Resort Comparison

Beaver Creek Resort vs Smugglers' Notch Resort

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Beaver Creek Resort offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school starting at age 2.5 may be decisive for families with young children.

The Verdict

Beaver Creek Resort leads with 3 wins

Best for Families

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Ski school from age 2.5

Best Snowfall

Beaver Creek Resort

106.8" average season

Best Terrain

Beaver Creek Resort

4,040' of vertical

Best Value

Smugglers' Notch Resort

$99 day pass

Easiest Access

Smugglers' Notch Resort

1h from BTV

Best Village Vibe

Beaver Creek Resort

World-class village experience

Beaver Creek Resort

Colorado, United States

$$$$Epic

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Vermont, USA

$$Independent

Family

Ski School Age

3+

2.5+

Full-Day Program

Beginner Terrain

8.5

9.0

Walkability

9.0

8.5

Village Vibe

9.5

9.5

Mountain

Vertical

4,040'

2,610'

Skiable Area

1,832 ac

311 ac

Green Runs

19%

25%

Trails

167

78

Lifts

25

8

Getting There

Airport

DEN

BTV

Drive Time

2.2h

1h

Road Ease

7.0

7.5

Cost

Passes

Epic

Independent

Day Pass

$269

$99

Cost Tier

Luxury

Moderate

Village

Dining

Excellent

Moderate

Grocery

Spa

Pool

Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Beaver Creek Resort

106.8"

avg season

2024-25 season

88.6" total

83%

Smugglers' Notch Resort

88.3"

avg season

2024-25 season

86.2" total

98%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr

107"53"0"

Beaver Creek Resort

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Key Insights

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Beaver Creek Resort offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school starting at age 2.5 may be decisive for families with young children.

Key Differences

Beaver Creek Resort offers more terrain variety (1,832 acres vs 311 acres)
Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school accepts children from age 2.5, while Beaver Creek Resort starts at age 3
Beaver Creek Resort has greater vertical drop (4,040' vs 2,610'), offering longer runs
Smugglers' Notch Resort is moderately priced while Beaver Creek Resort falls in the luxury category
Smugglers' Notch Resort has more beginner/intermediate terrain (81% green and blue), while Beaver Creek Resort skews more advanced (38% black and double black)

Best For

Beaver Creek Resort

Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (1,832 acres)
Those seeking an upscale, premium experience
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Parents with young children (ski school from age 2.5)
Budget-conscious families
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

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Explore More

Regions

British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners

Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide

Best Time to Go Skiing