenagers. Gear isn’t offered, so carry your individual or hire from an area store. It’s a good way to sluggish issues down and possibly persuade your child they’re the following fly-fishing prodigy.
The Keen Beaver Scavenger Hunt
A totally free, interactive journey by Beaver Creek Village that’s ultimate for ages 7–14. Youngsters get a souvenir journey package and a prize in the event that they end the problem, plus it offers them a purpose to truly discover as an alternative of simply asking for gelato each 20 minutes.
Ideas for Visiting Beaver Creek in Summer time
- Altitude is actual: We’re speaking 8,000 ft right here. Hydrate prefer it’s your job, and take it simple the primary day should you’re coming from sea degree.
- Layers are your pal: Mornings will be chilly, afternoons heat, and the temperature swings sooner than your teen’s temper when the Wi-Fi’s sluggish.
- Use the Village Join app: Free, on-demand shuttle service round Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead. It saved us a number of uphill walks.
- Plan forward for actions: Excursions and eating places refill, particularly throughout summer time weekends. Reservations and waivers are your folks.
- Unplug slightly: There’s Wi-Fi, after all, however that is the sort of place the place you need to place your cellphone down.
Last Ideas: Will We Be Again?
Completely. Beaver Creek delivered a uncommon combo of pure magnificence, luxe lodging, adventurous actions, and true family-friendliness, with out feeling like a large kiddie resort. Whether or not you’re right here to hike, bike, eat, or simply take in the mountain air with a cocktail in hand, this place has one thing for everybody. And sure, Eden and Jonah have already began planning their return. So, see you subsequent summer time, Beaver Creek.