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Off the Hill with Tricia Swenson: It’s Cookie Time at Beaver Creek

Tricia Swenson
Off the Hill

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Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most.

Such as those little cookies passed out daily that are often times the most prominent memory kids have of Beaver Creek. But it’s not just the kids who love them. Folks of all ages will stand in line to grab one of the sweet treats that are handed out for free at 3 p.m.



Beaver Creek is known for its remarkable guest service and has been ranked highly in the category by many ski publications throughout the years. Cookie Time is a big part of that and to kick off the season each year, the World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition is held on opening weekend.

For 13 years, bakers from all over the nation have participated. The winner receives $1,000 and bragging rights for the 2016-17 season.

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This year, the top five finalists were all Colorado bakers. Four were from the Vail Valley and one finalist was from Boulder. Lauren Weyrick made the trek from Boulder after seeing the event last year. To help keep her cookies as warm as possible, she obtained pizza boxes to preserve their heat while serving them up to the masses.

Mother-daughter duo Gigi and Tiana King, of Eagle, baked up batches of cookies called “You Can’t Eat Just One.” They used coconut oil instead of butter to give them a unique flavor.

Monika Padua recently moved here from San Diego. When asked if she had any trouble baking at altitude, she said she was able to dial it in almost right away. Jennifer Davis was in last year’s competition and used a recipe from the Arrabelle in Vail.

The best cookie was decided by popular vote, and this year’s winner was “Something Awesome” and the baker was Laura Woodbridge, of Edwards. When asked about the title, Woodbridge said, “I asked my husband what we should call it and he said, ‘Name it something awesome!’”

Along with cookies, the event included free ice skating, a DJ and raffle prizes including Smith goggles, helmets and backpacks.


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