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M O U N TA I N T R A I L S
THE SUPER SEVEN Our man On the Hill ‘s definitive list on Beaver Creek’s best views
ROSS LEONHART MOVED
to Vail fresh out of college because that’s where he was offered a job. In the spirit of making the most of his new home, he started riding his snowboard roughly 150 days a season — and most of that at Beaver Creek. “Beaver Creek makes it easy to always be a tourist,” he says. “My friends have learned that I’m always a few moments behind because I’m constantly stopping to take pictures, even though I’m up there almost every day.” From riding chairlifts to navigating powder stashes in the trees, here’s Leonhart’s go-to list of classic spots that are worth a stop in order to get that idyllic Colorado shot: DROP INTO ROSE BOWL From the top of Centennial Express Lift, Beaver Creek Mountain is your snowflake. Strap up or click in and head east toward Rose Bowl,
Riding the Birds of Prey Express Lift
where the entrance opens up to views of Vail and the mighty Gore Range in the distance. Rose Bowl can be a bit bumpy — if you like that sort of thing — and the steep slopes are perfect for gripping and ripping down fresh groomers.
The entrance to Rose Bowl
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RACE DOWN BIRDS OF PREY The annual World Cup men’s ski races may have been canceled due to early season conditions — or lack thereof — but the trails the world’s fastest men on two planks
speed down make for an exhilarating ride for you and I. The Birds of Prey Express Lift provides access to all black and double-black diamond runs, including Golden Eagle, Peregrine and Kestrel. EXPLORE ROYAL ELK GLADE The top of Grouse Mountain Express Lift seems like a good place for a Grinch to live, but Who’s young and old will feast their eyes on views from Narnia in Royal Elk Glade. The blood is still pumping when you hit
ROSS LEONHART