News Archive

Beaver Creek Updated News and Events Sheet
2011-2012 WINTER NEWS
At Beaver Creek, rated the No.1 resort in North America by Condé Nast Traveler, you leave the world behind. Enter the resort through our welcome gate and find a secluded village in an intimate mountain setting that offers arguably the best guest service in the world with the promise of “Not Exactly Roughing It.”  Explore three unique mountain experiences with European style village-to-village skiing while reforming your form with “the Ivy League of Ski Schools”, the Beaver Creek Ski & Snowboard School.  See why the resort is a favorite for families with complimentary activities and programs, and don’t miss the legendary Cookie Time – one of the many little surprises you’ll find waiting for you at Beaver Creek.
 
The Story
Condé Nast Traveler Readers Rate Beaver Creek No. 1 Resort
Condé Nast Traveler has recognized Beaver Creek Resort as the No. 1 ski resort in North America in its 16th annual Reader Survey, which was released in December. Rated on the best experiences a ski resort can offer, readers acknowledge the mountain’s terrain, chairlifts, après activities and luxurious hotels. This great honor offers a nod to the resorts’ relentless commitment to providing award-winning guest service and an experience of a lifetime for guests.
 
Beaver Creek Food & Wine Culinary Weekend
Beaver Creek Resort and FOOD & WINE have teamed up for a three-day winter culinary celebration on the slopes: the Beaver Creek FOOD & WINE Weekend, Jan. 26-28, 2012. Chef’s John Besh, Tim Love, Marc Murphy, Stephanie Izard, Lachlan Mackinnon Patterson and Richard Sandoval will join local host chefs to produce a palate-pleasing culinary extravaganza featuring casual, yet interactive and fun events from après-ski to First Tracks on the slopes to exclusive dinners with menus meticulously prepared by celebrity chefs. Individual event tickets to exclusive VIP Packages are available.
 
 EpicMix. Now with Photo
Vail Resorts’ award winning and popular ski and snowboard application EpicMix, has new added functionality that revolutionizes the vacation photo experience. EpicMixlaunched during the 2010-2011 season, providing skiers and riders with hands- and hassle-free tracking of vertical feet skied, number of days skied and digital pin accomplishments thanks to a RF-enabled chip embedded in smart card passes. This season, Vail Resorts has implemented something that no other resort or ski mountain is doing - taking and giving free on-mountain photos for guests to easily share on Facebook, Twitter and other social sites. Guests are now   able to have photos taken and combine them with their vertical feet, digital pins and memories of special moments of their visit through the new EpicMix platform. Additionally, EpicMix has expanded its program to nearly all guests this year through an upgrade to "smart" RF-enabled lift tickets by replacing single day paper tickets, with “hard card” media that are RF-enabled. For more information and to watch a video of EpicMix, visit http://www.epicmixphoto.com.

New High Speed Quad Chairlift for Beaver Creek
The much-anticipated Rose Bowl high speed Doppelmayr quad chairlift opened in December and has forever changed the ski experience at 
Beaver Creek. Transporting 2,400 people per hour, the new side-load chair’s ride time is now just over five minutes. For skiers and snowboarders, this means more slope time as guests can better spread out across the entire mountain, reducing the   density impacts on the Cinch Express (Chair 8) and Centennial Express Lifts (Chair 6). Increased grooming operations in Rose Bowl, including some of the bowl’s black diamond runs, are providing skiers and riders with a wider variety of terrain options accessed from the new lift and further capitalizing on the gentle, as well as extreme terrain in the area. Investments such as this demonstrate Beaver Creek’s ongoing commitment to continually deliver upon top-notch guest experiences on and off the slopes. *Rose Bowl Lift video

NewMax 3 Coaching Clinics
New for 2011-2012, Beaver Creek’s Adult Ski and Snowboard School is offering alpine skiing lessons and on-mountain adventures with custom coaching sessions geared towards skiers who are looking to take their skills up a notch.  Whether wanting to learn how to carve through fresh powder, effortlessly pound over bumps or twist through the trees, qualified pro instructors will help skiers and boarders confidently navigate all of the mountain’s terrain. These customized coaching lessons are offered for strong intermediate to advanced alpine skiers with a maximum of three people per group in order to provide a more personalized learning experience. Max 3 is available afternoons only Nov. 23, 2011-April 8, 2012 from 12:45-3:45 p.m. each day and the cost is $180 per person.
 
