New Parking for 2016/17

Good Afternoon,

As we plan for 2016-2017, we want to share a new plan for guest and employee parking effective at the start of the winter season.

Parking at Elk and Big Bear lots consistently exceeded their capacities during the 2015-2016 ski season; in several recent seasons, the lots have exhibited similar constraints.  Beaver Creek’s parking and transit systems have reached a threshold which requires a new management strategy.  Due to the growing need to better manage Beaver Creek’s parking demands, a flat, $10 fee per vehicle will be charged during winter for use of the Elk and Big Bear parking lots which will begin at the start to the 2016-2017 ski season, and will remain in effect through closing day.  Elk and Big Bear lots will open for free parking at 1 p.m. each afternoon, which is when capacity needs diminish. Additionally, designated preferred parking spaces will be reserved for those who rideshare with four or more passengers per vehicle. Payment of $10 per vehicle per day occurs upon departure via credit card; cash payment will be offered during peak exit periods via roving parking staff.

We’ve worked diligently to communicate in person with Beaver Creek’s stakeholders.  Today, we’ll also distribute the information to our local guests and pass holders, as well as to our community media partners.  The media news release is attached for your reference.  Below is an FAQ list that you may find helpful if guests or colleagues have questions.

The Wolf Lot will be reserved exclusively for resort employee, merchant employee and lodging employee parking.  This will be the first time Beaver Creek has provided dedicated, free employee-only parking location.  Additionally, Beaver Creek will implement rideshare communications and incentive programs.  Designated preferred parking spaces will be reserved for employees who rideshare. The Little Bear Lot will remain reserved for free employee-only overflow parking.

New dedicated employee-only shuttles will operate between the Wolf Lot and Beaver Creek Village from early morning until 7 p.m., which will reduce commute time by approximately 15 minutes.  Employees returning to their vehicle after late-evening shifts will utilize guest shuttles. 

Parking at Arrowhead will remain free. Beaver Creek Landing will offer a 10-minute drop-off zone; Ford Hall and Villa Montane garages will offer free parking for up to one hour.  Elk and Big Bear lots will offer a 30-minute grace period intended for pick-up and drop-off.  Beavo program pick-up and drop-off will be offered out of the Little Bear lot during the program’s 12 days, and Beavo instructors will park in Little Bear during the program’s offered dates.

Overflow parking will be hosted at Prater Road and the Rodeo lot.  Parking at these locations will be offered solely on select days during peak need.

Village Parking Structures
Ford Hall and Villa Montane structures will be upgraded with new access control equipment and cash or credit cards are accepted upon exit from 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.  Parking rates shall remain the same as the previous year.  Valet parking will be offered on weekends and holiday periods.

Parking in Beaver Creek’s lower lots and Village structures will remain free during summer.

Additional direct pick-up and drop-off shuttles will offer guests better access to Beaver Creek Village from both Big Bear and Elk lots will be offered daily.  By adding shuttle frequency and eliminating additional shuttle stops between parking and the village, guests’ ride time will be reduced by approximately 15 minutes.  Guests who wish to depart the resort via The Landing can access shuttles bound for Big Bear lot.

Further details pertaining to the new plan are under development and will be announced in the approaching months.  Guests are invited to contact Beaver Creek via email at comments@vailresorts.com during the summer months with questions pertaining to the new plan.

In recent years, parking in Elk and Little Bear lots has become constrained, and implementation of a paid parking program is a proven method of managing demand whiling ensuring better availability for Beaver Creek visitors. The new plan will create a better experience for resort guests, offer employees a more direct, expedited commute to and from Beaver Creek Village, and ensure more consistent availability and access for skiing guests and resort visitors.  The plan also includes new direct transportation services to the Beaver Creek Village from both the Elk and Big Bear lots, reducing both travel time and wait time for parking.

Further details – such as added shuttle times, program drop-off/pick-up guidelines, village parking upgrades – are under development and will be announced in the approaching months well in advance of ski season.

If you or your teams have additional questions or need assistance navigating the current details, then please contact Beaver Creek Communications at rwoods1@vailresorts.com or 970.754.5292.