Embrace Winter’s Beauty With A Weekend Getaway in Beaver Creek
Lodge in luxury at Beaver Creek Resort in a quite cabin with a breathtaking view
When the lifts roll to a stop and the last skiers and snow-boarders schuss toward the lights and revelry of Beaver Creek’s base area, those fortunate enough to snag a stay at the exclusive Trappers Cabin in Beaver Creek get to ski to a very different experience.
Perched on the mountain adjacent to, but removed from, the ski runs near McCoy Park, Trappers is a three-story, four-bedroom, idyllic retreat exuding the character of the log cabins built by early settlers while providing the luxury that guests have come to expect from the resort that boasted the tagline “Not Exactly Roughing It.”
In 1986, Vail Associates’ mountain planner Mike Larson came up with the idea for Trappers Cabin in anticipation of the upcoming 1989 World Alpine Skiing Championships. Vail Associates owner George Gillett endorsed it; his wife, Rose, was the first interior designer.
Trappers Cabin has many amenities but the view is definitely one of the perks with stellar sight lines to the Gore Range. | Photo courtesy of Madison Miller, Beaver Creek Resort
“Trappers was actually built at the top of Bachelor Gulch before Bachelor Gulch (and The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch) was even in a concept phase,” says Kori Beckman, director of lodging and general manager for Beaver Creek Hotels.
The idea was inspired by the 10th Mountain Division’s backcountry hut system, a collection of log cabins that sleep up to 16 guests. The 10th Mountain Division huts are situated at various points near Vail and Aspen and can be described as rustic and utilitarian.
Designed by Vail-based architect Jack Zehren and Zehren and Associates, Trappers Cabin, though similar in concept, can only be described as posh, palatial and plush.
Built at the same time as Beano’s Cabin, which is known for adventurous (it’s only accessible by snow cat during the winter) fine dining, Trappers’ first promotional brochure described it as a “unique blending of old and new… . This isolated log cabin with its large fireplace sleeps no more than 10 comfortably arranged. Quiet and serenity are assured. There is no television or telephone yet the kitchen houses modern appliances and a Jacuzzi hot tub soothes muscles wearied by strenuous days of downhill skiing and cross-country touring on nearby trails.”
An elegant log home that sleeps up to 10, Trappers Cabin offers ski-in, ski-out access to downhill winter activities as well as snowshoeing. | Photo courtesy of Madison Miller, Beaver Creek Resort
Trappers Cabin was renovated in 2008, updating the amenities (including a game room) while elevating the alpine chic feel. Features included all new bedrooms, baths, fireplaces, wood floors, appliances, furniture and hot tub; there’s even a discrete television. The Cabin Keeper will stock Trappers’ commercial kitchen with the supplies requested by guests, who can also work with the Beaver Creek dining team to arrange for personal chef services. But all of the luxury is not necessarily the main draw.
Instead, the most appreciated features can be found not in Trappers itself but in its surroundings. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from the porch and the hot tub; the murmur of the aspens and occasional bird- song replace the hubbub of normal life. Visitors are by invitation-only, unless the occasional deer, elk or bear wanders by.
After a full day on the mountain, guests can relax in the outdoor hut tub and enjoy the expansive views. | Photo courtesy of Beaver Creek Resort
“Staying at Trappers Cabin is a unique experience because of the remoteness, the tranquility,” Beckman explains. “During the winter you get fresh tracks, first tracks, every single day. You’re already on the mountain, skiing out from Trappers—you can start skiing before the chair lifts even start running.”
If you go: Trappers Cabin is open for reservations from early December until the base areas on the western hillside of Beaver Creek close for the spring; it’s also available in early July (after elk calving season) until mid-October. Rates range from $1,500 a night to $8,000 a night with a three- to seven-night requirement.
TRAPPERS CABIN
Visit beavercreek.com
or call 888-598-4314 to book.
Katie Coakley is a freelance writer based in Eagle County. She’s written for a variety of local and national newspapers and magazines. She’s currently recruiting nine other people to book a stay at Trappers Cabin next winter.