New Ripperoo’s Rockin’ Registration
Beaver Creek Kids’ Ski School offers a new, guest-focused, registration program designed to let parents register and prep kids for their lessons the night of arrival, eliminating the first morning frenzy felt by many. During peak times, the Kids’ Ski School staff will host Ripperoo’s Rockin’ Registration until 7 p.m. in the children’s Ski School lobby to accommodate families arriving from out of town. We recommend registering online for ski school in advance of arrival, and let the dedicated Kids’ Ski School staff and Ripperoo the Ski School mascot entertain your children with face painting, snacks, music, balloons, high fives and hugs while mom and dad simply complete paperwork, ask questions and get the gear set up in advance, ensuring the first day on snow is all about learning and fun. Ripperoo’s Rockin’ Registration is offered on specific dates; including: Feb. 18-19, 2012; March 10-11, 17-18, and 31, 2012; and April 1, 2012. Visit www.beavercreek.com.
 
New Talons Kids Rounds Out Talons Weekend
Beaver Creek’s signature Talon’s Challenge event returns March 3, 2012, tackling nearly 24,000 vertical feet and showcasing the mountain’s toughest 13 black and double-black diamond runs in one day. Participants return year after year and come from all over to earn a spot on the electronic wall of fame at Red Tail Camp. And now, Talons is a draw for young rippers, too. The new Talons Kids event will be held  March 4, 2012. For details, visit http://www.beavercreek.com/events-and-activities/talons-challenge.aspx    *Talon’s video

New Nordic Adventures
Known for its scenic 32km dedicated Nordic and Snowshoe track located at the top of Strawberry Park, Beaver Creek’s Nordic Center has three new products for the 2011-2012 season: Fit Tours, Nature Tours and the Nordic Adventure Pass. The new Snowshoe Fit Tours will focus on fitness at 10,000 feet. Families with kids ages 6 and older can enjoy new Guided Family Nature Tours in McCoy Park, exposing younger generations to the beauty of surrounding mountain peaks and also teaching them a fun, new outdoor sport. Finally, the new 2011-2012 Nordic Adventure Pass is a three-day discounted pass that allows enthusiasts to mix and match cross country skiing, telemarking, nature snowshoe tours and the new Snowshoe Fit Tours. All snowshoe participants may rent the latest in technology from Atlas Snowshoes at the Nordic Center. For more details, visit http://www.beavercreek.com/ski-and-snowboard-school/nordic-center.aspx#overview#Top * Nordic Center & McCoy Park video

New Black Diamond Bistro Restaurant at The Charter
The Charter at Beaver Creek is home to the new Black Diamond Bistro which debuted in November. The restaurant serves contemporary American fare in a friendly, relaxed setting, seating 70 people in the dining room and 55 in the bar/lounge area. Chef Andy Buechel’s menu features steaks and seafood, and includes a variety of classic favorites and nightly specials. Guests here can après at the bar, grab a burger or catch the big game, all while enjoying the great views of Beaver Creek Mountain.
 
