SkiMall.Net offers complete information on
skiing in Aspen, Colorado, United States
of America
There is something inviting about Beaver
Creek. The comfort of a soft leather chair
near the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace.
The anticipation of a day's activities both
on and off the mountain. Extraordinary architecture
and refined design are trademarks of this
world-class family resort.
Getting here is easy, with dozens of direct
flights arriving daily at Vail/Eagle County
Airport, just 26 miles west. The Denver International
Airport is located a scenic 110 miles east
of the resort. From either airport, take
the Avon exit (167) on Interstate 70. The
entrance to Beaver Creek is nestled at the
base of the mountain.
Cycling is the main summer pursuit; The Hub,
315 E Hyman Ave (tel 970/925-7970), has a
wide range of bikes, while Timberline, 204
S Galena St (tel 970/925-9237), is the cheapest
for mountain bikes, and also organizes tours.
The Roaring Fork River , surging out of the
Sawatch range, is excellent for kayaking
and rafting, but sections can be dangerous
and every summer sees a few fatalities. Blazing
Paddles ($55 for a half-day float trip; tel
970/925-5651) is not the lowest-priced company,
but it does have a good safety record.
If you fancy walking in the mountains, the
Silver Queen gondola climbs from 601 Dean
St to the summit of Ajax (daily 10am-4pm;
$18), where guided nature walks set off on
the hour from 11am to 3pm. Occasional free
lunchtime concerts and talks are held up
here, and there's a good restaurant. Even
more alluring is the landscape around the
twin purple-gray peaks of the Maroon Bells
, fifteen miles southwest, soaring above
the dark-blue Maroon Lake. The road is closed
between 8.30am and 5pm, except for overnight
campers with permits, travelers with disabilities
and RFTA buses, which leave daily from the
Rubey Park transit center (every 30min 9am-4.30pm;
$5 round-trip, or $19 combination ticket
with gondola ride). Details on hiking are
available from the ranger station