Located west of Denver and north of Aspen in the Vail Valley, Beaver Creek is one of America’s finest ski resorts, with a good snow record, a pretty village and slopes for all levels of ability. The slopes are wide and the scenery breathtaking, while the range of non-ski activities and excellent tuition facilities for beginners is second to none.

Beaver Creek is a secluded and classy Alpine village with a performing arts centre, an outdoor ice rink, as well as heated walkways and escalators to take you to the chairlift and lead you through the village, where you’ll find numerous shops, restaurants and galleries. Childcare is available for ages two months to six years at Small World Playschool.

There are about 200 condos and hotels at Beaver Creek base resort and alternative lodgings in nearby villages; while the choice of non-ski activities is also impressive, including tobogganing, dog-sledding and three relaxing spas. For après-ski, there are numerous gourmet restaurants both on and off the mountain and several charming watering holes where you can meet up with friends.

Beaver Creek is an intermediate paradise with many steep pitch, non-scary descents, steep and mogul-studded expert slopes and good beginner terrain at the top. There are 109 slopes over a 1,000m vertical, with 11 lifts carrying up to 26,000 people per hour; the longest run is a respectable 4.5kms.

For alternative skiing and snowboarding, Beaver Creek is linked to nearby Arrowhead Village via a high-speed lift, allowing you to ski or ride from mountain to mountain, and stop to graze at Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch Village and Arrowhead Village. To the east is Vail, one of the world’s most recognisable ski resorts.

Beaver Creek ski season runs from mid-November to early April and prices are lower during early and late season. Children under five years ski for free and seniors over 65 get a discount. The most convenient means of access is via Eagle County Regional Airport and a shuttle to the resort.