"DZN" writes:

I ski blues and single diamonds, never expert runs. I really like
Vail and wouldn't be tired of it but thought Beaver Creek might be
nice but don't know anything about. Can someone give me a comparison
of the two places.

Beaver Creek is designed for you. Acres and acres of blue. The
blacks are just steep, treed or ungroomed blues. You would probably
even enjoy most of the double-blacks, if it has snowed recently.
There are lots of long runs.

You probably wouldn't enjoy Birds of Prey.

At peak times, Beaver Creek is much less crowded than Vail. Lift
lines are almost nonexistant compared to Vail. Skiiers and boarders
are more likely to know their level and respect it; you don't have to
constantly dodge idiots and the boarders generally haven't scraped off
all the good powder and bumps.

Outstanding instruction for intermediate skiiers.

Accomodations and food are higher-class and more expensive than Vail.
Avon is nearby and has more affordable bread and board.

I'm an Alta/Big Sky/Jackson Hole powder-and-trees skiier, but I
enjoyed Beaver Creek. One nice family element is that an expert can
ski with intermediates or even novices; there are trees and ungreoomed
to the side of most of the groomers.

--
dhs