The Vilar Center for the Arts (888-920-2787; 970-845-8497) is a 528-seat performing arts center snuggled under the ice rink in Beaver Creek. It's modeled after a turn-of-the-century theater in Munich and presents world-class entertainment four to six nights a week. The year-round outdoor Black Family Ice Rink is in the heart of Beaver Creek. Ice skating exhibitions are held here periodically in the winter.

If you need to restore mind and body (like those sore skiing legs), visit one of Beaver Creek's spas. Treat yourself to an afternoon at the Allegria Spa (748-7500) at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort (see lodging), where the Feng Shui design encourages relaxation. It has 23 treatment rooms, a quiet sanctuary room, and private whirlpool tubs in the locker rooms. Splurge on the 75-minute Barefoot Massage, also known as Ashiatsu, that encompasses massage, hot stones and foot pressure. Other treatments include a variety of massages, scrubs, facials, innovative water therapies, hot oil wraps, hair services, manicures and pedicures and Feng Shui-inspired rituals for balance, peace and energy. Fitness facilities include cardio equipment, free weights, a pool, group and private classes and a new method of conditioning from Italy called "Kinesis." Separate yoga and pilates studios and a stretching room complete the newest additions to the 30,000-square-foot retreat.

Every Thursday night, level-five and higher skiers are invited to join in on Volvo Thursday Night Lights, a ski-down with glow sticks followed by a huge fireworks show. Register at the Children's Ski and Snowboard School. The resort concierge (970-845-9090) can make reservations for other activities, such as dogsledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fly fishing, ice fishing and sleigh rides.

A fun free activity is the Rail Jam every Thursday from 4-5 p.m. in front of the kids' ski school. Kids and their parents can practice rail slides and get tips from instructors.

Beautiful boutiques line the pedestrian walkway in the heart of the resort. A special stop on your list should be The Golden Bear, just west of the skating rink in Beaver Creek. It's owned by local women whose logo is the golden bear (it's Vail's logo too), which you can find in all forms of jewelry and art. Great stylish clothes and other special gifts tempt the wallet. The Golden Beaver, in the Beaver Creek Lodge, sells golden beaver jewelry, Beaver Creek's insignia.