Be prepared to ski looking uphill ALOT. Or, if your winter ski vacation falls over a winter holiday or spring break, you can opt for a Holiday Program, which includes two- or three-day lessons. Keystone Lodge & Spa 2101 U.S. Highway 6 Keystone, CO 80435 Direct phone number: 970.496.3712 Keystone … Skiers and boarders can sample progressively more difficult terrain as they make their way back into the resort's three large mountains -- Keystone… He is an avid photographer and writer. Keystone, CO. Keystone … About two hours from Denver, Keystone Resort features three different peaks across more than 3,100 acres of terrain, and chair lifts, gondolas and magic carpet lifts are used to teach beginners. There are also lessons geared to adults who have never skied or snowboarded before. It’s not the largest ski area at Colorado, but with 3,149 skiable acres and a large variety of terrain, there’s no risk of getting bored. Recommended Hotel: Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa, Beaver Creek, Related: Best Winter Mittens for Toddlers (That Will Actually Stay On). (Andy Cross, The Denver Post) Keystone Resort is still planning to open … So will the gondola and River Run chair. Although most of the River Run parking lot was full, I never experienced a lift line. Most areas had opened up around 25% of their terrain — far from 100%, but still plenty of acres to play with. You will be amazed at the amount of traffic. We are happy to have you as a member. The larger group lessons for kids are broken down by the same ages, but include a little more off-mountain fanfare, with western-themed characters and indoor pre-ski activities (for younger kids) before the on-snow fun begins. Kids will have the time of their lives, seeing the dogs in action and helping mush their … This area is the perfect spot for new boarders to be introduced to jumps and tricks. Keystone resort will be on your right. ... Keystone - first time … That’s why when you stay and play for two or more nights, kids 12 and younger ski FREE. It’s also Colorado’s oldest continually operating ski resort, having opened in 1940. First, Pennsylvania resorts Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail were sold from long-time owner Snow Time to Missouri-based Peak Resorts. Beginner skiers at Beaver Creek have access to beginner-only trails and parks. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! There, I took a ride on the Outbook Express to the top of the mountain. Afer reviewing a few options, I settled on a day trip to Keystone Resort. First time skiers and snowboarders take the Haymeadow Express gondola up to Haymeadow Park, where the basics of how to maneuver the slopes, stop and how to get up if you fall, are taught to all ages. Browse through our collection of Keystone photos to get acquainted with it before your ski trip or to relive great memories on the slopes. The pass provides unlimited, unrestricted access to 26 ski areas, including Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail, as well as Colorado’s Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte. Buy a set of ski gear to keep in Colorado (another perk of having family there with some extra storage space to spare). Downtown Telluride and its postcard-worthy Main Street is also a must. Also, do you intend to use the new skis on the East Coast or leave them in CO? At 11,640 feet above sea level, it’s the “shortest” peak at Keystone, but not by much — behind it are the North Peak (at 11,660 feet) and The Outback (at 11,980 feet). I have a lot of mixed feelings about Keystone. Lessons at Copper Mountain: Youth group lessons are kept to a minimum class size of five students for ages 3 to 5, and to eight students for ages 6 to 17. Firsthand Report: A Bunch of Firsts at Keystone Resort. Snow stinks this year (everywhere). 7 Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Beginners. Always love Keystone, just wish I could get there more. Copper Mountain, located in a former gold mining town, promotes nearly half of its mountain to new skiers, with 21 percent of trails for beginners and 25 percent for intermediate-level skiiers. The surface conditions were excellent and once again, a broad smile was on my face as I carved and explored more of the mountain. Lots of tree skiing to be found off of The Outback peak. I'm leaving the new skis in Colorado. Getting back to Denver is a challenge on weekends f you leave Keystone after about 1:30. “Keystone is one of my favorite areas,” he said. It’s possible that Keystone becomes crowded on a mid-season or holiday weekend, attracting a lot of Denverites, but I suspect its 129 trails and 21 lifts — the majority high-speed — help spread out the crowds. So what better place for first-time skiers and snowboarders to take to the slopes?! There are a lot of long, green