Pro Tips for Skiing Vail and Beaver Creek
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March 19, 2025

Pro Tips for Skiing Vail and Beaver Creek

If you’re planning a ski trip to Vail or Beaver Creek, you’re in for a treat. These Colorado ski destinations are known for their world-class terrain, family-friendly atmosphere, and unforgettable après-ski experiences. To help you make the most of your visit, we spoke with Adam and Katie, the owners of Black Tie Ski Rentals in Vail/Beaver Creek. With 16 years of experience running their business and a lifetime of skiing expertise, they’ve shared their top tips for skiing Vail and Beaver Creek, including navigating the mountains, choosing the best gear, and uncovering local secrets.

 

What Makes Vail and Beaver Creek Unique?

Vail and Beaver Creek cater to a wide range of skiers. Beaver Creek, in particular, offers an ideal mix of beginner-friendly runs and challenging slopes for advanced skiers. It’s also remarkably convenient to access compared to other mountain towns. One special highlight? Every Thursday night in Beaver Creek, visitors can join a “ski down” at Haymeadow with light-up batons, followed by fireworks—an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

 

The famous Vail Mountain and Gore Range in the background, Vail, Colorado, USA

 

Must-Know Mountain Tips

For Beginners:

  • In Beaver Creek, start with Haymeadow, a scenic beginner run served by a gondola. As your skills improve, head to McCoy Park for a mix of easy trails and stunning views.
  • At Vail, Lionshead offers excellent beginner terrain. Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Practice Parkway and Adventure Ridge and soak in the views at the top. If you are skiing out of Vail Village, take Gondola One and head over to Chair 4 (Mountaintop Express Lift) to ride to the top of the mountain. From there, take the Timberline Catwalk over to Sourdough Express Lift to find plenty of green circle trails. This easy-going area has great views of the Vail Valley and Gore Range and is often less crowded than beginner slopes on the front of the mountain.

For Advanced Skiers:

  • Beaver Creek: Test your skills on runs like Ripsaw off the Rose Bowl Express Lift and enjoy some steep, wide-open terrain. You won’t want to miss the world-famous Birds of Prey, and Raptor runs off Birds of Prey Lift, too. This is where they host World Cup races where ski racers reach speeds in excess of 75 MPH! If you’re looking for bumps and great tree skiing, anything on Grouse Mountain, especially the Royal Elk Glades, will be for you.
  • Vail: Explore the Legendary Back Bowls. Start at Gondola 1 in Vail Village, then head to Chair 4 to access the top of the mountain and those coveted back bowls. For powder chasers looking for wide open terrain, check out Sun Down Bowl and Genghis Khan. For expert, thrill-seeking skiers looking for steeps on the front side of the mountain, head over to Prima Cornice off Northwoods Express lift. From there, you’ll find narrow chutes on one of the steepest trails on Vail Mountain.

Avoiding Crowds:

  • Beaver Creek: Try Arrowhead for quieter slopes.
  • Vail: Get to the back bowls early, especially all the way out to Blue Sky Basin, and work your way forward as the day progresses.

Snow Conditions:

  • Powder days are best enjoyed on the back bowls in Vail. In Beaver Creek, try out Rose Bowl or tree skiing on Stickline, Royal Elk Glade, and Thresher Glade.
  • If the snow softens in the afternoon, focus on shaded areas or higher elevations for more consistent conditions.

Gear and Preparation

Adam and Katie emphasize the importance of having quality gear, especially when skiing these mountains. Heated and BOA boots are game- changers for comfort, while standard boots often perform exceptionally well on the diverse terrain. At Black Tie Ski Rentals, all equipment undergoes meticulous tuning to ensure every skier gets the best performance possible.

 

Two male friends on skiing toasting with bottles of beer in cafe outdoor

 

Après-Ski Highlights

No ski trip is complete without après-ski fun. Here are some local favorites:

  • Broken Arrow: A great patio for post-ski relaxation.
  • Hooked: Enjoy sushi and cocktails in Beaver Creek.
  • Vendetta’s: A go-to spot in Vail Village for pizza.
  • Garfinkle’s: Enjoy tasty food and drink options on their patio in Lionshead Village.
  • Minturn Saloon: A classic for a laid-back evening.

If you’re looking for a day off the slopes, unwind with a wellness session at the Recovery Lab in Lionshead, or treat yourself to a facial or massage at the Park Hyatt’s Exhale Spa.

 

Insider Advice for Peak Season

To avoid lift lines, Adam and Katie recommend starting early. In Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead are less crowded. At Vail, pack snacks, hit the slopes as early as possible, and head straight to the back bowls before working your way back to the front.

 

A street sign in Vail, Colorado during the winter.

 

Memorable Stories and Local Charm

For Adam and Katie, running Black Tie Ski Rentals has been about more than just skiing—it’s about creating a community. From their early years living with Nick Leonard (who later became the owner of Aspen Black Tie) to fostering a positive company culture, their story is one of passion, hospitality, and a deep love for the slopes.

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