Spending a weekend in Beaver Creek makes me feel like a fancy person, which I am not, but I play one at this Colorado ski resort. By the way, Beaver Creek Resort is in Avon, Colorado, one exit past Vail going west on Interstate 70.
Of all the places in the Rocky Mountains my job has allowed me to experience, this is the most glamorous purpose-built ski resort. However, we experienced no snobbiness. We’ve received impeccable service at restaurants, coffee shops, and even the lone liquor store.
Beaver Creek is compact, high-end, and home to one of the best performing arts venues in the West. Who knew? Not me.
VPAC turned twenty-five years old last year, and despite having been to the Vail Valley many times, I didn’t know about this incredible Rocky Mountain venue. Located under the skating rink in Beaver Creek, it is a bit of a hidden gem, literally and figuratively.
The venue is Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC), and over the last couple of months, it has been my pleasure to share about it with you. My client relationship with VPAC this fall and winter meant we’ve had two experiences seeing shows there.
RELATED: Old & New at Vilar Performing Arts Center in Vail Valley
This time, we stayed in Beaver Creek during the Birds of Prey World Cup Downhill & Super G races. This is an exciting time to be in the village because it’s buzzing. Plus, there are tons of giveaways, everything from sports drinks to full-size granola bars. And there are contests also. We were hoping to win a new GoPro, alas, we didn’t, but it was fun!
Spoiler alert. The World Cup Downhill was canceled all three race days due to some crazy weather that made skiing downhill at 60 mph super dangerous. By the way, all three days have never been canceled before, so this was just our luck. However, there was still a party.
We got to experience the VIP Tent at the finish line on the mountain, and there was live music, drinks, and a big party at the base. Even fireworks!
A weekend in Beaver Creek is a splurge, but I do not think you’ll be disappointed. Everything here is top-notch. Plus, Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) is well-priced. While you’ll splurge on dinner, the VPAC is an affordable venue. Sometimes you’ll pay less to see an artist here than in Denver or another city. I mean, if you were a touring artist, wouldn’t you like a stop in the Colorado mountains?
Magicians like Penn & Teller will be there this winter, as well as musicians like Grace Potter and the Colorado Symphony. VPAC also hosts comedians, dance troupes, musicals and more. No matter what musical style you prefer, or comedian you love, check the schedule. They may be coming to VPAC at Beaver Creek.
We dined on sushi and Japanese whiskey at Hooked, an unforgettable seafood pappardelle at Citrea, and Ryan ate his fill of fresh cookies, always available in the village. They continually walk around with trays of warm, yummy chocolate chip cookies, and Ryan couldn’t resist.
There is a less lavish dining experience at Dusty Boot Roadhouse, a Beaver tradition since 1997. It’s Colorado food like hamburgers, tacos. and pork green chile. Plus, guests of VPAC receive 25% off their bill at Dusty Boot if they dine there before their show. Show your VPAC tickets to your waiter.
As far as things to do in Beaver Creek besides skiing, which is the obvious thing to do, shopping abounds, or strap on snowshoes, go ice skating, or cross country at the Nordic Center. By the way, several of our friends with kids believe this to be one of the most family-friendly places to ski and to learn how to ski. Probably why, on our first visit when we stayed at Park Hyatt, the place was full of families on ski vacations.
This time, we stayed in a condo at Creekside at Beaver Creek. This is an excellent choice if VPAC is part of the plan because it’s only a five-minute walk away. Our modern, two-bedroom condo had a second bedroom with bunk beds and a huge kitchen perfect for families.
A weekend in Beaver Creek is a splurge, and for many of us, it wouldn’t be a regular destination. However, for that special weekend that deserves a little extravagance, this is the place. A little skiing, fine dining, and a show at VPAC is the perfect way to celebrate.
Thank you to Beaver Creek Resort & Vilar Performing Arts Center for hosting us on the wonderful excursion.
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Hi, Heidi! What a wonderful article of interesting things to do in Beaver Creek. I’ll have to put it on my list. The list is getting longer and longer every time I read about your travels.
Did you mean to say “We experienced NO snobiness?” I had to read that a couple of times since the next sentence describes the great service received in Beaver Creek.
Have a great day!
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Thank you for catching that, Linda. That was a terrible error as it changed the entire message!!!
I have changed it to read “no” snobiness. Thanks again, and I’m happy to be expanding your travel list. That’s the goal!
-Heidi
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Vilar is a convicted felon and it’s a disgrace that BC has not removed his name from the theater. I’ve lived in Vail for forty two years and will not set foot in the place.