While Denver boasts a wealth of attractions, the mountains are always calling, and summer and fall are no exceptions. The Rockies burst to life with lush greenery and wildflowers in the summer, later transforming into a golden wonderland as the trees change in the fall, making for a picture-perfect escape from the city’s hustle. Although westbound traffic on I-70 can be a drag year-round, between June-Sep it’s more manageable than in the winter. Once you arrive, you’ll find the weather ideal for outdoor adventures, cool high-altitude air, and the perks of thinner crowds and off-season deals.
Beaver Creek Resort, sometimes overshadowed by its neighbor Vail, provides a refreshingly serene vibe. Since its debut in 1980, it has emerged as an ideal spot for a laid-back summer or autumn weekend getaway. Food lovers can delight in Michelin-recommended dining, while those with a love of the arts can experience exceptional concerts and events.
Here’s my guide for how foodies can spend an off-season weekend at Beaver Creek, exploring local culinary delights and cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Friday
Stroll (and shop) around Beaver Creek Village
Upon arrival, take some time to explore the compact Beaver Creek Village, which is easy to navigate on foot. Stroll through its charming streets, designed to evoke the elegance of European alpine villages but with the Rocky Mountains as their backdrop.
Shoppers looking to upgrade their mountain ensembles and outdoor gear will find plenty of options, including the Colorado-founded luxury clothing shop Gorsuch and storefronts for well-known brands like Patagonia and Helly Hansen.
For a bit of culture, visit the Gallery Row arcade, directly across from Beaver Creek Rink, where you can browse art from C. Anthony Gallery. The gallery sells and features works by a diverse range of contemporary artists, from celebrity photographer David Yarrow to Denver-based painter Britten.
Grab a bite with the locals
Next, drop into one of Beaver Creek’s oldest restaurants, the Coyote Cafe, affectionately known as the “Yote” by locals. This casual Mexican cantina has been serving up a variety of classic Mexican dishes, from chips and guacamole to fajitas and corn tortilla tacos, since 1983. The friendly service, reasonable prices, and extensive beer and margarita selections make it a favorite spot for the town’s Ski Patrol workers when they’re off-duty. Frequent visitors even have the chance to keep a mug at the bar.
If Mexican food isn’t your thing, try Beaver Creek Chophouse for surf-and-turf favorites like classic cheeseburgers, lobster rolls, and tuna melts.
Play games and snag free baked goods
Now it’s time for a little active fun. Visit the nearby family-friendly Adventure Center at the base of the Centennial Express Lift #6. While activities like the bungee trampoline, small climbing wall, and gem panning are firmly geared to kids, adults can enjoy a round of mini golf in the alpine rock garden ($25 per ticket). If the Adventure Center is closed (open only on weekends from Labor Day through late September), you can still enjoy free lawn games like corn hole and ping pong at the Village Green on Beaver Creek Rink, or relax in the shade with a book.
Families with kids looking to burn off some energy would be wise to check out the newly renovated Creekside Park, which reopened on the south side of the Resort in June 2025. Upgrades have been made to both the playground and pavilion and now the kids’ play areas are made up of modern structures that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Kids have plenty of things to explore, be it testing their nerves on twisting slides, or pausing to enjoy sensory gardens along the way.
Experiencing BC’s Cookie Time is a right of passage, no matter what time of year. To find the freshly baked chocolate chip treats, head to the Rink in the middle of the Village outside Citrea restaurant at 3pm. Note that during summer and fall, the cookie distribution window is brief. Arrive a little bit early to ensure you don’t miss out, as the cookies are quickly handed out and disappear fast. (Yes, you can take multiple if supplies allow.)
Enjoy a tasteful pre-show dinner
Citrea, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant, remains one of the pricier dinner options in the Village, but its prime location in the center of it all makes it a perennial favorite with visitors. On warm evenings, the sunny patio is the place to be, while a table in the intimate indoor space makes it a tougher reservation to score, especially during ski season.
Meals begin with a complimentary board of housemade bread for the table. The menu leans toward light, health-conscious fare with reliable favorites like Greek and Caesar salads and sharables like wood-fired pizzas, alongside dishes with an extra bit of flair such as a tuna tataki with Moroccan spices.
The range of portion sizes allows for some flexibility in how to approach the meal. The sweet potato ravioli, for instance, could easily serve as a light entrée, especially when paired with a soup or salad. Of the traditional main plates, the pappardelle, cut a bit too thick to twirl gracefully, remains satisfying thanks to a rich Bolognese of porcini and morel mushrooms with San Marzano tomatoes. The salmon benefits from a bright citrus-and-herb cure, complemented by quinoa tabbouleh, green yogurt zhug, and chard broccolini.
With entrées priced between $40 and $70, the occasional technical misstep on the plate or a bite in need of seasoning detracts slightly from the value. Even so, the kind and attentive service helps smooth over any imperfections, leaving the overall experience warm, polished, and inviting.
