Skiing · · Peak Oxygen, Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is often thought of as one village, but the ski area actually links three: Beaver Creek Village itself, Bachelor Gulch to the west and Arrowhead beyond it. Each has its own base, its own lodges and its own feel, and they are connected by runs and lifts across the mountain. Spending a day skiing from one to the next, and back again, is one of the most rewarding ways to get to know the resort.
Meet the three villages
- Beaver Creek Village is the main base, with heated walkways, outdoor escalators, shops and restaurants around the plaza. Most visitors start here.
- Bachelor Gulch is a quieter, slope-side community of large lodges and private homes tucked into the trees, with a peaceful base that rarely feels crowded.
- Arrowhead sits at the western end of the mountain, closer to Edwards. It has a small, relaxed base area and some of the friendliest cruising runs on the hill.
Because the villages are spread along the mountain, the full trip covers a good distance. Plan a whole day rather than a quick morning, and grab a trail map so you can see how the runs and lifts connect.
Planning the route
The classic plan is to head west in the morning and come back in the afternoon. From Beaver Creek Village, ride up and work your way across toward Bachelor Gulch, then on to Arrowhead. Much of the connecting terrain is blue and green, so a confident intermediate skier can make the whole trip comfortably.
The return is the part people tend to underestimate. Coming back from Arrowhead means a series of lifts and runs heading east, and the last connecting lift will close at a set time in the afternoon. Note that time when you start, and plan to begin heading back with plenty of margin. If you miss it, you will need a ride back to your car or lodging.
Lift schedules and the runs that are open change through the season, so check Beaver Creek's grooming report and lift status the morning you go.
Where to stop along the way
Part of the fun of a village-to-village day is taking breaks in different places. Each base and several on-mountain lodges have spots to warm up, eat and use the restroom. Many skiers like to have a long lunch at the far end of the trip before heading back, and a midafternoon cookie or hot drink at the home base is a well-loved Beaver Creek tradition.
If your group has a mix of abilities, the trip can be split up. Stronger skiers can take detours onto harder runs while others stick to the cruisers, and everyone can meet at a chosen lodge or base area at a set time.
Pacing a long day from 8,100 feet
Beaver Creek Village sits at about 8,100 feet, and the runs between the villages climb a good deal higher. A full day of skiing across the whole mountain is a lot of time at elevation, especially early in a trip. A few habits make it easier:
- Save the village-to-village day for the second half of your trip, once you have a feel for the mountain.
- Drink water at every stop, not just at lunch. The air here is dry and you lose moisture quickly.
- Take the lift breaks seriously; sit down, eat something and rest your legs.
- If you are tired by Arrowhead, there is no shame in cutting the return short and catching a ride.
Talk to a doctor about any medical questions before you travel. Our FAQ has more help for planning a Beaver Creek stay.
Come back to an easy evening
After a full day crossing the mountain, a quiet night in is often the best plan. If you would like oxygen ready at your lodging, Peak Oxygen delivers in-home and portable concentrators to Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Avon and Edwards. They are for recreational use at altitude, no prescription is needed, and deliveries do not require you to be present. Call (970) 368-9190 with questions.
