Is Beaver Creek, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Beaver Creek, Colorado, begin by researching Eagle County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a business license and compliance with zoning laws that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact the Town of Avon (which governs Beaver Creek) to obtain necessary permits including a short-term rental license, sales tax license, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a condo, townhome, or single-family residence in approved zones, with many investors focusing on ski-in/ski-out properties or those within walking distance to the village. Furnish the property with high-end amenities expected by luxury travelers, including quality linens, fully equipped kitchen, ski storage, hot tub if possible, and mountain-themed decor that reflects the alpine setting. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photography showcasing mountain views and proximity to Beaver Creek Resort, pricing competitively with area rates of $300-800+ per night depending on size and season. Manage the property by either handling bookings, cleaning, and guest communication yourself or hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa that specialize in Beaver Creek rentals, ensuring 24/7 guest support and maintaining the property to luxury resort standards expected in this high-end ski destination.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Beaver Creek, Colorado, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Beaver Creek Resort and Bachelor Gulch, prioritizing ski-in/ski-out access or properties with shuttle service to lifts, as these command premium rates of $400-800+ per night during peak winter season (December-March). Target 3-5 bedroom mountain homes, luxury condos, or townhomes built after 1990 with amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, mountain views, garage parking, and high-end finishes, as Beaver Creek attracts affluent guests expecting luxury accommodations. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $80,000-150,000+ annually, comparing cap rates against traditional rentals while factoring in Beaver Creek's 180+ night average occupancy for well-positioned properties. Research competition through Airbnb, VRBO, and local management companies like Beaver Creek Rentals and East West Hospitality to understand market saturation, with the sweet spot being luxury properties under $2M that can achieve 15-25% annual returns. Utilize STR-specific tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local market reports from Douglas Elliman and Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, while ensuring compliance with Eagle County's STR regulations and HOA restrictions that may limit rental activities in certain developments.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Beaver Creek, Colorado, you must apply through Eagle County's Community Development Department as Beaver Creek falls under their jurisdiction. Begin by submitting an application to Eagle County at 0037 Capitol Street, Eagle, CO 81631, or online through their permitting portal. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate spaces, septic system inspection (if applicable), fire safety inspection certificate, and liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $500-750 with annual renewal fees of $300-400. You must also obtain a Colorado state sales tax license and Eagle County business license, each costing around $50-100. The approval timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for complete applications. Beaver Creek specific requirements include adherence to deed restrictions and HOA covenants, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), quiet hours enforcement from 10 PM to 8 AM, designated contact person available 24/7 for issues, adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), and compliance with fire safety standards including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Properties must pass health department inspection and maintain current septic permits where applicable.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Beaver Creek, Colorado are legal but heavily regulated under Eagle County's comprehensive STR ordinance implemented in 2021. The regulations require STR operators to obtain annual licenses, pay fees, maintain liability insurance, and comply with occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and parking requirements. Properties must have designated local contacts available 24/7 and follow strict guest management protocols. Eagle County caps the total number of STR licenses and has established quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, with violations subject to significant fines up to $1,000 per incident. The regulations also mandate that STRs maintain the residential character of neighborhoods and include provisions for neighbor complaint procedures. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have tightened enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for non-compliance, while some residential zones have additional restrictions on the percentage of homes that can operate as STRs to preserve community housing stock for local workers.

The most lucrative Airbnb investment areas in Beaver Creek, Colorado center around the Village at Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch neighborhoods, which offer ski-in/ski-out access and proximity to luxury amenities like the Ritz-Carlton and Park Hyatt hotels, attracting high-end winter sports enthusiasts and summer outdoor recreation visitors year-round. The Arrowhead area presents excellent opportunities due to its championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., mountain biking trails, and stunning valley views that draw both leisure travelers and corporate retreat groups, particularly during the summer months when rates can command premium pricing. Avon, located at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, provides more affordable investment entry points while still offering shuttle access to ski slopes and hosting events at the Nottingham Park amphitheater, making it attractive for families and budget-conscious travelers. The McCoy Park area appeals to investors seeking properties near cross-country skiing, hiking trails, and the annual Beaver Creek Wine and Spirits Festival, while the Strawberry Park neighborhood offers a balance of luxury mountain living with access to both Beaver Creek and nearby Vail resorts, maximizing rental potential during peak ski season from December through March and summer festival seasons.

