Beaver Creek on a Budget
We know, we know! Do “Beaver Creek”, and “budget” really belong in the same sentence? World renown for their high end luxury experience, every ski aficionado deserves an opportunity to ski Beaver Creek and Vail at least once in their lifetime. But is a ski trip like this accessible to somebody like… us? We’re here to tell you that it is. With a few thoughtful planning tips, we guarantee you can enjoy the high end luxury experience of Vail and Beaver Creek at a fraction of the cost.
Find Affordable Lodging in Avon or Minturn
If you don’t mind a shuttle ride to the mountain, in exchange for saving some major coin, we recommend checking out Avon or Minturn to find affordable lodging. While Minturn has limited lodging options, it’s wonderfully tucked away from the I‑70 traffic, and has a quirky small town vibe. Looking to stay somewhere with some nearby amenities (like grocery stores, restaurants, and things to do)? You might want to check out Avon, slightly south (and lower elevation) from Beaver Creek. Avon has an adorable little village of their own- complete with an ice skating rink, cozy restaurants, and cute shops. Another bonus about staying in Avon? With free shuttles to both Vail and Beaver Creek, you won’t need to pay for parking or worry about navigating traffic in the morning.
Host your own Apres
Have you tallied up your receipts after a ski trip? We’ve been shocked to see how much we’ve spent on going out to eat and getting a drink or three after a day of skiing. One of the best ways to save some cash is by setting up your own apres. Now, we know you probably aren’t in town for more than a week (or maybe a weekend!), and you don’t necessarily need to stock a full bar. When you roll into town, plan a few cocktails that your group will enjoy for the weekend, and pick up some basic supplies. Don’t forget to grab some citrus (lemon/limes) and some soda water from the grocery store. You could always stop by the liquor store for some basics, but we recommend trying something local. We recommend the bourbon from the 10th Mountain Whiskey Distillery. Whiskey Mules, bourbon smashes, greyhounds, hot toddy’s, and warmed mulled wine are a few of our favorites.
And what about snacks and food? Don’t get us wrong, you can go as heavy and gourmet on the apres as you’re willing. You’ll NEVER hear us complain. But we know people get hangry and tired after a day of skiing, and getting some quick calories and salt is often required. Here are a few of our favorite quick snacks/appetizers to get going to keep everybody happy until dinner.
Guacamole, Chips and Salsa
Fresh Veggies and Hummus
Frozen pizzas doctored up with sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and balsamic drizzle
Pan roasted nachos with alllll the cheese and toppings
Charcuterie board with cheeses, meats, nuts, and fruit
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Tzatziki and Flatbread
Find Discounts on Ski Passes
We’re going to tell you this right now: buying tickets at the window is always the most expensive price you can pay for lift tickets. Do a little research ahead of time and find the best price. Depending on how many days you’re planning to ski during your trip, your best rate for day passes might actually be by purchasing an EPIC pass. If purchased early in the year, you can find particularly good deals on the passes. Are you a Colorado resident? Make sure to sign your kids up for the EPIC School Kids Colorado Pass, and score 20 free days of skiing. Have a few kiddos in your group? Little skiers 4 and under ski free and Beaver Creek.
Plan Free Off-Mountain Activities
Wanna hear a secret? You don’t have to go dog sledding or ride a cat to the top of the mountain to have fun at Vail or Beaver Creek. There are plenty of fun things you can do for free! Vail is home to some of the most beautiful trails in the country. Bring your hiking boots (and a pair of spikes) from home and go for winter hike. Don’t mind spending a minimal amount of cash? Go ice skating at the Avon Village (or better yet! At Nottingham Lake), or spend an evening splashing around at the Avon Rec Center.
Are you wanting to ski the top of the line gear without having to purchase your own (and transport during travel)? You’re in luck- we’ve got the exact packages that you need. Let’s get you set up with the newest skis, and boots that fit and perform like a dream. Vail and Beaver Creek are two of our favorite resorts, and we are looking forward to helping you out this winter. Tell us where you are staying, and we will come to you. Want to read about how we have served others? Here are some reviews! See you on the slopes!