About Richard Sandoval Restaurants
Richard Sandoval Restaurants is a leading international restaurant group with outlets in Denver, Las Vegas, New York City, Santa Monica, Washington DC, Mexico, Dubai and Qatar. Owned by acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, the group includes Tamayo in Denver; Zengo in Denver, Washington DC, New York City and Santa Monica; La Sandia in Denver, Washington DC metro area and Santa Monica; Maya in New York City and Dubai; Pampano in New York City and Qatar; El Centro D.F. and Masa 14 in Washington DC; and Venga Venga in Snowmass Village. Chef Sandoval has developed custom menus for American Airlines First Class dining, as well as Raya at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel; Ketsi and Bahia at the Four Seasons, Punta Mita; La Hacienda at the Fairmont Princess, Scottsdale; Brasserie La Moderna at Hotel Brick, Mexico City; T&T at the Luxor, Las Vegas; DohYO and TERRACE at Yotel, New York; Toro Toro at Grosvenor House, Dubai; and Cima at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon at Beaver Creek Mountain.  For more information visit www.richardsandoval.com.
 
The Metropolitan
Over 80 wines come from across the United States and around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.  These wines are handpicked by owner John Shipp with Managers Darryl Slate and Jeff Anderson, who between them have over 70 years of restaurant, fine dining and wine experience. 

Be sure to experience our Enomatic Wine Dispenser, one of three in Colorado and only one of two of the Elite Enomatic line in the state.  Enjoy our "Sweet Sixteen" wines that are perfectly stored using controlled temperatures and Argon gas surrounding them, in a 1.5 oz taste, a 3 oz 1/2 glass or a 6 oz full glass.  Wines are subject to change throughout the year.

Our extensive Tapas menu is created by Executive Chef Mike Bickelhaupt with the traditional Spanish tapas in mind.  Enjoy our Albondigas, scallops, lobster stuffed mushrooms, and so many more delectable treats including soups, charcuterie, and of course, chocolate.

Enjoy coffee from Colorado's own Dazbog Coffee Company - roasted slowly in small batches in their authentic Italian brick ovens for the most even roast and the most delicious beans you can find.  We serve a dark, light and decaf coffee daily and in our delicious espresso drinks made with the finest Italian machines from La Marcozza - only the best for our customers!  Our breakfast service includes sandwiches using Wolferman's English Muffins and real Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese, breakfast wraps, yogurt parfaits and stone cut oatmeal.  We have an offering of fresh fruit, juices and waters available for the light breakfast eater as well.
 
$1 Million Wellness Center Expansion at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
The award-winning Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain recently completed a $1 million renovation and expansion of its fitness center, now named the Athletic Club at The Westin. The state-of-the-art club features more than 27,000 square feet of wellness offerings, including the Spa Anjali, a full-service salon, a spa boutique and a 25-yard saline-based outdoor lap pool. The expansion will include 4,000 square feet of new exercise studio space and additional enhancements to the facility will include a new pilates studio and cycling studio, a larger yoga studio allowing for more class times and class styles, and a redesign of the movement studio to provide a wider variety of unique strength and conditioning programs.

The Deals: Book/ Buy Early and Save
Ski Free Stay Free at Beaver Creek. When you buy two nights of lodging and two days of skiing, get the third night and day for free. Rates vary according to dates and timeframe. Offer is based on availability and is valid all season. Taxes, surcharge and gratuity not included. Book online at www.beavercreek.com or call 877.204.7883.
 
The Slopes
New Kids’ Adventure Attractions
Parents of young skiers and riders know that despite the lure of all of the incredible terrain offered at Beaver Creek, the little ones or those young-at-heart still make a beeline for the Adventure Zones. From Jack Rabbit Alley to Ripperoo’s Retreat, no child’s ski day is complete without making “pizza” turns through teepee’s, across bridges, waving at the hand carved animal statues or high-fiving one another at Ripperoo’s (the Kids’ Ski School mascot) Retreat. New for 2011-2012, Beaver Creek Children’s Ski School has constructed a beginner teepee trail located in the Buckaroo Bowl area on the lower mountain in order to introduce lower-level children and families to Kid’s Adventure Zones.. The four new ski-through teepees are located adjacent to the always popular Buffalo Bumps.  Another addition to the lower mountain is the all new Ske-Cology trail, where kids can follow signs down the mountain to learn about the porcupine.  Already a hit on the upper mountain, Ripperoo’s Retreat is be back this season with some additional tree clearing that provides kids and families with secret stashes. 

