Beaver Creek Chairlift Lunch
After a morning of horseback riding we worked up quite an appetite. With the exception of a few fluffy clouds, the sky was clear as far as the eye could see, sporting a brilliant gemstone blue. The temperature was comfortable and a cool breeze was blowing in from the north. It seemed a perfect time to take a ride up the mountain.
During the summer months, Beaver Creek operates the Centennial Express Lift from the base of the mountain at 8100’ to the Spruce Saddle Lodge at 10,200’. Adults can purchase a ticket for $17 and children under 12 ride for free. Twenty-five dollars buys an adult lift ticket and lunch. We hopped the lift, which seats four comfortably, and began the 2100’ ascent up the mountain.
As we soared above the tall green pine trees, we were greeted by a cool breeze, the perfect compliment to the sunshine and blue sky. Incidentally, there is something about the sky here that is bluer than blue. It’s a very rich, saturated blue, and a beautiful sight to behold. The Centennial Lift is stationed on the east side of the mountain. As our elevation increased, we got an eyeful of gorgeous scenery all around. The first thing I noticed was Grouse Mountain, the latest addition to Beaver Creek’s inventory of trails, due to open for the winter ski season. Beyond this peak to the west was the other portion of Beaver Creek’s existing trails. Having skied since I was ten-years old, there is still something cool about seeing trails WITHOUT snow on them. It’s fun to imagine how they will look once covered with the white stuff, and how the artists of the slopes will carve the runs to challenge various skill levels.
A little higher up I decided to look over my shoulder at Beaver Creek Village. As beautiful from the mountain as it from the ground, the village is a Scandinavian paradise. The varied architecture and layout of the resort is a sight to see. For the first time, I was able to see the 18-hole golf course, comfortably nestled in the southern edge of the resort. But even grander than the village was what I saw as my eyes moved upward. There, before me, was the grand spectacle of the Rocky Mountains. The — range sat just beyond some smaller peaks, with their craggy tops reaching upwards of 13,000’. Pockets of snow that never melt appeared on the peaks. It was a breathtaking view. I know people who live here probably get used to seeing it, but I never tire of the awesome wonders of creation.
The ride to the top was approximately 10 minutes. As we approached the top, the chair slowed down significantly, allowing the children plenty of time to get their footing and step off. The view from the top of the lift was magnificent. Not only did we have a great view of the ski resort, but we could also spot the back bowls of Vail about 10 miles to the east.
The Spruce Saddle Lodge accommodates approximately 500 people during peak season, with plenty of indoor and outdoor tables. The caf offers your standard fast food fare; hamburgers, chicken nuggets, barbecue beef, french fries, etc. It is a bit on the pricey side ($9 for a kid’s burger, fries and drink), but it’s the only game in town, and the scenery more than makes up for it. We all ordered a burger and split a couple oversized brownies.
Beaver Creek provides additional recreational activities at the Spruce Saddle. There are plenty of balls, bats, and other outdoor game stuff for the entire family to enjoy. They even have a Frisbee golf course! We sat down to enjoy the view and saw storm clouds rolling in, so we decided to head back down. As we approached the lift we were told there was a threat of lightning, so they were forced to shut it down. It was suggested that we kick back and relax for 20 minutes or so until they got an all clear. And that’s exactly what we did, taking in a long drink of all the beauty surrounding us, while seated in cozy lawn chairs under that crisp azure sky. Meanwhile the kids ran around playing horseshoes, exploring the mountaintop, and generally enjoying the delay as only children can. The all clear finally came and they asked everyone to leave the mountain immediately since a storm was indeed on its way.
The ride down was spectacular as we got a front seat view of the entire valley. We were all smiles as we chatted about how fun the ride was, how cool the breeze felt, and how breathtakingly beautiful Beaver Creek looked from there. I can only imagine how different the view will be in the winter once it is entirely blanketed in snow!
