Beaver Creek vs. Vail: Which Fits Your Budget & Vibe?
Deciding where to go skiing can be a difficult choice, with over 30 resorts across the state of Colorado there are plenty of resorts to choose from. Two popular destinations include Vail and Beaver Creek, which we gravitate to frequently for our own ski trips.
These neighbors are very close to one another, but have totally different vibes, angles, qualities and prices. This guide helps break down the differences between the two including cost comparisons, terrain differences, crowds, and overall vibes so you can make an educated decision on which is best for you.
Heads up: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book at no cost to you. We only link to stays and experiences we'd actually choose for ourselves.
Cost Comparison: Lift Tickets, Lodging, and Food
Lift Ticket Prices
If you’ve never skied before you might expect lift prices to differ between the two resorts, but both Beaver Creek and Vail use EpicPass. Thus, you will be paying the same price for lift tickets at both resorts.
In regards to lift ticket prices the main thing you need to watch for is peak dates pricing which includes Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas week, MLK Day and Presidents Day weekend.
Additionally, snagging lift tickets early means you can score a discount. The prices usually increase in rounds. Once after Memorial Day, after Labor Day and around the beginning of October.
Lodging Costs
If you are staying in the village/on the mountain, Beaver Creek is definitely the more expensive option. We’ve been able to find lodging at both resorts in the mid-level range, but you’ll get more convenience at that price point in Vail than in Beaver Creek.
There are plenty of mid-level options in Vail Village within walking distance of the lifts. You won’t find that in Beaver Creek. Typically, you will have to stay in the neighboring town of Avon and ride a shuttle to the lifts. Below are some of our favorite stays in the mid-level price range at each resort.
Beaver Creek Lodges
Budget: The Christie Lodge
Mid-Range: The Westin Riverfront
Splurge: Park Hyatt
Vail Lodges
Budget: The Wren at Vail
Mid-Range: The Lodge at Vail
Splurge: Sitzmark Vail
If you are looking for more information about lodging, check out our Best Stays in Vail for a Mid-Range Budget and Best Stays in Beaver Creek for a Mid-Range Budget to help plan your stay.
Food and Après Pricing
Since Vail has such a premier ski après scene in Vail Village the cost at restaurants are pricey.
Beaver Creek can be just as expensive, but we find ourselves migrating out to neighboring towns for sustenance when we are in Beaver Creek and that provides more options for cheaper eats.
When you stay in Vail Village you get lured into the convenience and end up eating in the village.
Terrain and Skill Level: Which Resort Fits How You Ski
While both resorts have a variety of terrain, each is better suited for specific types of skiers.
No matter what level of skier you are, you’re bound to find some excellent runs for your expertise. There are just some levels that shine better at each resort.
Beginners
Beaver Creek is a great choice for a beginner skier. They are known for their great ski school and have a good selection of green runs especially at McCoy Park. Vail also has some great green trails, but isn’t as beginner friendly.
Intermediate Skiers
Vail is perfect for the intermediate skier. There are a ton of blue runs on the mountain from the front side to back bowls to Blue Sky Basin, which is heavily wooded and makes for some unique challenges for the intermediate skier. Beaver Creek also has a good variety of blue runs, many are longer runs while Vail has a mix of short and long blue runs.
Expert Skiers
It may be a hot take, but Beaver Creek has some of the best black runs for the expert skier. It can be difficult to find long black runs and Beaver Creek really shines here. Vail’s back bowls are also great for experts though.
Crowds, Parking, and Getting There
Crowds
Beaver Creek wins points here. Beaver Creek is a smaller, quieter resort. It’s still busy, don't get me wrong, but it’s nowhere near the level of crowded as Vail. When we are at Vail we often find ourselves waiting in lift lines longer and dodging skiers more frequently on ski runs than when we are at Beaver Creek.
Parking
Parking in Vail is expensive. If you are staying out of town and need to drive to the resort, there are parking garages available for a fee. It usually costs around $50 for winter rates.
At Beaver Creek if you park in the Bear and Elk Lots parking is only around $13 and free after 1 pm. These lots provide free shuttles to the lifts. There are also a couple of garage parking options within walking distance to the lifts, but you will pay closer to Vail rates around $50.
Getting There
These two resorts are really close to each other. If you are coming from the east, you will be able to arrive at Vail sooner than Beaver Creek and vice versa for coming from the west.
It’s really negligible though. These resorts are only about 15 minutes away from each other (on a good weather day).
Village Vibes
As mentioned before, Beaver Creek is a quieter resort. It tends to be more family oriented and low key. Vail is the outgoing, life of the party big brother to Beaver Creek. Vail Village is oozing with après ski energy, you’ll walk into bars and restaurants bursting with people still in their ski gear relishing the mountain life.
If you are looking for a ski destination with great night life, Vail is for you. If you want to relax and unwind after a long day on the slopes then Beaver Creek will be more your speed.
Beaver Creek vs. Vail Final Thoughts
The answer really depends what you are looking for. Both resorts are fantastic and when we visit we will often set up base camp at one and make sure to spend a day at the other resort.
For a full breakdown of each resort be sure to check out our Ultimate Vail Ski Mountain Guide and Ultimate Beaver Creek Ski Mountain Guide.
Find below our final verdict by your trip type. Happy skiing!
Best for a Budget Friendly Trip: Vail
Although the differences here aren’t as much as you’d expect. Travel outside of Vail Village or cook meals at your lodging to save some costs here.
Best for a Quiet, Romantic Trip: Beaver Creek
Walk along the riverwalk and peacefully lounge at your hotel without the chaos of Vail Village.
Best for Apres Vibes: Vail
By a long shot. The village here is bursting with energy and party vibes.
Best for a Week-long Trip: Vail
The mountain is so much bigger than Beaver Creek, there are so many more runs and mountain to explore across your days skiing.
Best for a Short Weekend Trip: Beaver Creek
It’s less crowded and you can cover most of the runs you want to explore over a short weekend trip.
Best for the Beginner Skier: Beaver Creek
Many green runs to learn the basics and an excellent ski school.
Best for the Intermediate Skier: Vail
Vail has so many blue runs to conquer with a ton of variety of runs from short to long and front side to back bowls and Blu Sky Basin.
Best for the Expert Skier: Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek has some of the best black runs in Colorado.
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