runs that families can enjoy together. I’m sure I’ll make it to Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek as well, but I’ll have to pass Keystone to get to those resorts — and I may just be tempted to stop at Keystone before I get there. Dog Sledding. I began to wonder why Keystone only had about a quarter of its terrain open — there was plenty of snow everywhere and I managed to get in some tree skiing without gouging my new skis. There are four peaks and more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. It looks like the snow gods were generous to you for this break. The small groups have a maximum of four students for both kids and adults. There's a lot of nice beginner terrain towards the front of Keystone Resort -- so I don't think beginners would be bored -- but the majority of the terrain at Keystone is intermediate and advanced. Dercum Mountain is one of three lift-served peaks at Keystone, and closest to the base area. Alternatively, you can take the intermediate cruiser Mozart to the bottom of the Santiago Express lift, and then take Santiago up to the top. After a bite of lunch at Labonte´s Smokehouse BBQ, hop on the Santiago Express lift for a ride to the top of 11,660-foot North Peak. Once you reach the town of Dillon, you follow US-6 East about 8 miles and you’re there. Initially, I was sad about this move, as it meant family would be farther away. With some miles under my belt, I had warmed up and adapted to my new skis and boots. I've gone to Keystone with my kids and had a great time… And once again, I made a stop at Chipotle and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company. Continue onto US-6 East, drive for another seven and a half miles. The runs are not that steep and they are long enough to get a good workout. Located high in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is an early season storm magnet. Non-Skiing Things to Do at Keystone: Keystone offers a ton of off-mountain activities, including snowcat vehicle tours, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and ice skating. Ski or snowboard equipment. So it might not be the best option for novice skiers -- they might be more comfortable at Beaver Creek, Snowmass, or other areas. Several Keystone courtesy volunteers stood by the sign, ready and eager to answer any questions. There are a lot of things I like about Denver, but traffic is not one of them. I was really impressed with the resort. This small Colorado ski resort for beginners is family-owned and operated so they definitely keep family needs in mind. You can also hike a mile up to the top of North and South Bowl to find some non-lift-served bowl skiing. Hey Scott, Nice report. Essentially, the pass would cover all of my local skiing, as well as any days I found myself in Colorado. Children’s lessons can be group, a small group of four or private. A GPS-tracking device is also featured with the Youth Group Lessons so you can re-live your child’s day on the slopes while you cozy up to a fire with hot cocoa at the end of your ski day. It doesn’t have the fanciest base village, but it has the basics and you can’t beat free parking. Many of the traits that make Keystone … As I was gearing up in the parking lot, a car pulled up beside me, and a friendly labrador hopped out when his owner opened the doors. The Outpost Gondola provides out-and-back service to the North Peak, and is the quickest way to switch peaks. Plus, their mountain operations team… Once at the top of the small bunny hill, it’s time to master those beginner skiing skills as you slide down side-by-side with your instructor. Sure enough, it did, as I walked away with a new helmet and goggles. I skied Colorado’s Keystone Ski Resort for the first time. Monezuma will be better but still crowded. But, it was still a bit early in the season for that terrain to be accessible and skiable. I look forward to revisiting Keystone later this winter to experience more of its terrain, and maybe even some night skiing. There are several runs Keystone … Over a foot of fresh snow had fallen in recent days. The longest run at Keystone is 3.5 miles and it also happens to be a green run, so all skill levels can enjoy this run together. And somehow, skiing can seem even more challenging in Colorado, where avid skiers come to conquer some of the gnarliest ski runs in the world. And the whole vibe was friendly and fun. … Copper Mountain is also home to The Barn, a 19,400-square-foot indoor action sports playground filled with foam pit jumps, spring floors, trampolines and more. Vail offers multiple season passes, but the most compelling option for me was the Epic Local Pass. A few paid lots are also available, providing a spot right near the lifts if walking 10 minutes in ski boots isn’t your thing. Telluride dedicates more than half of