Anywhere but HERE!!!

A chill is in the air.....Snow is on the way.......Beaver Creek is waiting for you!...

I have been to many of the US Ski resorts over the past 20 years with my husband and also our four boys. We have skied Vail, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Deer Valley, Park City, Alta, Breckenridge, Steamboat, and a host of Northeastern spots. Of course, we love the luxury of DV, and the excitement and terrain of Vail...but the resort that holds a dear place in our hearts is Beaver Creek...

Beaver Creek is not as big, both in terrain and town center, as some of the other top resort towns. That does not seem to matter to the multitudes of BC resort guests, as to them, the quality here means so much more than the quantity!...

The skiing on Beaver Creek is phenomenal for all levels of skiers. The most serious skiers ( aka, my four sons) tackle the Birds of Prey, a lineup of double blacks that would challenge even the heartiest of risk takers. They are steep, deep, and bumped up. There is plenty of terrain for those who love to cruise the blues, meander the greens, and also bop in and out of the glades. All areas of the mountain are easily accessible and the lifts are up to date and well run. It does not have the back bowls of Vail, but the trails are thrilling and offer beautiful vistas of the Vail valley.

We first came here in 2001 with four sons and a South African nanny in tow. The boys although reluctant at first, quickly acclimated to ski school and then became “part of the family” after several more visits over the years. They learned to snow plow, parallel, and eventually tackled the coveted “Talons Challenge” as each boy marked their 13th birthday. My husband and I have “regressed” from attacking those same double blacks, to now enjoying the beautiful Larkspur bowl, and the rolling gladed green Booths Gardens! Ask our boys their favorite Ski School over the years? Beaver Creek by a mile......

The food on this mountain is exceptional. We were sad when they closed the Red Tail Camp, but Talons Restaurant is a great addition to the on mountain dining and has kept up the classic BBQ fare, but redefined itself as a European ski mountain restaurant . This is the base for the site of the Bird of Prey Downhill Event. If you ski, Golden Eagle which seems like it is at the top of the universe, you are skiing an actual World Cup course! At the bottom, you can grab a beer and wonderful lunch at Talons. We also love Spruce Saddle which serves all of the usual mountain cafeteria style food, and the soups are exceptional! At night, we have treated our sons to the sleigh ride up to Beano’s Cabin, and also to Zack’s Cabin from the base at Bachelor Gulch. We have also enjoyed Toscanini for Italian, The Blue Moose for pizza, the Coyote Cafe for mexican, and of course, The Dusty Boot for burgers and its wonderful western ambience!

Beaver Creek is a classic self contained village equipped with a world class ski mountain, 5 star resort hotels, an ice skating rink, high end resort shopping, art galleries, and an award winning performing arts center, The Vilar.

Where do we stay? The Park Hyatt, of course!!! The Park Hyatt is the essence of a luxury, ski in ski out, resort hotel. I’ll never forget our first impression as we walked into the impressive and inviting lobby back in 2001. The decor is upscale western ski lodge with plenty of leather and a host of “antlers” above. The fireplace is always roaring and there is laughter in the air. It is full of energy and it starts with the staff. My sons were amazed that after only two days at the hotel, the bartenders knew my husband’s “scotch”, my “wine”, and how many cherries to put into each of their customized "Roy Rogers” ! There is always complimentary hot chocolate enroute to the ski valet, as well as upon return from a long day of attacking the slopes. Perhaps the signature part of a stay at the Park Hyatt is the large fire pit in front of the resort,which also faces the front face of the main mountain. Late in the afternoon, you will find scores of families gathered around the fire, roasting complimentary S’mores.....and not just your average ones! The Park Hyatt chefs design homemade marshmallows of a variety of flavors, and these are that ingredient that sets these s’mores apart. This area is the place

to be Apres Ski at Beaver Creek, especially for families. There are also a host of hot tubs, a heated

to be Apres Ski at Beaver Creek, especially for families. There are also a host of hot tubs, a heated pool, a fabulous outdoor restaurant and bar to complete the scene. Often,there is wonderful sing along live music to complete the “nirvana”.

I cannot conclude without a nod to the signature restaurant, 8100 Mountainside Bar and Grill, which has been re-imagined over the past decade, and serves a menu that has become acclaimed throughout the BC resort. Perhaps the aspect that puts The Park Hyatt at the top of the Beaver Creek resorts, besides the location, the beauty, the s’mores, and the food......is the staff. They are attentive, warm, knowledgable, and a class act. I have never been disappointed, and I intend to keep up that streak when I venture back to Beaver Creek again and again and again......