3 Mountains of Adventure
mountain laid upside down, Beaver Creek is in fact three distinct mountains comprised of Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead, offering a European style village-to-village experience. At 1,815 acres, adventure awaits every turn. Known for its commitment to high quality grooming, Beaver Creek caters to intermediates with freshly groomed corduroy spread across its three mountains each day. And for those who may not have gotten past carving buttery turns in perfect snow, what lies beyond is a mountain full of challenge and adventure. Stone Creek Chutes and Black Bear Glade thrill powder tree skiers. Bump mavens and experts only head to Grouse Mountain, where perfectly formed steep bumps can hold fresh powder for days. Signature trail Golden Eagle transforms from the World Cup downhill, to an expert’s leg-burning challenge. Insider’s Tip: It’s groomed every Friday night. Bachelor Gulch to the west has long green and blue runs named after area settlers. The top of the main mountain features amazing beginner terrain with expansive views of surrounding peaks and is also home to Jack Rabbit Alley, a kids’ Adventure Zone that winds its way down the top part of the mountain through trees and in and out of manmade obstacles such as teepee’s, bridges and more. Arrowhead, the western most portion of the area, has some pitches and gullies that are great for families. Its long trails end at Broken Arrow,  home to one of the resort’s sunniest outdoor decks, where servers treat your thirst with pitchers of water and more. No matter which trail you and your family choose, Beaver Creek offers something for every whim.

Birds of Prey World Cup
Beaver Creek’s incredible early season snow conditions earned the resort three additional Birds of Prey World Cup World Cup races due to a lack of snowfall in Europe in early December. In addition to the regularly scheduled races Dec. 2-4, FIS officials also added a men’s giant slalom, slalom and for the first-time ever, the women raced Super G on the Birds of Prey. Reigning World Championship gold medalist and overall giant slalom champion from 2010, Ted Ligety showed he’s still the man to beat in this discipline with two podiums at Beaver Creek in 2011. Hometown hero Lindsey Vonn attacked the course for her first victory on U.S. soil in the women’s first-ever Super G race on Birds of Prey. Every race counts leading up to the 2015 World Alpine Championships being held at Beaver Creek/ Vail, and the U.S. men’s alpine team is hunting for gold.

2015 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships
Just a few short years away, the 2015 FIS World Alpine Championships will blanket the slopes of Beaver Creek Feb. 3-15, 2015 as the fastest men and women in the world vie for top honors in all alpine disciplines. Planning is well underway for the event and permitting and approvals with the U.S. Forest Service are ongoing. Venue plans call for a new women’s downhill, a new finish stadium and a new Red Tail Camp Restaurant, all pending U.S. Forest Service approval. Already established as one of the toughest stops on the men’s World Cup Tour, 2015 promises to be filled with great athleticism and camaraderie among athletes from 70 nations. The event expects to draw an estimated 1 billion television viewers from around the world. This will be the third FIS World Championships for Beaver Creek and Vail, which previously hosted the 1989 and 1999 Championships.
 
The Village
Lovely Little Surprises
Ski vacations are special and create long-lasting memories. Beaver Creek takes it a step further with lovely little signature treats and surprises throughout the day that are not to be missed. Start your day with cocoa and corduroy, where complimentary cocoa and grooming reports are served by resort Ambassadors, continue on to our complimentary Mountain Welcome Tour with friendly guides who share history and insiders’ knowledge,  and don’t forget Cookie Time, the signature program where Cookie Time Chefs serve nearly 400,000 warm chocolate chip cookies annually at 3 p.m. daily.
 
And if you feel like sending a memento, choose from three signature scenic postcards that are distributed in the Village daily and mailed free of charge anywhere in the world. Legend Helmut Fricker has been entertaining guests in Beaver Creek Village since the resort opened in 1980. Experience his amazing “Edelweiss” played on his alpenhorn or join him in a tune on his accordion.
 
