Beaver Creek is SUPER family friendly. Isn’t anywhere that has “chefs” handing out chocolate chip cookies every afternoon, a Candy Cabin and fireworks every week a kiddos dream? We absolutely love taking our kids to Beaver Creek not only because of the great skiing but also because of the awesome ski school, restaurants, and easy shuttle system.
We spent President’s Day week at Beaver Creek with our kids and our family friends. We stayed at the Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa because it is super kid friendly and its proximity to ski school and the lifts…you literally walk out the back door and everything is there.
Here are some favorite kid-friendly activities to do while in Beaver Creek
Ice Skating in the Village
Ice Skating in the village is awesome because it is right in the middle of the village near lots of restaurants so it is the perfect activity right before dinner. AND I happen to like this one because I don’t have to actually skate, they have the picks you can add to your boots and just walk your kids on the ice.
S’mores at Bachelor Gulch
We love to hit The Ritz Carlton of Bachelor Gulch for Après Ski live music and s’mores to keep the kids excited after a day of ski school.
Fireworks on Thursdays
Who doesn’t love fireworks and they have them every Thursday night. You can see them from anywhere in Beaver Creek Village.
Catch a show at Vilar Performing Arts Center
Vilar Performing Arts Center has a great variety of shows for kids, especially if you’re looking for something to do when you need a day off of skiing. Check out the schedule to buy your tickets ahead of time!
Here are our favorite places to eat in Beaver Creek
Hooked
Hooked is our absolute favorite restaurant, but reservations are a MUST. They have a unique approach to seafood that we LOVE and an awesome kids menu so the kids are happy too.
Zach’s Cabin
Zach’s Cabin is a family-friendly, fancy restaurant on the top of the mountain. You have to take a snowcat from The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch to get there. They have a healthy kids menu and great ambiance, but beware—it is pricey!
Blue Moose Pizza
Blue Moose Pizza is a must! It is super kid friendly and most importantly, has great pizza!
Beaver Creek Chophouse
We love the Beaver Creek Chophouse for the magician that visits tables for the kids—my kiddos demand we go there every time we visit!
Beaver Creek surrounding attractions
Vail Village
When we have extra time, we like to venture to Vail Village, which is only a 20-minute drive from Beaver Creek. It is also fun to do an adult night there since they have great restaurants. If you need a sitter, we have had good luck with a company called Resort Sitters.
Kid-friendly activities in Vail Village include Adventure Ridge, Bol, the Pirate Park, Cinebistro Solaris, and for food, Swiss Chalet!
If you are able to get a sitter, I recommend these restaurants for a date night dinner: Sweet Basil, Terra Bistro, and Mountain Standard.
Packing for Beaver Creek & Ski Trips:
Although skiing is an amazing family trip, it is a lot of work because of the amount of gear you need for each family member. You never know what the weather is going to be or how many layers you are going to need. Will it be a bluebird sunny day, or will it be a complete white out of snow and wind gusts? It can be a mess fitting it all in your suitcase without luggage organizers for your family.
I use my OTG|247 bags and color code by family member so we can each find what we need to be prepared for ski school and the slopes.
At the end of each day, our items can be put back in these waterproof bags with no mess. When we get home from a long week on the slopes, the bags get wiped out, everything gets washed and put back in the bags so we are ready to head to the mountains at the news of fresh powder.
A look at our ski vacation packing
Boot Bag
A boot bag is a great way for the kids to be responsible for carrying their own gear. We use the Transpack Compact Pro Bags Here’s what to pack inside:
- Ski boots (If you own them). We rent our ski boots for the kids since they grow so fast!
- Ski helmet with ski goggles stored on the inside
- #6 OTG|247 Bag
- Gloves, Mittens, Liners (for the kids, we have the clips that attach the mittens to their coat)
- Neck Gator
- Face Mask – Just in case it is a white out
- Extra hand warmers
- Sunglasses
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen
- Ski hat or cap for Apreś Ski
Duffle Bag
I use this large Tumi duffle with a bottom compartment. Here’s what to pack inside:
- #10 OTG|247 Bag –Bottom compartment
- Base layers of long underwear
- Ski Socks
- Zip up Fleece
- Ski pants or bib for each member
- Ski jacket for each member
ABOUT AMIE SWAN:
Amie Swan is founder and president of OTG|247, a system of bags to organize and simplify your life on the go. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two children, and Rhodesian Ridgeback. She loves traveling with her family, working in the community, boxing and spending time with family and friends. Follow OTG|247 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Ski selfie!
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