The McCoy Park at Beaver Creek is one of the best keep secrets on the mountain. Beaver Creek Resort is know for the World Cup, Birds of Prey and mogul strewn aspen groves as far as the eye can see; but if you look just to the west of the Strawberry Park Express Lift you will find McCoy Park and all that this hideaway has to offer.
The McCoy Park holds over 32 kilometers of groomed and rustic trails; playing host for avid cross-country skiers and snowshoe fiends. Nuzzled between Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch villages, McCoy Park offers spectacular views of local mountain ranges, including the Gore Range and the Rocky Mountain Range. The high alpine trails range in elevation from 9,840 feet-10,200 feet and vary from beginner to advanced. McCoy Park dictates the level of difficulty of each trail on their trail maps, as well as weather each trail permits cross-country skiing or solely snowshoeing. My favorite trek starts with the Cabin trail up to the Cabin Cut-off, continuing onto Pegasus and finishing with the ascent to the Discovery Overlook via the Polaris trail. The views from the top of the Discovery Outlook are mesmerizing and a great opportunity to snap a family photo.
If you need any gear, the Nordic Sports Center is your Eden. The Nordic Sports Center is located along side the Strawberry Park Express or the #12 Chair and is fully loaded. If you are at the main base area of Beaver Creek Village it is located just across the bridge via walking or the ever-convenient magic carpet ride. They have a plethora of brands and styles from Classical, Skate, Telemark and Snowshoe equipment up for rent or to bring home. You can also purchase your lift tickets, schedule a private lesson, or hire a guide for the day. Once you reach the top of the lift you will encounter the warming hut, picnic tables, a rustic yurt as well as an outhouse.
The most enchanting part of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is the sheer lack of sound. As you wistfully glide through the deserted forest the noise around you seems to transform and dissipate, until only the small squeak of your touring poles pressing forward through the fluff echoes, for miles, a soft rhythm. What may seem to be deafening silence soon becomes serene bliss and you are lost in the wilderness. Simply put, it is the best escape.
The McCoy Park lift ticket price is $32 for adults, $20 for seniors 65 and over, and kids 12 and under. There are no half-day tickets available; you can hike as long as your legs will carry you. This ticket is a foot passenger only ticket for cross country skiers and snowshoers, you can’t jump into your ski boots halfway thru the day, the ticket won’t work on any other location on the mountain. I am never in a rush to leave; ranked as the #2 Top Snowshoe Friendly Resort in North America, Beaver Creek’s McCoy Park is designed to fulfill your every need.
The Deets:
Where?
- McCoy Park at Beaver Creek Resort, Avon, Colorado
Dates?
- McCoy Park is open from December 14, 2013 – Mid April, 2014.
Hours of Operation?
- Open daily 8:45AM – 4:00PM
Ticket Prices?
- $32 for adults
- $20 for seniors 65 and over, and kids 12 and under.
Special Offers?
- Children age 12 and under receive $20 off the adult price on half-day and all-day cross country and snowshoe tours. Discounts not valid on telemark lessons.
Features?
- Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoe, Hiking, Wildlife Sightings, Photo-op, Sweeping Mountain Views
Extra Goodies?
- Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch Village, Town of Avon
New This Season?
- McCoy Park 5 Pass: Adults $135 & Children/Seniors $85
- Purchase 5 days of track/lift access to McCoy Park, good for the entire season, non transferable.