Vacations can be many things to many people, but one thing they should always be is effortless.
That’s something that Beaver Creek Lodge, set in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, excels at. Guests staying at this luxury boutique hotel will find a world of outdoor adventures, fine dining, shopping and entertainment right outside their door.
Beaver Creek Lodge is located in Beaver Creek Village, a planned community so picture-perfect it would be right at home in a child’s book of fairy tales. Set at an elevation of 8,100 feet at the base of the popular Beaver Creek Mountain ski area, this upscale alpine village is located 130 miles west of Denver International Airport and 25 miles east of Vail/Eagle County Airport.
After entering the guard-gated community and pulling up to Beaver Creek Lodge, guests are welcomed into a lobby accented with original art and a striking copper-framed fireplace. Art is an ongoing theme here, since the hotel is part of the Kessler Collection, a portfolio of luxury hotels headed by Richard C. Kessler, an avid art collector.
Each of the 72 guest rooms at Beaver Creek Lodge is a spacious one-bedroom suite. Living areas are decorated in rich, dark woods and are furnished with comfortable leather sofas, gas fireplaces, dining areas and granite-topped wet bars. In the bedrooms, pillow-topped beds feature oversized padded leather headboards, crisp white linens and cozy faux fur throws. A spacious work desk, separate vanity, flat-panel television, DVR and Bose sound system add to the room’s amenities. Each suite also features original paintings and photography inspired by the natural beauty of the Rockies.
Families who need more space may want to book one of the lodge’s private residences. These fully furnished three-to-five-bedroom condos include access to all of the amenities enjoyed by the Lodge’s other guests, right down to the very welcome convenience of room service.
Additional guest amenities at Beaver Creek Lodge include a fitness center, heated indoor/outdoor pool and outdoor hot tub. The Kessler Concierge will be happy to book dinner reservations, spa treatments and other activities in advance of guests’ arrival, and, of course, throughout their stay.
Guests will find that making plans to go skiing is also effortless at Beaver Creek Lodge, since they can enjoy ski-out/ski-in convenience with easy access to the Centennial and Strawberry Park chairlifts. No transportation required. Whether they bring their own skis and snowboards or rent them at Christy Sports located right inside the Lodge, the hotel has a ski valet standing by who will be glad to stow the equipment away whenever it’s not in use.
A favorite gathering spot for Lodge guests is the Grand Bohemian Gallery. Of special note in this art-filled atrium are the bronze mountain climbers who look as though they’re trying to reach the balconies above. They even hang from the chandelier. This dramatic gallery space, which is painted a vivid red and equipped with comfortable leather seating, a fireplace and bar, is available to host private receptions.
For dining, Rocks Modern Grill offers casual American cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients under the direction of Chef Mike Spalla. A few examples of Rocks’ locally inspired dishes are the Colorado Buffalo Chili and artisan cheese plate with fig jam and Colorado honey appetizers, and hearty entrees such as Rocky Mountain Trout Almandine, Red Bird Farm Natural Chicken and Elk New York Strip Steak. Guests can choose to dine indoors or beside the blazing fire pits on the patio that offers beautiful views of Beaver Creek Mountain.
One of the area’s most unique culinary experiences can be found at Beano’s Cabin, a mountainside fine dining establishment that guests travel to via horseback, sleigh, wagon or van. The restaurant, which offers four- and five-course prix fixe menus, skillfully blends rustic log cabin ambience with award-winning wines and cuisine.
Guests at Beaver Creek Lodge also enjoy the convenience of being able to step right outside their door to explore the village’s many shops, art galleries, restaurants and bars. The village walkways are even heated in the winter months. It seems that they’ve thought of everything.
While tourism slogans aren’t especially known for being subtle, the tagline for the Beaver Creek Resort area actually is: It’s “Not exactly roughing it.” Now there’s an understatement.
The Summer Side Of Beaver Creek
Late spring might mean the end of the snow, but it’s just the beginning of the next season for visitors to enjoy. Come summer, Beaver Creek turns into a paradise for a whole new season of outdoor adventures, family fun and the fine art of Rocky Mountain relaxation. Here are a few popular picks:
Beaver Creek Rodeo
Held every Thursday in the summer, this popular event offers Western-style fun for the whole family, including professional bull riding, team roping and barrel racing. It also features calf scramble and mutton-bustin’ contests for the kids and barbecue from area restaurants.
Fly Fishing
From its base in Beaver Creek Village, Gore Creek Fly Fisherman helps beginners and experts take their fly-fishing skills to the next level.
Golf
A wide choice of courses (and challenges) are available, including the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Beaver Creek Golf Club and the Red Sky Golf Club designed by Tom Fazio.
Hiking/Mountain Biking
The Beaver Creek Hiking Center offers guided hikes and mountain bike tours as well as Nordic/fitness walking workouts.
Horseback Riding
Wranglers from Beaver Creek Stables lead one- and two-hour trail rides through meadows and Aspen forests in the mountains above Beaver Creek, offering panoramic views of the valley below. A three-hour picnic ride and all-day outings to Beaver Lake can also be arranged.
Whitewater Rafting and Other Guided Adventures
Nova Guides offers whitewater rafting trips for all levels from family-friendly through thrill-seeker, as well as ATV tours, Jeep tours, mountain biking and guided hikes.
Ziplining
Six ziplines operated by the guides at Zip Adventures give guests an adrenaline rush as they soar 100 to 200 feet above the rugged terrain of Alkalai Canyon.
For the kids, a bungee trampoline, climbing wall, miniature golf and disc golf are all available just steps from Beaver Creek Lodge. There’s even an iceless ice skating rink right in the heart of the Village.