its mountain to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There are multiple places at Keystone to hike to bowl skiing, but if your sea level-calibrated lungs aren’t thrilled about hiking through snow at 12,000+ feet, for a modest fee Keystone will give you a ride in a snowcat. Keystone Ski Area: First Time, Mixed Review - See 1,182 traveler reviews, 490 candid photos, and great deals for Keystone, CO, at Tripadvisor. They handled the groomed slopes with ease and were nimble when I darted off into untracked areas. Lessons at Steamboat: First timers will love the SnowSports School at Steamboat. The big news at Keystone is that it plans to put a lift in Bergman and Erickson bowls, adding about 500 acres of above tree line skiing akin to Breck's Peak 6 terrain. On the snowy drive back to Denver, I had a chance to reflect on my first two days of skiing at Keystone. Kids can enjoy five days of learning to ski with the same instructor and group each day. In answer to the question on what level of skier it is best for definitely agree it's great for intermediates, all three mountains have tons of blue trails that are nice and long and provide good variation. It does not have a built up, Disney-esque base area like Vail. As I drove deeper into the mountains and gained in elevation, the mercury began to drop. Beginners really just stick to the main mountain, but as you saw in the pictures there is a 3.5 mile run that is great for families to ski together, there are some various ways you can get down it so it's not just the one run over and over again. Look for it in abot 3 years. Most of that trip is along the well-maintained I-70. And I skied for the first time on brand new skis, wearing brand new boots. late March. An impressive snow fort is nearly built at the top of Dercum Mountain. Ski & Ride School lessons may be cancelled for a full refund up to 48 hours before the start time of each lesson. It's a great ski area for kids. Green Acres is the ideal ski location at this Colorado ski resort for beginners, as it’s situated between the East and Center Villages and features a beginner chairlift and a magic carpet. For kids and parents who are new to skiing in Colorado—or for kids who fearlessly hop into their bindings while parents anxiously wonder if they even remember how to ski—finding a ski resort that caters to beginners isn’t just important—it’s necessary. It seemed to attract a lot of locals. Keystone is our top-ranked family ski resort because it caters so well to people with kids and the unique challenges of getting little people from the car, condo and house onto the slopes and ensuring they have a good time. The total vertical at Keystone is a respectable 3,128 feet. Related: Best Waterproof Winter Boots for Kids. Browse through our collection of Keystone photos to get acquainted with it before your ski trip or to relive great memories on the slopes. Scott loves outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and mountain biking. Most beginner trails at Keystone are designated as Slow Skiing Areas. o Claims denied by Keystone First because they were not filed within Keystone First’s 180-day filing time limit; Claims denied for exceeding the 180-day filing time limit may be appealed through Keystone First… Shuttle-served overflow parking is available just down the road. Lessons at Beaver Creek: There are group or small group lessons, all of which are broken down by ages. These lessons are specifically geared for first timers to learn all of the basics for skiing and snowboarding. The top of Outback provides views of Breckenridge in the distance, and is the launching point for some excellent advanced terrain. Soon after parking, I was sitting in the River Run Gondola heading up the mountain. I made my way back to the top of Dercum Mountain and skied up to a trail map sign. But this sadness quickly dissipated when I realized I would soon have many reasons to visit one of my favorite states. I've got hundreds of days behind me a Keystone. Keystone First is Pennsylvania's largest Medical Assistance (Medicaid) managed care health plan serving more than 400,000 Medical Assistance recipients in southeastern Pennsylvania … Winter Park’s trails are mostly dedicated to advanced and expert levels, with just eight percent of the terrain for beginner and 18 percent for intermediate levels. Best Time To Ski Keystone For Smaller Crowds: We advise most people to steer clear of Epic Pass resorts on the I-70 corridor on Saturdays. There are a few interesting blues to take (Hoodoo comes to mind), and a few double pitched blacks. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. This allows them to learn faster and make new ski friends while learning. Multilingual instructors are available, too. Recently, some family members moved from the East Coast to Denver, Colorado. ? Keystone is an unassuming resort. After some detailed instruction and practicing how to stop and fall properly, it’s time for a ride on the magic carpet. