Thinking about a home in the heart of Beaver Creek? If you want a walkable, mountain village with easy lift access, a central ice rink, and year-round activities, Beaver Creek Village delivers. Whether you’re a second-home buyer or planning a full-time move, you’ll find options that match your lifestyle and property goals. In this guide, you’ll learn how the village is laid out, what daily life feels like in each season, and how to match your priorities to the right property type. Let’s dive in.
Why Beaver Creek Village stands out
Beaver Creek Village is the pedestrian core of Beaver Creek Resort in Eagle County, just up the hill from Avon. You’re about a 30 to 45 minute drive from Eagle County Regional Airport depending on conditions, and roughly 2 to 2.5 hours from Denver International Airport by car. The base village sits around 8,100 feet, with mountain summits above 11,000 feet.
You’ll find a compact plaza with restaurants, cafés, retail, and a central ice rink. Lifts rise directly from the village for quick mountain access. The resort’s reputation includes groomed terrain, family services, and signature events. Interconnected terrain and shuttle service link Beaver Creek Village with Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead, so you can ski or shuttle between zones and explore different dining spots and trails.
Walkable dining and après
At the core, Beaver Creek Village gives you a car-light lifestyle. Most restaurants, après spots, and shops sit within a short stroll of lodgings and lifts. You can leave your car in the garage and enjoy dinner, a glass of wine, or a coffee without getting behind the wheel.
- Best property fit: village condos and hotel residences near the plaza if you value walkability and turnkey convenience.
- What to expect: more activity and some noise in the core, plus strong short-term rental demand. HOA and municipal rules can shape rental eligibility and operations.
- If you prefer quiet: consider properties a block or two off the plaza or in nearby neighborhoods for a walkable yet calmer atmosphere.
Ice rink and village events
The village’s winter ice rink is a focal point for skating and seasonal gatherings. During peak months, it anchors holiday lights and programmed family events. Cultural programming and concerts round out the calendar.
- Best property fit: condos and townhomes clustered around the plaza for easy access to skating and events.
- What to expect: a lively atmosphere on event days during high season. For more privacy, look at residences elevated above the plaza or in adjacent pockets.
Connected villages and shuttles
Lift access and resort shuttles connect Beaver Creek Village with Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead. You can start your day in one village, ski across the resort, and end with dinner in another. Free village shuttles also help you move between neighborhoods and valley services.
- Best property fit: ski-in/ski-out condos and townhomes in Beaver Creek Village or Bachelor Gulch for immediate lift access. Arrowhead offers lift access too and can provide larger lot sizes in some cases.
- What to expect: slopefront properties often carry pricing premiums and unique HOA or maintenance needs like snow storage and mechanical access. Always review lift schedules and seasonal operating dates.
Year-round outdoor recreation
Beaver Creek shines in all seasons. In summer, you’ll find hiking, scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking, trail running, and access to the Eagle River for fly fishing and other water activities. Outdoor dining and family programming create a laid-back warm-season rhythm, and cultural venues often run active summer calendars.
- Best property fit: single-family homes and larger townhomes in nearby areas like Edwards, Arrowhead, Bachelor Gulch, or West Avon if you want more space and yard access. For low-maintenance stays, condos with shared amenities such as pools and fitness centers are popular.
- What to expect: full-time living adds practical needs such as proximity to grocery stores, medical clinics, and year-round maintenance. Avon and Edwards provide many of these services, a short drive or shuttle ride away.
Cultural and family-oriented programming
Families value the resort’s children’s ski schools and scheduled activities designed for multi-generational groups. Performing arts and community events add depth to the village experience in both winter and summer.
- Best property fit: residences near ski school pick-up zones and village venues. Many hotel residences and nearby condos offer floor plans and amenities that work well for groups.
Match your lifestyle to property types
Before you shop, decide which daily rhythm you want. Then focus on the micro-locations that deliver it.
- For maximum walkability: plaza-adjacent village condos and hotel residences. You’ll be steps to dining, the rink, and the lifts. Ideal for lock-and-leave convenience and potential short-term rental appeal subject to HOA and local rules.
- For ski-first living: slopefront condos and townhomes in Beaver Creek Village or Bachelor Gulch. Expect price premiums and specific HOA or service arrangements for snow and access.
- For a quieter setting with access: condos or townhomes just off the plaza or in adjacent pockets. You still walk to the action, with a bit more evening calm.
- For space and year-round needs: single-family homes or larger townhomes in Arrowhead, Edwards, West Avon, or certain parts of Bachelor Gulch. You’ll balance recreation with services like grocery and healthcare nearby.
Simple walking map: what’s where
Use this quick mental map when you tour properties in the core village.
- Central Plaza and Ice Rink: the pedestrian center for shops, cafés, and the seasonal rink.
- Main Lodging Cluster: hotel and condominium residences ring the plaza.