See a big name act in an intimate setting
Catch a show at the stunning Vilar Performing Arts Center. It’s a treat to sit in one of the velvety blue upholstered seats of the main theater, which has a striking lyre-shaped, wood-paneled design inspired by a Munich opera house. Despite its 605 person capacity and location away from a major city, the venue attracts bold-faced name performers like Mike Birbiglia and Bernadette Peters, who love its excellent acoustics and cozy vibe. VPAC hosts shows year-round, with acts like Cheap Trick, Lesie Odom, Jr., and Lang Lang making tour stops in recent seasons.
The eclectic programming also includes smaller shows in the May Gallery, highlighting up-and-coming artists.
Saturday
Grab a quick morning bite
The early hours of the day are sleepy in the Village during off-season. Simple breakfast options and coffee or tea can be found at both the European-styled Rimini Cafe or the high altitude roaster Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea.
Get outdoors and reach new heights
Set aside time to explore Beaver Creek Mountain and enjoy the great outdoors. Begin your day with one of two routes that will bring you up the mountain:
Option 1: Chairlift ride, easy hike, and lunch on the mountain
Go for a ride on a gondola/chairlift
From mid-June through the first week of September, the Scenic Lift is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Choose between a gondola or one of the open lifts to enjoy panoramic views of Beaver Creek Village and the majestic Gore Range peaks as you ascend. If you have a bike, you can bring that up for an extra fee. (Tickets are around $59 for adults, and combo deals are available.)
Step into nature
From the Centennial Lift drop-off point, you’ll find several trails catering to different hiking preferences. For a relaxed walk, consider the Spruce Saddle Loop. This easy 0.5-mile loop begins in the trees but quickly opens up into a meadow with breathtaking mountain views and vibrant wildflowers. While the hike typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete, don’t be afraid of lingering to capture some photos of the stunning scenery.
If hiking isn’t your style but you enjoy disc golf, bring your equipment to try out the 18-hole course. While players sometimes note that the T pads need some work, you can’t beat the setting.
Lunch with a view
Many groups and families choose to pack a picnic, but for those prioritizing convenience, the Spruce Saddle Lodge serves up American grill classics in a cafeteria-style setting. Though the prices are steep, sitting at one of the outdoor tables lets you enjoy those $26 classic burgers with a view you won’t forget. To stay hydrated at elevation (and spare yourself the sting of buying a $6 bottle of water), bring your own reusable vessel and take advantage of the free water filling station inside the cafe. Soak in all the beauty before taking the lift back down to the Village.
Option 2: 4×4 tour to the summit, casual loop hike, and a leisurely lunch
Scale the mountain via jeep
A guided two-hour 4×4 mountain tour climbs to the top of Beaver Creek Mountain, reaching a summit of 11,000 feet. Wine excursions are also available for those looking to add a little indulgence to the adventure. If you visit toward the end of September, you might catch the aspens just beginning to change into a golden hue. As you ascend, guides share stories about the resort’s history and ski culture while offering insights into the surrounding trees and alpine flora.
Stops along the way include a visit to the original Beano’s Cabin – a historic homestead founded by Frank Bienkowski that sits near the fine-dining restaurant of the same name – as well as multiple opportunties to capture photos of you and your group against the sweeping backdrop of the Gore Mountain Range.
Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly as you reach higher elevations, so dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions. All 4×4 tours accommodate from 1 to 7 participants per 4×4 vehicle.
Hike from base of the mountain
If you’ve made it back down to the base of the mountain after your 4×4 tour, there are plenty of easy to moderate hikes to choose from, including the beginner-friendly Village Loop. For a bit more scenery, start from the Summer Adventure Center and piece together a manageable 2.5-mile loop. Follow the Overlook Trail up the mountain to Alle’s Way, then begin your descent by turning right onto Beaver Lake Trail. From there, the path connects with the Five Senses Hiking Trail, leading you back to your starting point.
Grab a lunch at a Beaver Creek institution
After you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by one of Beaver Creek’s longest-standing restaurants, The Golden Eagle Inn. Opened in 1987, the interior retains design touches from its original era in the form of geometric patterned upholstery in muted blues and grays, and honeyed wood chairs and wall paneling. The vintage look, which now almost feels nostalgic, imparts a sense of ease to the casual dining experience.
Friendly waitstaff and reliably well-seasoned and tasty food make it easy to see why this seasonal comfort food restaurant has been in business for so long. While the menu features plenty of burgers and sandwiches, including a grilled vegetable ciabatta that will please vegetarians, the house specialties are particularly nice, like a Rocky Mountain rainbow trout with wild mushroom risotto, baby spinach, and chermoula, accented with thin lemon slices that add the perfect touch of brightness.
Groove to some live tunes
Enjoy a little live music on the main Village Green stage at the Rink. The free BC Unplugged concert series runs every Thursday evening from mid-June to mid-September. This series features a diverse lineup of artists performing acoustic sets.
