Beaver Creek Resort

Beaver Creek Resort, high in the Colorado Rockies, is a launch reserved for a small circle of pilots rather than a walk-up site — it is currently closed to outside flying, and even when open, access is by invitation only, requiring membership in the local soaring club and supervision by a site monitor. Getting to the single launch point, at the top of the Golden Eagle downhill ski run, also requires a resort lift pass. The site is sponsored for P3 and P4-rated pilots, calls for current national pilot-association membership, and mandates a reserve parachute and radio — it is not appropriate for hang gliders. When flying is permitted, the standard route is a short cross-country glide north to the resort's golf course, where free shuttles bring pilots back to the lift; Beano's Cabin and areas near Avon serve as alternate landing options. Given the closure, the invitation-only access and the advanced rating requirements, this is not a site for casual or visiting pilots — anyone hoping to fly it needs to go through the club's own process first.

Launch & conditions

Single launch point at the top of the Golden Eagle downhill ski run, reached only with a resort lift pass; access is currently closed and, even when open, is by invitation only through the local soaring club with site-monitor supervision.

Getting there & local rules

Contact the site's managing club for current access status and requirements before planning a visit.

Local rules & hazards

Flying is sponsored for P3/P4-rated pilots only, requires current national pilot-association membership plus a reserve parachute and radio, and is not appropriate for hang gliders. The site is presently closed to outside flying.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Beaver Creek Resort, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Beaver Creek Resort with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.