The Pines Lodge at Beaver Creek is one of the most famous ski-in/ski-out lodges in the Vail Valley, if not all of Colorado. Not only does the resort have access to some of the best skiing in the state, it also boasts a world-class, championship golf course. Golf aside (as if), the Pines Lodge, and Beaver Creek itself, offers a wide range of amenities, including the Grouse Mountain Grill, one of the finest restaurants of its class in the state. The Pines Lodge, with just 60 guest rooms, is small by comparison to some of its peers in the area, but this, I think, is part of its charm: warm and intimate, and eminently typical of what one expects a mountain ski lodge to be. Rustic though elegant, and nestled among ancient groves of aspen and pine, from whence it takes its name, with splendid views of Beaver Creek Resort:
Beaver Creek Resort is the product of a plan to combine unique mountain and village environments. Originally designed to become a premier, year-round mountain destination, Beaver Creek offers a combination of western hospitality and the charm of an old-world European village. It’s a combination that seems to have worked for Beaver Creek has played host to many a world-class event, including the 1989 the World Ski Championships. A year earlier, village-to-village skiing opened as Bachelor Gulch was added and construction began on a new downhill course. The result was “Birds of Prey,” which today is acclaimed as one of the three most difficult World Cup descents.
The Golf Courses:
Vail, until just a few weeks ago, never ranked very high on my list of must-play golf destinations. But it should have been. In Vail, they say the Valley is serious about its golf and, with 13 championship golf courses in the area, I can see why. As a high-altitude destination, Vail is a golfer's paradise. From local public courses to the championship Red Sky Golf Club and Beaver Creek Golf Club, there’s something to suit players of all levels of skill. True, some of the courses play a little tough, but even those have been designed to make play enjoyable for all.
Beaver Creek Golf Club:
Located only steps away from the Pines lodge, right at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, lies a Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece. The 18-hole, championship layout is as visually beautiful as is enjoyable to play. A true mountain golf course featuring spectacular views, tight fairways and great playing conditions, and wickedly sculpted greens, Beaver Creek Golf Club is one of the Valley’s must-play courses.
Red Sky Golf Club:
Internationally famous, the two championship courses at Red Sky are Located just 15 minutes from The Pines Lodge. I had heard something of these two signature courses in the weeks leading up to my visit, and was expecting to be impressed, and I wasn’t disappointed. Tom Fazio and Greg Norman might well have been in competition (they weren’t) to see who could outdo the other. Tom Fazio and Greg Norman have left an indelible mark on the high mountains of Colorado: two courses unlike anything I’ve seen before and, incredibly, right next door to one another. Red Sky Golf Club is an alpine playground that will build memories for a lifetime: a wild, Rocky Mountain world of sage, aspen, and sweeping mountain vistas.
Special Package:
Exclusive to About.com Golf Travel readers, this package is available through October 12, 2008, and includes: One night accommodation at The Pines Lodge, a RockResort, and one round of golf per person at Beaver Creek Golf Course. Rates start at $292.78 for two people based on double occupancy. Tax and resort fee included. Subject to availability and blackout dates apply. Reservations can be made by calling 877-912-7669.
- Compare Prices on nights for the Lodge at Vail Square
How to Get There:
The best option, in my opinion, is to fly into Denver International Airport, then rent a car and drive over to Vail. It should take no more than a couple of hours and the scenery along the way is spectacular.
Look for the best airline and car rental deals with these two aggregators, which provide travelers with the most up-to-date search tool to compare prices on airfares and car rentals of all ratings:
My Review of Rock Resorts Golf TrailContact:
The Pines Lodge at Beaver Creak, 141 Scott Hill Road, Beaver Creek, CO 81620: 970-754-7200141 Scott Hill Road, Beaver Creek, CO 81620 | 970-754-7200And don’t forget: there are many other opportunities for great golf all over the world. Favorite locations include Scotland, Florida, the American Southwest, Bermuda, the Bahamas and many more. For up-to-date golf travel news and information, be sure to Subscribe to my weekly Newsletter.
