Many resorts pile on the enticements for driving to the mountains and fighting traffic that is blessedly lighter than in winter.
But Beaver Creek Mountain Resort – maybe because it’s an exit farther – seems to work a little harder. And that’s exactly what makes it such a top-notch summer getaway. Check out some reasons why:
Rodeo at Beaver Creek, below Beaver Creek at the Confluence site. An exhausting amount of work must go into putting this thing on for eight Thursdays every summer (this is the fourth year), but they do it anyway, and it’s a hoot. From the calf scramble to classic mutton bustin’, burro racin’ and bull ridin’, the Beaver Creek rodeo is mad mayhem from the second it starts. And the smell of barbecue, which they also sell, makes everyone crazy the entire time.
Fun factor: High. Some of the younger (5 years and under) kids seemed to get bored about halfway through, and the teenagers were into it only when there were cute boys involved. But the adults loved it all the way, especially when there was pain involved (on the parts of the cowboys, not the animals). The petting zoo and face painting helped with the young ‘uns, and since they got in free anyway, it was hard to complain.
Details: The rodeo runs through Aug. 11 between the Seasons Building and U.S. 6. Gates open at 5 p.m., with events running from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $20 for VIP adult seating; $15 adults, $8 seniors, $5 ages 13-17 and kids 12 and under free. Free parking and shuttle at the Elk Lot. Call 970-845-9090 or visit beavercreek.com for more info.
Prima Donna Spa for Little Divas at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. Even adults can’t resist peeking into the ultra-cool white tent set up next to the pool behind the Park Hyatt, with its pink- and-white, candy-striped deck, fuzzy bean-bag seats and smoothly polished teenage stylists offering services such as Chocolate Chip Dip Hand Moisturizer, Sweet Cheeks Makeover and Face Frosting Face Mask.
The prices are reasonable even by resort standards, and the trained salon employees put first-time spa visitors at ease.
Fun factor: Very high. My daughters had to be dragged away from the place, and while they were being pampered, other children staying at the hotel buzzed around like bees, lured by the scent of buttercream frosting lotion.
Details: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations required, but you don’t have to stay at the Park Hyatt to use Prima Donna or its parent within the hotel, Allegria Spa. Prices vary from $15 for nail polish to $30 for body scrub and massage. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Beaver Creek Resort in the Village, 970-748-7500.
Nordic walking at the Beaver Creek Hiking Center. Nordic walking is all the rage in Finland. And if it’s good enough for them, well, who are we to argue with plopping down $15 to pick up rubber-tipped poles and trot around looking like you stole the legs from a flamingo?
Yes, these poles have little rubber feet on them, and this type of walking has evolved from summer training for cross-country skiers into the way to get some nice, hottie ski instructor during his off-season time to take you on an hour- and-a-half guided tour of the area.
Fun factor: Well, that depends on the instructor, or whether you actually like wandering around looking as though you forgot it’s the middle of summer and you forgot your cross-country skis.
No, really, it is a great workout, and a bunch of people are doing it.
Details: Beaver Creek Hiking Center, open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 6 and on weekends through September. Call 970-845-5373 or visit
beavercreek.com.
Bungee trampoline jumping, miniature golf and rock climbing, next to the Village at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. The resort has plunked down a mini-recreation area right up against the stunning scenery, and for the most part it works.
The best of the batch by far is the bungee trampoline jumping, where participants are attached to a harness and then shot like a rocket up into space, only to plunge back down to earth rapidly and then shoot up again. This lasts for only three minutes, at a cost of $10, but kids want it to go on for hours. Most adults are exhausted and only figure out how to tuck their heads and feet in simultaneously and flip over about 10 seconds before the time is up. OK, maybe that was just me.
Fun factor: High for the bungee thing, medium for the rock wall (like real rock climbing, the way this thing is exposed, it’s hotter than Hades when the sun’s out) and medium for the miniature golf, which features short and not very challenging layouts that quickly get bogged down if many people are playing.
It’s kind of a bummer that the employees running these three things can range from bored to truly irritated you are there.
Details: Located right at the base of the mountain. Bungee trampoline is $10 for three minutes, miniature golf is $7 per person and the rock wall is $10 for three climbs. There is also a combo deal available for all three (three-minute bungee, three rock wall climbs and mini golf) for $22 per person. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Black Family Ice Rink, in the Village. It just rocks that there is somewhere to ice skate outside in the summer. Everyone should do it at least once.
Fun factor: Way high. Blooming flowers are everywhere, and you can wear shorts. The only downside is that the rental cost is up there; bring your own skates if you have them.
Details: Open 6 to 10 p.m. through Labor Day. Costs $2 per person; skate rental is $5 for children, $10 for adults. Call 970-845-0438 for more info.
Travel editor Kyle Wagner can be reached at 303-820-1599 or travel@denverpost.com.