Airbnb properties in Beaver Creek, Colorado are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Colorado state lodging tax of 2.9%, Eagle County lodging tax of 1.2%, and the Beaver Creek Resort Company accommodation tax of 4.5%, totaling approximately 8.6% in combined lodging taxes. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began operating in Colorado around 2017. Airbnb remits these taxes quarterly to the appropriate jurisdictions including the Colorado Department of Revenue, Eagle County, and local authorities. Property owners must register with the Colorado Department of Revenue and obtain a sales tax license, and may need to file monthly or quarterly returns depending on their rental volume. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than short-term accommodations, and certain government or nonprofit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Beaver Creek, Colorado is approximately $2,850,000 to $3,100,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $2,500,000 to $2,800,000 for a median 3-4 bedroom mountain property suitable for vacation rentals in this luxury ski resort area. Furnishing costs range from $75,000 to $125,000 for high-end mountain lodge style furniture, appliances, linens, and décor appropriate for the upscale clientele. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $5,000 to $8,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and Eagle County registration fees amount to $2,500 to $4,000. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage run $8,000 to $12,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $1,500 to $2,000 monthly or $9,000 to $12,000 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, property management, supplies, maintenance, and platform fees total $25,000 to $35,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees of $3,000 to $6,000 for six months and emergency repair fund of $10,000 to $15,000.

Airbnb properties in Beaver Creek, Colorado demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $300-800 during peak ski season (December-March) and $150-400 in summer months, generating annual revenues of $75,000-180,000 for well-positioned properties. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 10-15% for property management fees, 8-12% for utilities, and 15-20% for taxes and insurance, resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for successful operators. Success factors include proximity to ski lifts and hiking trails, luxury amenities like hot tubs and mountain views, professional photography and dynamic pricing strategies, with properties within walking distance of Beaver Creek Village commanding premium rates. A typical 3-bedroom luxury condo near the base village can generate $150,000 annually with $90,000 in expenses, yielding $60,000 profit (40% margin), while properties further from amenities may see 20-25% margins. The market benefits from Beaver Creek's upscale positioning compared to nearby Vail, attracting affluent guests willing to pay premium rates, though success requires significant upfront investment in furnishing and ongoing attention to guest experience and seasonal demand fluctuations.

Airbnb investments in Beaver Creek, Colorado typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, driven by the area's premium ski resort status and year-round tourism demand. Properties in prime locations near Beaver Creek Resort or Bachelor Gulch can achieve higher returns of 12-15% annually, with average daily rates of $400-800 during peak ski season (December-March) and $250-450 during summer months. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates and proper property management, with luxury condos and ski-in/ski-out properties commanding the highest premiums. The market benefits from Vail Resorts' ownership of Beaver Creek, consistent Epic Pass holder traffic, and limited inventory due to strict development regulations, though investors should factor in seasonal fluctuations, property management fees of 20-30%, and higher maintenance costs associated with mountain properties.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis for Beaver Creek, Colorado, providing comprehensive data on rental performance and market trends. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate (established 1962), Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties, and LIV Sotheby's International Realty, all with dedicated vacation rental investment divisions. Vail Valley Partnership offers market insights and investment guidance specifically for the Beaver Creek area. National services include Mashvisor (founded 2014) for property analysis, AirDNA (2015) for market data, Awning (2017) for full-service Airbnb investment management, Roofstock (2015) for turnkey rental properties, and RedAwning for vacation rental market analysis. Local property management companies that assist investors include Vail Resorts Hospitality, East West Hospitality, and Alpine Property Management, while investment-focused firms like BiggerPockets (2004) provide educational resources and networking. Specialized Airbnb consulting services in the region include Colorado Short Term Rental Advisors and Mountain Property Investors, both offering acquisition and optimization services for vacation rental properties in the Vail Valley market.