Avon, Colorado: The Vail Valley’s Gateway to Beaver Creek

Avon is the valley-floor town at the base of Beaver Creek in the Vail Valley — an affordable, convenient base with a gondola to the slopes and Nottingham Lake in the heart of town.

The short version: Avon is the friendly valley-floor town at the base of Beaver Creek, right on I-70 in the heart of the Vail Valley. It is where a lot of savvy visitors actually base themselves — more down-to-earth and affordable than the resort villages, with a gondola up to the slopes, a lakefront park in the middle of town, and Vail just up the road.

Where Avon is

Avon sits directly off Interstate 70 in Eagle County, about ten minutes west of Vail and right below the slopes of Beaver Creek. That location makes it one of the most convenient bases in the valley: you are close to two world-class ski mountains, on the main highway for easy trips up and down the corridor, and steps from everyday conveniences like groceries and restaurants that the pricier resort villages lack.

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Your gateway to Beaver Creek

Avon is the valley-floor gateway to Beaver Creek. From the Riverfront district you can ride a gondola up toward the mountain, or hop the free local shuttles up to Beaver Creek Village. That means you can stay down in Avon — often for a good deal less than lodging on the mountain — and still be skiing in minutes. See skiing in Colorado for how Beaver Creek fits into the Epic Pass lineup.

Nottingham Lake & Park

The heart of town is Harry A. Nottingham Park, a green space wrapped around a small lake right in the middle of Avon. In summer it is the place to be: paddleboarding and kayaking on the water, a beach, sports fields, a playground, walking paths, and a steady calendar of free concerts and a farmers market. Come winter, part of it becomes an outdoor ice-skating spot. It gives Avon a genuine town center that the resort bases don’t have.

Why base yourself in Avon

For a lot of families and groups, Avon hits the sweet spot: more affordable lodging than Vail or Beaver Creek Village, real grocery stores and casual restaurants, easy parking, and quick access to both mountains plus the valley’s paved recreation path along the Eagle River. See where to stay in Colorado to compare your options across the valley.

Getting there

Avon is a straight shot on I-70 — roughly two hours west of Denver, or a short drive from the Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) just down the valley. The free town and valley shuttle buses make it easy to get around once you arrive without moving the car. For the drive up from the airport or over the passes, see our guide to getting around Colorado.

Avon, Colorado FAQ

Where is Avon, Colorado?

Avon is in the Vail Valley in Eagle County, right on Interstate 70 at the base of Beaver Creek. It is about ten minutes west of Vail and roughly two hours west of Denver.

How do you get to Beaver Creek from Avon?

Avon is the valley-floor gateway to Beaver Creek. You can ride a gondola up from Avon's Riverfront district toward the mountain or take the free shuttles up to Beaver Creek Village, so you can stay in Avon and be skiing in minutes.

What is there to do in Avon besides skiing?

The centerpiece is Harry A. Nottingham Park and its lake, with paddleboarding, a beach, sports fields, walking paths, free summer concerts and a farmers market, and outdoor ice skating in winter. Avon also sits on the valley's paved recreation path and puts both Vail and Beaver Creek within easy reach.

Is Avon a good place to stay in the Vail Valley?

Yes. Avon is generally more affordable than staying in Vail or Beaver Creek Village, and it offers real grocery stores, casual dining, easy parking, and quick access to both ski mountains, which makes it a popular base for families and groups.