Centrally located, just a short drive from Denver, Keystone, Col. gives vacationers access to a variety of mountain sports, events and activities. Take family, friends, a romantic partner or even go alone, then return refreshed from a healthy alternative to big city vacations.
Skiing
A skiing and snowboarding pass to Keystone automatically includes its sister resort, Breckenridge. A summit pass includes Arapaho Basin, while "Epic" passes provide access to Vail, Beaver Creak and Heavenly. Each resort has facilities for children, and lessons for all ages. Warm up with hot chocolate in the lodges located at the bottom and mid-point of the mountain. For those who can't get enough, the Keystone slopes provide night skiing.
Winter Sports
Stay active during the entire vacation. Keystone maintains a 5-acre outdoor ice skating rink, for skating and hockey, at Keystone Lake. Tube the slopes instead of skiing at Adventure Point, where you can also try airboarding and boogie boards, while adults can try snowbiking. Winter hiking can also be arranged from the Keystone Nordic Center. Many of these events continue into the night.
Winter Activities
Let the kids hunt for treasure, try winter fly-fishing, or visit an old mine. "Summer" activities are often available in the winter. Ride the high-speed Gondola from River Run, available only in the winter. Also, many types of all-terrain vehicles are available. Besides snowmobiles, more kid-friendly varieties can be taken with guided tours. Then remember to stop by the luxury spa at Keystone Lodge.
Summer Sports
You can also stay active in Keystone in the summer. Skiing is closed, but tubing remains available for much of the summer. The mountains open up to biking and hiking. There are a variety of trails for all ages and physical conditions. The mines and fishing are still available, and panning for gold becomes more accessible. The lakes and rivers offer river-rafting or the more kid-friendly pontoons on Lake Dillon. Summer also means horses, and the opening of the Ranch Golf Course.
Events
Special events take place around Keystone throughout the year. The International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge presents world renowned sculpture artists. See Chocolate Village and enjoy wine pairing dinners to bring a touch of romance, while the kids' events range from night skating to meeting Smokey the Bear. The end of the ski season means special parties and events as well. In the summer, attend one of the many music festivals, or try country dancing. The kids again have their own festivals with everything from zoo animals to sing-alongs.
Eating
With all the activities, remember the importance of good food. Keystone has a variety of star quality restaurants, but keep an eye out for the small local places. For example, a vegetarian bagel shop, or a coffee shop with dreamy cakes. Many local bars show continuously running videos with spectacular skiing and snowboarding. In the winter try a dinner sleigh ride from the Keystone lodge. A wagon dinner is available in the summer.
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