vova

Hello Fodorites,
I am trying to plan a trip for our 10 year anniversary. We've never been to Colorado and are wondering if there are fun things to do in the Beaver Creek / Vail area in the late summer / early fall (we're thinking Labor Day).
We love the outdoors (hiking, biking, etc.) and also love walking around fun little towns and enjoying some good wine and food. Some evening/nightlife adventures are good too in case there are some good bars and lounges.

We're active and in our mid/late 30's. Any advice would be much appreciated.

We'll have a car and will likely be staying in the Westin property outside of Beaver Creek (Avon?).

Thanks again!

fmpden

Avon is not a very exciting place to stay. Breckenridge, Vail will be far more active. Labor Day is generally a good weekend in the mountains. It is the wrap up of the summer and will have a number a special events at the resorts area. Goggle Breckenridge, Frisco, Copper Mt., and Vail. Copper used to have a really big blow out on Labor Day but we have been out of town for the past several Labor Days so don't exactly what is happening. Denver itself has the Taste of Colorado in the downtown area.

Jean

I agree with fmpden about Avon. It's not a bad location for driving to other places, but you won't find much charm. Since you enjoy wine, you should stay where you can walk to/from dinner or be willing to use the excellent Vail Valley bus service. Do not drink and drive.

We had a great visit to Vail last August and found more options for activities than we had time. In the last week of August, hotels, even in the central core of Vail Village, were offering incredibly low rates for walk-in guests, lower than the rate we had pre-booked before leaving home.

vova

thanks for the suggestions. we were thinking about staying at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa using our starwood points. Is this in an inconvenient location. It says it's an 8 minute drive to Beaver Creek and 15 minutes to Vail - is that incorrect?

vova

We were also thinking Aspen as an option - how is that as a September destination compared to the Vail/Beaver Creek areas?

fmpden

It really depends on what you want to do. Each location has advantages and disadvantages.

The times for BC and Avon are mostly accurate assuming no in town traffic problems. B Creek is a somewhat gated community and Avon is the bedroom community that services BC. Avon sits on both sides of I-70 at the base of the BC mountain. From Avon you drive up and into the ski base at BC. Parking is very limited. There is a plaza there surround by a few shops, restaurants, and mostly condos. Vail is east about 10 miles or so and sits along I-70 for about ten miles. Vail is far more developed with lots of shops and restaurants and parking is easy.

Aspen is totally different. It is two hours further west and sits at the end of basically a box canyon. It is more isolated and would be long drive to go anywhere. In someways more laid back and less touristy than Vail but it is pricey with shops only available on the east or west of the US. And that is very appealing to some people.

Given your original statement I would opt for someplace like Breckenridge or Vail. Surely there is a property in Breckenridge that is on the list.

Jean

If it must be a Starwood property, then I'd try for the St. Regis in Aspen. It's a beautiful property in a great location, and there's lots to do in Aspen. The only negative I can think of is the distance from Denver, assuming that's where you're flying in/out.