Enjoy French fare in a turn-of-the-century ranch house
Located on the edge of the Resort, a visit to Mirabelle is a relaxing capstone to the day. The restaurant is located in a converted ranch house owned by Chef Daniel Joly, who has lived on-site with his family for the last 25+ years. It first received Michelin Recommended status in 2023 and has maintained that distinction ever since.
Throughout the house, the main spaces feature white tablecloths and stately polished wood chairs, all bathed in the warm glow of wall sconces. But if the weather is nice, choose to sit on the large patio where you can hear the babbling creek that runs adjacent to the property. (Bring a jacket – the cool mountain breeze can make it chilly once the sun goes down.)
The traditional French fare at Mirabelle is solid and reliable, though some dishes could use a touch more seasoning. If the soup du jour is the Tomato Lobster, you’ll be treated to a smooth bisque with a subtle peppery kick. Meanwhile, the Dover Sole Meuniere, a long-time favorite, is comforting and features a filet drizzled with brown butter sauce, served with silky mashed potatoes (hidden beneath a crisp potato tuile filled with sautéed baby spinach). It is the one dish on the menu that Joly has said hasn’t changed or been rotated off since he took over the restaurant.
Save room for dessert — it’s where the meal makes its most lasting impression. The Textures of Green Apple steals the spotlight with its inventive play on the fruit. Expect a delightful array of different preparations, from tangy curds to airy foams, each showcasing or complimenting the fruit in a way that’s both memorable and delicious.
Though the plating might feel a bit nostalgic for the ’90s, the waitstaff’s accommodating and attentive service will never go out of style. This isn’t the place for avant-garde cuisine; instead, it embraces classic French techniques and flavors. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate time-honored dishes and a refined and seamless dining experience.
Sunday
Begin the day with a charming breakfast
Before you head home, stop by the nearby town of Edwards, CO to experience another side of the local dining scene. A 13-minute drive west of Beaver Creek lands you in the heart of town, where shopping centers fan out from a central roundabout. Hovey and Harrison, a cheery café and bakery with an alt-country soundtrack, offers a pleasant spot to sip your morning coffee, especially out on the shaded outdoor patio. For food, the Asparagus Tartine is a toad-in-the-hole beauty, featuring well-toasted bread topped with fresh veggies, watercress, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Stroll an alpine garden followed by lunch
If you’re not in a rush to return to Denver, make a final stop inVail to visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Spanning about 2.5 acres, this garden is a compact oasis that makes the most of its space. The garden is meticulously maintained and features three distinct areas, most notably the Rocky Mountain Ecosystem, which includes multi-level sections with shaded spots for quiet contemplation. Admission is free, though a $20 donation is recommended to support the garden’s upkeep.
Afterward, knock out another visit to a Michelin-recommended spot in the Vail Valley: Sweet Basil. Established in 1977, this restaurant offers New American cuisine. Sit at the bar and enjoy light fare from the top half of their lunch menu, like their Tortelloni en Brodo.
For a more casual meal, head to The Blü Cow, a family-owned spot that’s been in business for just under six decades. Enjoy quick service, affordable prices, and the simple pleasure of biting into a snappy Swiss Dog — cut down the middle and slathered with mustard — within minutes of ordering.
Where to Stay
The Pines Lodge offers 60 smartly designed contemporary rooms, some with mountain views, and luxury amenities such as comfortable beds, a 24-hour front desk, an outdoor heated pool, and a Jacuzzi. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Village, it also features on-site dining at Grouse Mountain Grill, with upscale options like the Michelin-recommended Splendido at The Chateau just a two-minute stroll away.
For an even more central location, The Osprey sits directly across the street from the heart of the Village. Amenities include a steam room, sauna, outdoor pool and hot tub, and a complimentary continental breakfast buffet.
Both hotels are part of the RockResort collection, and every room comes with a Helly Hansen day pack that guests can borrow for outdoor adventures. (I used mine on the Spruce Saddle Loop hike when I forgot mine at home!)
Summer rates average $300 to $400 per night at The Pines Lodge and $350 to $450 at The Osprey, with discounts available for Epic Pass holders. Valet parking is available at both properties for $35 per night per vehicle, with no self-service option.
Getting There and Around
Traveling from Denver to Beaver Creek takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. To avoid the worst of the outbound congestion on a summer weekend, try to leave before 10:30 am on Friday mornings.
Once you arrive, getting around is straightforward. The Village itself is highly walkable, with easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails. Many hotels, including The Pines Lodge and The Osprey, offer complimentary shuttles that do drop-offs and pick-ups around the resort and into nearby Avon, though it’s best to book these rides in advance.
If you are driving within the Village the Villa Montane Parking Garage is centrally located directly across from the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC). Summer parking is free, though overnight parking is not permitted. The garage typically remains open to around 12 midnight if there are evening shows or restaurants with extended hours, but ask at the security gate before parking.
Disclosure: I was hosted by Beaver Creek Resort and received complimentary lodging, activities, and meals within Beaver Creek. All opinions expressed are independent and my own.