Vail vs Beaver Creek: which should you pick?
The two are about 20 minutes apart. Vail is bigger and busier with more nightlife; Beaver Creek is quieter, more polished, and easier with kids. As of November 8, 2026, Vail has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days and Beaver Creek has 0.0".
Pick Vail if…
- You want the most terrain and the Back Bowls
- You want après and nightlife in the village
- You like a busier scene
Pick Beaver Creek if…
- You want shorter lift lines and immaculate grooming
- You're skiing with kids or want an easy, relaxed trip
- Afternoon cookies at the base sound like a good tradition
Vail vs Beaver Creek by the numbers
| Stat | Vail | Beaver Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Snow next 7 days | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Snow next 14 days | 0.2" | 0.2" |
| Average annual snowfall* | 354" | 323" |
| Snowiest months | Mar, Feb, Jan | Mar, Apr, Feb |
| Pass (2026-27) | Epic Pass | Epic Pass |
| Summit elevation | 11,570 ft | 11,440 ft |
| Base elevation | 8,120 ft | 8,100 ft |
| Vertical drop | 3,450 ft | 3,340 ft |
| Nearest airport | Eagle County Regional (EGE) | Eagle County Regional (EGE) |
| Opening day | Scheduled Nov 13 | Scheduled Nov 25 |
| Location | Colorado | Colorado |
Forecasts are mid-mountain from Open-Meteo, updated every 6 hours. Snowiest months come from 10 seasons of modeled weather data. *Average annual snowfall is resort-reported (sources: Vail, Wikipedia, Beaver Creek, Wikipedia).
Plan a Vail trip
Plan a Beaver Creek trip
Vail vs Beaver Creek FAQ
Which is better, Vail or Beaver Creek?
The two are about 20 minutes apart. Vail is bigger and busier with more nightlife; Beaver Creek is quieter, more polished, and easier with kids.
Which gets more snow, Vail or Beaver Creek?
On average, Vail reports more snow: about 354 inches a year, compared with about 323 inches at Beaver Creek (resort-reported averages). As of November 8, 2026, Vail has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days and Beaver Creek has 0.0".
Which is higher, Vail or Beaver Creek?
Vail has the higher summit at 11,570 ft. Vail tops out at 11,570 ft and Beaver Creek at 11,440 ft.
Which has more vertical, Vail or Beaver Creek?
Vail has more vertical: 3,450 ft from base to summit, versus 3,340 ft at Beaver Creek.
Are Vail and Beaver Creek on the Epic or Ikon Pass?
Vail: Epic Pass. Beaver Creek: Epic Pass. Pass coverage is for the 2026-27 season; see Ikon vs Epic for blackout dates.
What airports serve Vail and Beaver Creek?
Vail: Eagle County Regional (EGE). Beaver Creek: Eagle County Regional (EGE).