Beaver Creek is a winter playground on the slopes, but there’s also plenty happening off the trails from late October through April. From traditional family-friendly annual events to newer favorites, there are choices both on and off the mountain. From mild to wild, the list of fun winter events and seasonal outings is seemingly endless, but we pared it down to only the best. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top winter events near Beaver Creek, so you can plan your next vacation in the area now and even looking ahead to next season:
Beaver Creek Extraordinaire
During the winter months, several unique events are presented under the Beaver Creek Extraordinaire banner at Beaver Creek Resort. During the holidays, guests can walk among beautifully crafted ice sculptures or hear a classic holiday tale under a warm blanket with a hot cup of cocoa by the crackling fireplace.
Events in mid-February celebrate America’s rich heritage during President’s Day Weekend. Festivities include live music and creative snow sculptures, along with lots of tasty food and beverages. As temperatures begin to warm up in March, Beaver Creek Extraordinaire celebrates the seasonal change with a vibrant spring garden, foodie gatherings and interactive movie showings that are fun for the whole family.
Vail Snow Days
Vail Snow Days is a four-day festival in December at Fork Park in Vail with live music, parties, an expo village and activities both in town and on the mountain. The festival usually features big-name acts in the music industry, making it a can’t-miss for avoid concertgoers.
10th Mountain Legacy Parade
Take a step back in time at a 10th Mountain Division Legacy Parade. The parades usually take place on select Fridays throughout the season. It’s a beautiful scene that’s reminiscent of skiing’s earlier days. The free event honors troops of the famed 10th Mountain Division that endured the brutal alpine elements of Italy’s Apennine Mountains during World War II.
Skiers dressed in traditional ski trooper uniforms ski down Vail Mountain by torch light. Following the ski, there’s a parade of military veterans from down Bridge Street in Vail Village.
Vail Legacy Days
Celebrate the rich history of the area at Vail Legacy Days every February. The four-day event has a schedule that’s chock-full of family-friendly happenings, including ski-with-a-soldier outings, a ski trooper race, a 10th Mountain Legacy Parade and other festivities presented by the Colorado National Guard. On Vail Mountain, historical signs showcase points of interest and provide interesting facts for an enhanced skiing experience.
Beaver Creek Talon’s Challenge
For almost two decades, skiers have relished the opportunity to conquer more than 26,000 vertical feet in one day as part of Talon’s Challenge in February at Beaver Creek Resort. The event pits skiers and snowboarders against a lineup of 14 of the state’s most imposing black and double-black runs. If you can survive the challenge (or just want to watch), you can celebrate afterward at the après-ski party at Talon’s Restaurant.
Birds of Prey World Cup
If you have a need for speed, don’t miss the Beaver Creek Audi FIS Birds of Prey World Cup event in early December. The weekend event brings the fastest downhill skiers in the world to Beaver Creek for the first stop on the World Cup Super G circuit. See the biggest names in skiing compete in World Cup super-G, downhill and giant slalom races. In between the races, get your fill of live music, beer tastings, ski films and popular industry vendor swag.
Beaver Creek Winter Culinary Weekend
Foodies love a good pairing, and nothing beats awesome skiing and decedent cuisine. The Beaver Creek Winter Culinary Weekend at Beaver Creek Resort serves up a smorgasbord of events centered around noted cuisine and wonderful fellowship in late January. Celebrity chefs present informative and inspirational cuisine along with exquisite cocktails and a hearty selection of hand-selected wines.
Taste of Vail
Food, drink and skiing come together again every April at the four-day Taste of Vail festival. The area’s premier food and wine festival is rated among the nation’s best spring food and wine festivals. The event has grand tastings, cook-offs, après-ski parties, a mountain top tasting, and unforgettable skiing and snowboarding.
Pink Vail
Vail Mountain goes pink every March as part of a fundraiser to benefit the nearby Shaw Cancer Center. The event brings more than 3,000 skiers from all ages and walks of life to Vail to raise awareness. Pink Vail is the world’s biggest day to conquer cancer. The all-day event features live music, deck parties, a costume contest and more. The best part is everyone wears pink! Even better is that one hundred percent of donations and registration fees benefit the cancer center.
Spring Back to Vail
Wrap up the ski season in style at the Spring Back to Vail celebration in April. The fun event is highlighted by the World Pond Skimming Championships at Lake Golden Peak. Watch skiers whiz down the mountain gaining speed before hitting the water and cruising across the top. Some aim for distance, while for others it’s all about style. Full of hilarious outfits, epic crashes and lots of laughs, Spring Back to Vail is a great way to close out another delightful winter season.
Holiday Events
There’s nothing better than spending the holiday season in Vail and Beaver Creek with friends or family. Visitors will enjoy plenty of snow, epic skiing, comfortable hotels and resorts with lots of perks and amenities, and several events that capture the spirit of the season. Some events are free. From the annual tree lighting ceremony and lantern walk at Vail Mountain to the New Year’s Eve fireworks show, there is something going on almost every day during the holiday season. Families can experience all the traditional festive favorites like snow sledding, ice skating, cookie decorating and visiting with Santa Claus.
Stay at the Inn at Riverwalk
The Inn at Riverwalk is a perfect jumping off spot of winter events in the area. First, the boutique hotel is in downtown Edwards along the beautiful Eagle River. There’s plenty of shopping and dining in the area, including a pair of restaurants sharing the hotel’s building – Mountain Fish House and Zino Ristorante. The hotel has comfy, tastefully appointed guest rooms, a heated pool and hot tub, free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast served daily. There’s even a convenient shuttle to transport skiers to and from the ski resort.