Discovering these little surprises along your journey is what makes your day at Beaver Creek unlike any other resort experience.

Intimate Village
Beaver Creek’s “beachfront” boasts an array of amenities that meet the slopes. At the base of the mountain’s main Centennial Express Chairlift, skiers and riders are met with dining options such as Foxnut Slopeside Sushi or the Beaver Creek Chophouse to the west and restaurant 8100 at the Park Hyatt hotel to the east. In between, convenience is key. With kids’ ski school registration and meeting areas just steps from the snow, comfortable couches to lounge on and the Park Hyatt’s s’mores and fire pit for afternoon snacking, signing up for lessons is a luxury. The Village views are amazing and the area bustles with activity. Escalators handle the heavy lifting at Beaver Creek and carry guests to and from a variety of Village levels off the “beachfront” including: adult ski school, rentals, lift tickets, restaurants, shops, galleries and a year-round outdoor ice rink. At the end of the day, be sure to sip an après-ski beverage from one of the many great outdoor decks with heat lamps. No matter where the ski day ends, the cozy pedestrian Village is easy to navigate, and kids are free to roam about and explore the magical children’s fountain, ice skating rink, statues and more, while parents can relax knowing they are safe.

 
Kids and Family
U4
Kids’ Ultimate 4, the popular Ski School program is in its third season. Featuring a semi-private lesson for up to four kids, advance online reservations are strongly recommended to guarantee your child a spot. More focused instruction is the key, along with a focus on skill improvement by Beaver Creek’s top kids’ pros. 2011-2012 pricing is $295 for lesson and lunch, and $315 for lesson, lift and lunch.  

Opening Day and Cookie Competition
Celebrate opening day at Beaver Creek Nov. 23, 2011 and round out the day before Thanksgiving by munching on warm chocolate chip cookies. The eighth annual Beaver Creek Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition takes place opening day of the 2011-2012 winter season, where the top five recipes compete for bragging rights as the official cookie of Beaver Creek. Five finalists chosen from a number of fall entries bake and serve 1,000 cookies each on Nov. 23. Hungry skiers and riders vote for the top cookie recipe, which is then designated as the official Cookie Time recipe for the season. For details on the Cookie contest which takes place in October, visit www.beavercreek.com.

Beaver Creek Loves Kids and 1st Annual Prezfest
Beaver Creek Resort presents the 1st annual PrezFest celebration this President’s Day week as part of the popular family program, Beaver Creek Loves Kids. PrezFest will take place from Feb. 18, 2012 – Feb. 25, 2012 and will be a celebration of nation’s presidents and as well as a Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The weeklong event will feature historical elements and decoration, and interactive family events and activities that are designed to animate Beaver Creek Village and bring the President’s Day and Mardi Gras fun to visiting families.
In addition to Prezfest, Beaver Creek Loves Kids takes place during other holidays throughout the season including: Winter Holiday Weeks Dec. 19-31, 2011, Spring Break March 10-31, 2012 and Easter week April 1-7, 2012. For a full schedule of events and activities visit www.beavercreek.com.

Family programming new additions for 2011-2012
Families know that Beaver Creek can’t be beat when it comes to experiencing a wide range of activities once the ski day is done. Hosting a different activity each night, the resort showcases fun for all ages with disco skate night, rail jams, storytelling, family snowshoe tours with cocoa and cookies, and the family-favorite Thursday Night Lights fireworks. New this winter, kids can enjoy Ripperoo Sightings at Ripperoo’s Retreat on the slopes, a Friday Family Afternoon Club (FAC) and Saturday’s Family Fun Fest. The best part is most activities are complimentary. Most programming begins mid-December and runs through late-March.
 
