A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Aspen vs. Beaver Creek for Skiing, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aspen or Beaver Creek?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Beaver Creek can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Aspen and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Beaver Creek, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Beaver Creek is more popular for its theatre productions. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Aspen and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells.

How is Aspen different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaver Creek and Aspen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Aspen and Beaver Creek are first-rate places to visit for winter sports such as skiing.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Aspen. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Beaver Creek is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not so good for its shows and theatre. However, Aspen is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Aspen is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Aspen or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aspen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Beaver Creek. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a great ski town for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Aspen has something for everybody. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Music?

Aspen is a great ski town for live music. However, Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

Aspen has a thriving music scene. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a great ski town for its luxury resorts. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Aspen is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Both Aspen and Beaver Creek are destinations which offer high quality hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Many visitors go to Beaver Creek for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Beaver Creek?

Aspen is a great ski town for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Christmas?

Aspen is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Aspen. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a great ski town for visiting Christmas markets. However, Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen offers plenty of Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Beaver Creek does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an extremely popular town to visit for families. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Both Aspen and Beaver Creek are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Beaver Creek is a great ski town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aspen and Beaver Creek.

You'll find some public transit in Aspen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

While Beaver Creek offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is Aspen or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Beaver Creek?

Both Aspen and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Aspen. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

Families should spend more time in Beaver Creek than Aspen. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Beaver Creek, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than Beaver Creek. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aspen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Beaver Creek if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Aspen.

One day in Aspen or Beaver Creek?

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this charming destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the skiing. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Aspen or Beaver Creek?

Aspen is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Aspen or Beaver Creek?

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Beaver Creek is a fun place to experience. In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Aspen or Beaver Creek?

Aspen is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this adventurous destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Aspen and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aspen Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.