Just 13 minutes (about 9 miles southwest of Vail), Beaver Creek was another brainchild of Vail's founder, Peter Seibert who envisioned Beaver Creek as a venue for the 1976 Olympics. It was, however, his successor - oil tycoon, Harry Bass - who brought the idea to fruition in 1980. In 1989 it hosted the World Ski Championship, thereby cementing its reputation as a go-to resort for world-class skiers. Beaver Creek Resort is, in fact, three resorts in one: Arrowhead, Bachelor Gulch, and Beaver Creek Village. Nestled against the slopes of Beaver Creek Mountain, the resort also boasts a golf course designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr. Voted "World's Best Resort" by Travel and Leisure in 2012, Beaver Creek's motto is: "Not exactly roughing it." In summer, you can get a birds-eye view of the landscape from a ride up the chairlifts or attend one of the many festivals sponsored by Beaver Creek which include "Blues, Brews and BBQ" in May, concerts at the Beaver Creek Music experience in June, and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in August. In Beaver Creek, you're smack dab in the middle of the Rockies, so the hiking, fishing, and sight-seeing possibilities are endless!