I just started skiing 2 years ago. I know, I know, I have kicked myself regularly for waiting so long. And as a new skier, I feel like there is so many places I want to ski at. But there’s this one little problem. We live in Texas, where we have no skiing. So we have to choose wisely when we pick our ski destination for the winter.
This year, we are heading to Keystone, Colorado in February. We wanted to pick a resort that offered many different kinds of family activities that was conveniently located to Denver. Not only have many of my friends raved about it, but I am so excited about all the different things we get to try. Beyond the amazing ski conditions and multiple trails we will be trying, there is a ton of fun activities for families at Keystone. I wanted to tell you about some of the fun we expect to have on our trip, in case you ae looking for a place to ski with the family this year.
5 Things I Can’t Wait to Try at Keystone Resort
Night Skiing
Keystone has the “longest ski day in the state of Colorado” with 9 trails that stay open until 8 pm. So many times have I found myself disappointed that my ski day ends at 4 or 5 pm at other resorts, that I am thrilled to have a chance to try night skiing this year. Just the thought of having the trails open wide, lite by the moon (and a few lights) sounds incredible, doesn’t it?
Night Skiing Trails – Photo Credit: Keystone Resort
Kidtopia Snowfort
Keystone also has the World’s Largest Snowfort that you can go inside and play around in. The snowfort has slides and mazes – my kids would go nuts! I know it’s cool as an adult to see something of this magnitude, but from a kid’s perspective, I can only imagine. The Snowfort is just one of many activities that Keystone offers through their Kidtopia program – a kid-centered festival that the whole family can enjoy. Daily activities includes snow ball fights, snow tubing, scavenger hunts, daily “cookie hour” and more. It almost hard to choose between this and skiing…..
Kidtopia Snowfort – Photo Credit: Jack Affleck/Keystone Resort
Snow Tubing at Adventure Point
Snow tubing at a ski resort is epic – no seriously, it’s not just going down some hill on the side of a road – these are professionally carved runs that allow your tube to fly. We tried snow tubing for the first time last year and laughed so hard we were crying. We can’t wait to try Keystone’s Adventure Park and with their own tubing conveyor belt, you can go as many times as you want without the hard work of dragging the tube up the hill.
Snow Tubing at Adventure Point – Photo Credit: Bob Winsett/Keystone Resort
Ice Skating
The most ice skating our kids have tried has been indoors and they were wearing shorts (we do live in Texas folks). So I am looking forward to actual ice skating on a pond, outdoors, with snow and trees and sun shining on my face – you know, an authentic ice skating experience. Keystone has a 5-acre lake in Lakeside Village that we can ice skate on. In fact, it’s the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor skating rink. Now all we need is the hot chocolate…..
Ice Skating – Photo Credit: Bob Winsett/Keystone Resort
Der Fondue Chessel
I can’t think of a more appropriate meal after a full day of skiing than fondue. And to top it off, Der Fondue Chessel sits atop a mountain side and you have to take a gondola to reach it. It sounds like the perfect spot for Apres’ ski and date night or dinner for the whole family.
For those a little more daring than this new skier, Keystone offers the A51 Terrain Park – there are beginner, intermediate and advanced parks with over 100 features and it’s own dedicated chair lift.
One of the best deals I have found this year is this: Kids 12 and under ski & ride FREE at Keystone. NO blackouts, no exceptions – just book 2 or more nights and your kids ski free. With all there is to offer families, this is an exceptional deal. Check it out.
We are counting down the days until our week at Keystone. Have you been to Keystone? What did you enjoy the most there?
Other Keystone Resort Fun:
13 Tips for a Winter Trip to Keystone Resort
Snowcat Tours at Keystone Resort
5 Things I Can’t Wait to Try at Keystone Resort
We used to ski Keystone every other year with the family and absolutely LOVED Night skiing! It always seemed warmer which was odd considering the sun had gone down… but in our experience, the wind had died down too! Have fun and enjoy!!!