- Lift Base: primary lift access sits a short walk from most village buildings.
- Performing Arts Venue: within an easy stroll of the plaza for shows and events.
- Shuttle and Parking: resort shuttles stop near the village core with access to garages and transit points.
- Nearby Neighborhoods: Bachelor Gulch up the mountain, Arrowhead down-valley, and Avon on the valley floor for services and shopping.
Approximate walking times:
- Most plaza restaurants and shops: 0 to 10 minutes within the central loop.
- Plaza to lift base: about 2 to 6 minutes.
- Plaza to shuttle stop or parking: roughly 3 to 8 minutes.
Seasonal highlights at a glance
- Winter: groomed skiing and snowboarding, a festive rink scene, holiday ambiance, sleigh rides, and active après. The resort also has a World Cup race history on the Bird’s of Prey course.
- Spring: a quieter village feel, variable higher-elevation snow, and windows for value travel. Early-season hiking may open at lower elevations.
- Summer: hiking, lift-served and trail-network mountain biking, Eagle River recreation, outdoor concerts, family festivals, and scenic lift rides. Cultural programming stays active.
- Fall: cool temps, autumn colors in river corridors, and shoulder-season pricing with some reduced hours outside peak months.
Practical tips for second-home buyers
If you plan to use your property seasonally and host guests, focus on convenience and operations.
- Key priorities: walkability, turnkey services, lift access, and potential rental use.
- What to verify:
- HOA bylaws on rentals, what management services are included for hotel or fractional residences, and any local short-term rental licensing and lodging taxes.
- Maintenance costs such as HOA dues, snow removal, and parking.
- Guest logistics, including airport transfers and shuttle options.
- Budget reality: slopefront and village-front locations carry premiums and may have higher operating costs due to resort-level services.
Practical tips for relocating families
Year-round living in the valley is a rewarding choice when you plan for daily needs beyond ski season.
- Key priorities: access to schools, healthcare, groceries, year-round activities, and an appropriate home layout with storage and parking.
- What to verify:
- Eagle County School District information for school options and neighborhood assignments.
- Proximity to medical clinics, pharmacies, and emergency services in Avon or Edwards.
- Winter-readiness for vehicles, commute feasibility to employment centers, and typical drive times in snow.
- Heating and utility systems, winterization needs, roof and snow-load considerations, and insurance requirements.
Regulations, taxes, and insurance
Rules for short-term rentals vary by jurisdiction and HOA. Before you buy, review licensing requirements, lodging tax structures, and any HOA restrictions that apply to your building or neighborhood. For insurance, factor in mountain-specific risks such as roof snow load and ice damming. Utility costs and services can vary by season, so ask for recent bills and schedules.
Buyer due diligence checklist
Use this quick list during your search.
- Request HOA bylaws, rental rules, and any short-term rental licensing steps for your property’s location.
- Confirm actual walking times from the unit to the plaza and lifts, along with elevator access and ski storage locations.
- Review recent utility bills and HOA budgets to gauge ongoing costs.
- Discuss seasonal occupancy, maintenance expectations, and service levels with property managers.
- If moving full time, contact the school district for assignments, calendars, and transportation.
- Obtain insurance quotes specific to the home and confirm winterization requirements.
The bottom line
Beaver Creek Village gives you a mountain lifestyle that is both convenient and elevated, with the flexibility to fit a range of ownership goals. Decide if you want the energy of the plaza, the immediate access of ski-in/ski-out, or the space and services of nearby neighborhoods. With clear priorities and careful due diligence, you can choose a home that works beautifully in every season.
When you are ready to explore on-the-ground options, connect with a local advisor who blends boutique service with deep micro-market knowledge. Schedule a consultation with Jeff McAbee to align your lifestyle goals with the right Beaver Creek property.
FAQs
How walkable is Beaver Creek Village for daily needs?
- Most restaurants, shops, and lift bases sit within a short walk of the central plaza, typically 0 to 10 minutes for dining and 2 to 6 minutes for the lift base.
What property types are best for turnkey second homes?
- Village condos and hotel residences near the plaza offer staff services and easy access, with rental demand subject to HOA and local rules.
Can I find true ski-in/ski-out access in Beaver Creek?
- Yes, many slopefront condos and townhomes in Beaver Creek Village and Bachelor Gulch offer direct access; confirm exact routes, storage, and HOA provisions.
Is Beaver Creek practical for year-round living with services nearby?
- Yes, many residents live year-round and use services in Avon and Edwards for groceries, clinics, and other needs; winter driving readiness is important.
How do shuttles and village connectivity work between areas?
- Lift networks and resort shuttles connect Beaver Creek Village with Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead, allowing you to ski or shuttle between zones.
What should I check before planning for rental income?
- Review HOA rules, local licensing and lodging taxes, and management options; also evaluate seasonal demand and operating costs for your specific building.