Afternoon Adventures
Haymaker Tubing Hill provides four lanes of sliding fun for tubers 36 inches and taller each afternoon from 1 p.m. to dusk. Post-ski lessons or a day on the slopes, kids and parents alike can enjoy the lift-served tubing hill. And if mom and dad choose not to partake, they can sit on the deck at The Ranch, sipping adult beverages and watch the kids slide down the hill.. It’s just one more reason families love Beaver Creek. * Family Fun video

Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) in the Heart of the Village
The Vilar Performing Arts Center is an intimate, state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of the Beaver Creek Village, directly beneath the outdoor ice skating rink. VPAC hosts a variety of acclaimed artistic performances throughout the season. Its inviting performance space was designed to exact specifications to create perfect acoustics and unobstructed views from each of its 530 seats. Littman's Kunstler theatre in Munich provided inspiration for the wood-paneled columns, walls and ceilings that are combined with the curved horseshoe seating layout also found in many traditional European halls. The natural wood and stone in the lobby are highlighted by carpets and fabrics woven with autumnal colors. The walls are painted in the muted tones of the sky at dusk which completes the theater's harmonious complement to the Rocky Mountain environment that surrounds it.

To Note
Rentskis.com Gold Club
The Rentskis.com Gold Club offers premier guest service and ski and snowboard rentals in a personal setting.  Complimentary overnight ski and boot storage is available with rentals along with boot-drying and daytime shoe storage. Visit their location near Starbucks and Beaver Creek Ski School.
 
M.Beavercreek.com/ @beavercreekmtn
Stay connected and be the first in line on an epic powder day by checking out m.beavercreek.com or @beavercreekmtn and Facebook.com/Beavercreek. Discover last minute lodging deals or view events, activities, weather, local important numbers, mountain cams and road conditions information. View videos at http://www.youtube.com/beavercreekmtn.
 
 Non-stop Flights Means More Ski Time
The Eagle Airport, located just 30 minutes west of Beaver Creek, offers convenient non-stop flights from 11 major markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York (JFK and LGA) and Newark. Flights begin Dec. 15, 2011 and run through April 1, 2012. Expedite your trip to Beaver Creek and book your non-stop flight at www.flyvail.com or call 800-404-3535.
 
Fly In Ski Free
Guests flying into the Eagle Airport on flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Miami and Newark may enjoy a free day of skiing at Beaver Creek or Vail on the afternoon of their arrival through the Fly In Ski Free program. Passengers may ski for free the same day of arrival by showing a valid boarding pass and Vail Valley lodging confirmation. This offer is valid Nov. 18, 2011- April 15, 2012 and additional restrictions may apply. For details about direct flights to Beaver Creek regional airport visit www.beavercreek.com/air or call 800-404-3535.
 
Leave the Driving to Us
Colorado Mountain Express, Vail Resorts-owned and operated transportation company, offers standard and premier door-to-door airport transportation service from Denver International Airport, downtown Denver and Eagle Airport. Upon arrival in Beaver Creek, our complimentary shuttle service whisks guests around the resort and features on-demand service that operates approximately every 10 minutes.
 
Refueling Ideas on the Slopes
  • Chuckwagon- Grab and go items at The Ranch include: pizza slices, warm and cold beverages and more.
  • Beaver Crepes-Sweet and savory options are a must-have before and after hitting the slopes, located near the ice rink.
  • Mamie’s Mountain Grill- Reserve steaks and DIY (do-it-yourself) concept makes for fun, social dining amidst panoramic views of McCoy Park and surrounding peaks.
  • Lunch for Less: $10.95 value meal includes an entree, side dish and a beverage.
Did You Know?
# # #
Media Contacts:
Jen Brown: jbrown@vailresort.com/ @beavercreekjen/ (970) 754-5292
Kay Wynarsky: kwynarsky@vailresorts.com (970) 754-5169

About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts in Colorado, and the Heavenly Ski Resort and Northstar California in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada, and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort property and hotel company, manages casually elegant properties. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.

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