Back on the Slopes—Beaver Creek, Family-Style
- Trip And Zip
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Updated: May 18
After 12 years off the slopes, we found ourselves in Beaver Creek, Colorado, lacing up my boots for our first ski adventure outside Europe, this time with two little humans in tow. Let’s just say, this wasn’t the kind of trip that ends with schnapps and live music at a mountain bar!
Nope, this one featured pizza, hot cocoa, and proud parent moments around the kids. 😜
Beaver Creek is built for families without sacrificing quality. Our kiddos kicked off their skiing journey at Haymeadow Park—wide, gentle, and perfect for beginners.
The instructors were fantastic, and with dedicated learning areas and magic carpets, they were cruising by day two. A few minor misunderstandings popped up, but overall, the first ski experience was a success.
The mountain itself? Surprisingly vast. With a summit elevation of 11,440 feet (3,487 meters) and over 1,800 acres (728 hectares) of skiable terrain across three villages—Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead—there’s something for everyone.
The layout is intuitive, and the lifts are modern. The slopes are beautifully maintained, with long, flowing blues, fast reds (well, their U.S. equivalents), and some stiff black runs and moguls to humble you after a decade-long break. Well, my gear wasn’t quite dialed in, so I didn’t dare venture onto the moguls—but they’re worth a mention. Still, I definitely remembered what leg burn feels like! 😉
And yet, despite the altitude and adrenaline, it all felt easy. No chaos. No crowds. Just smooth lift lines, good weather, and runs for every mood and skill level.
…Just a quick tip: buy your EPIC pass in advance—the onsite day tickets are no joke price-wise!
Off the slopes, the fun didn’t stop. The kiddos laced up skates for a few twirls at the outdoor ice rink in Beaver Creek Village—another great, kid-friendly activity.
And instead of hopping between après bars, glühwein, and DJ sets like in our past European winter adventures, we hit Blue Moose Pizza (several times), followed by chats with friends and cozy dinners at hotel restaurants that understand both good food and tired kids.
Beaver Creek turned out to be the ideal comeback trip—easygoing, well-run, and full of mountain charm. Proof that skiing with kids can still be epic… just with more pizza, a little less party, and a lot more shared moments with great friends and happy little faces all around.
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