You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy the beautiful winter in the mountains. There are plenty of fun things to do in the snow around Beaver Creek resort for everybody. Here is a list with some things to do if you need a break.
Get some more s’mores. Gather ’round the fire pit on the slopeside back patio of the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort from 4 to 5 pm to toast the day with complimentary s’mores (you don’t have to be a guest to partake). Traditional marshmallows are joined by a rotating selection of house-made confections; flavors could include berry, root beer float, orangesicle, or toffee, to name but a few. The artisan ones are a little tougher to toast just right, but you can practice (and munch) all you want.
On Resort Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing. Located at the top of the Strawberry Park Express, McCoy Park offers snowshoers approximately 20 miles of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. Make a day of it and bring lunch to the Yurt. From there you’ll be only a few minutes from the Overlook with spectacular views of New York Mountain. The Beaver Creek Nordic Center offers lessons and rentals for all
Snowshoeing. Take a back country snowshoe hike with the naturalists from Walking Mountain science Center. The center offers free nature walks during which guests have the opportunity to explore and learn about the local eco system and its winter transformation. If you feel like something a bit more adventurous, join Walking Mountains Science Center for a half-day backcountry hike. Guests will be provided with the needed equipment and will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide on a fun outing through White River National Forest. Stop by the Nordic Sports Center for rental equipment and a trail map to venture out on your own, or sign up for a guided tour. On Tuesday afternoons, the Nature Valley Family Snowshoe Tour is free.
Nordic skiing or snowshoeing on the mountain in McCoy Park. Beaver Creek added 250 acres of lift-served, welcoming terrain for all to elevate their mountain experience from last season. McCoy Park offers the opportunity to explore more, together, with beautiful surroundings and natural groom able glades, all in an accessible bowl setting.
Dog sledding. If you are looking for a different way to experience the beauty of the winter in the mountains, enjoy a dog sledding adventure. Mountain Musher Dog Sled Rides invites you to join them for a sledding adventure on their trails located on private land away from the noise of snowmobiles. It is a family-owned company located in the Vail Valley with convenient transportation from and to your Beaver Creek hotel. Winterhawk Dogsled Adventures from Leadville also offers a great one-of-a kind sledding experience with an option to drive your own team of dogs.
Horse-drawn sleigh ride. Explore Colorado’s heritage by taking a scenic horse-drawn sled ride. Relax to the sound of sleigh bells jiggling and horses prancing through snow as sip hot drinks snuggled under a cozy blanket. Bearcat Cabin offers après ski sleigh rides every Tuesday to Friday between 3 and 5pm with happy hour specials and free s’mores kits. They also invite you to experience their signature sleigh ride with dinner prepared by executive chef Rodrigo Gastelum served at the historic Bearcat Cabin. 4 Eagle Ranch is another great option for a romantic sleigh ride with dinner. Starlight ride through the mountains, authentic ranch dinner, campfire and much more awaits you at their Wolcott location
Snowmobile tour. A popular non-skiing activities in the Vail Valley is snowmobiling. Snowmobile riding is popular as a way to see more of the high alpine winter scenery and a way to satisfy your need for speed. Nova Guides is one of the most popular snowmobile companies and they have the largest commercial trail system in the area. Start your adventure at the historical Camp Hale and climb to 12,500 feet in elevation to enjoy the endless views. At Nova Guides you can enjoy a guided tour with one of their talented backcountry guides or rent a snowmobile for and experience the mountains on your own.
Gourmet Winter Wine Excursions. Have an expert guide lead you and your group on a scenic snowshoe tour around Beaver Creek’s iconic terrain. Learn about Beaver Creek’s history and unique natural environment and then relax with a variety of delicious wines coupled with decadent food pairings. Adventure, luxury, and gourmet join forces to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Available through Beaver Creek resort.
Winter Fishing. See winter from a different perspective through fishing trips. During winter the rivers tend to be overlooked as their raging waters turn into trickles. But don’t be fooled rivers are still full of life and fishing in the winter months is just as fun. Check out the options & stop by Minturn Anglers located in Minturn. The talented stuff of fishing guides at Minturn Anglers if famous for their ability to catch fish in any conditions and they pride themselves of providing the best winter fishing trips in Colorado.
Go on an art walk. Just as the landscape is dotted with outdoor bronze statues, the village is dotted with art galleries, with eye candy ranging from the ornate jewelry at J. Cotter Gallery to the wildlife-inspired works at The Sportsman’s Gallery & Paderewski Fine Art to the detailed sculptures at Knox Galleries.
We encourage everyone to do their own research, but other activities include: Tandem Para-Gliding Adventures; Vilar Performing Arts Center; Spa at the Charter; Beaver Creek Village ice skating; Bol Bowling Alley; swimming at the Park Hyatt Indoor Pool or the Highlands Slope side pool. Below are some links to more non-ski activities.
https://beavercreekmountainlodging.com/no-skiing-no-problem/
https://snowresort.com/beaver-creek/non-ski-activities-in-beaver-creek/
https://www.beavercreek.me/six-outdoor-activities-for-non-skiers-at-beaver-creek
https://www.thesmitsteam.com/blog/beyond-the-slopes-discovering-the-best-non-skiing-activities-in-beaver-creek/
~ article by Steve Cummings, Club Vice President