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try night skiing, as it is only available on weekends in the early season. Then, just this past Fall, Vail Resorts purchased Peak Resorts. Instructors tailor lessons specifically to your skill level at Winter Park, which is the closest ski resort to Denver and where many locals learn to ski and snowboard. All of the trails on both mountains lead back to the single base area, so it’s easy to meet up with friends and family at the end of the day. The magic carpet lifts and gentle sloping terrain help first-time skiers to learn the basics. Free parking isn’t the only rare aspect of Keystone. This is still a beginner ski area and it offers 13 beginner trails and a kids’ adventure zone with tiny “jump” ramps and snow sculptures for the kids to explore. Recommended Accommodations: Vacation Rentals are the best accommodation options near Granby Ranch, Related: Dreamy Winter Cabins You’ll Never Want to Leave. I pointed my ski pole to North Peak, and asked “how do I get over there?”. And I skied for the first time on brand new skis, wearing brand new boots. This makes it convenient to ski together as a family, even if everyone is at different skill levels. When the River Run Gondola slowed down and the doors opened at the mid-station, a Keystone liftie stepped inside and spent a few seconds saying “hi” and asking how my day was going, before stepping out and sending me on my way. © Copyright 2021 Family Vacation Critic All Rights Reserved. Thank you for choosing Keystone First for your health care needs. It's the first terrain addition since the Outback in I believe 1991. In addition … A winter storm warning was in effect starting that evening, but I figured I could sneak in and out of Keystone before roads got bad. There’s also a kids’ four-week program that’s ideal for folks who live in the area (since consistency helps kids hone their skills faster), as well as a family of five (or 10) pack lesson option (to be used by multiple people on the same day or the same person for five days). Get up-to-date trail, terrain, and lift status, or explore Keystone's night skiing and operating schedule. While Tuesday had been sunshine and blue skies, Thursday was a snow day, with light snow consistently falling throughout the afternoon. Take the first … The Kids’ Ski Week Program is ideal for first timers on a week’s winter vacation. Keystone is also known for its Kidtopia programming, with snow forts, crafts, movies, games, milkshake socials, face painting and even fireworks on Saturday nights. You want to make sure you love the sport before you invest in your own gear. Isolated spots of snow in the foothills soon turned to deeper stashes of powder, and by the time I passed through the Eisenhower Tunnel, the temperature was just below freezing and the ground was covered with powder, courtesy of a snowstorm the day before. 1-800-908-5000 RSVP now for a Refundable Ski Vacation Package: 1-970-429-3099 | 7AM - 9PM MT The green- and blue-level runs are scattered throughout the mountains here, so beginners aren’t sectioned off to one designated area. The ratio of instructor to students varies by age for group lessons. There are no shortage for things for kids to do in Keystone CO. Private lessons can include up to five students if you prefer your family to be instructed as a group. The Outback consists of primarily expert runs with a few intermediates, and no beginner trails. Well, fast forward a week and another 2 feet of snow: Keystone has now opened 64% of its terrain, as of December 17, 2019. Bonus: Several of the instructors are multilingual and can teach you how to shred in any language! Arriving at Keystone, I splurged for close-in parking ($30 — and it was worth it) and was quickly on the River Run Gondola. I set up a private bootfitting appointment at the Denver evo ski store, where a helpful and patient employee named Jeremy shared his expertise on boots and skis. It was time to head over to more advanced terrain. By the time I hit the Eisenhower Tunnel on the way up, it was already starting to snow steadily, and the road was starting to get slick. From the airport head west toward Eldon Wilson Road. I did see plenty of new skiers having group lessons in the beginner areas, and Keystone took the "slow ski area" zones seriously. Skiing for the first time can be intimidating. Nice report. Kidtopia Kids Programs. Peru is my choice when the rest of the lifts get crowded. The River Run gondola transports skiers from the base area of Keystone to the top of 11,640-foot Dercum Mountain. I then chatted with the lab’s dad for a few minutes. Non-Skiing Things to Do at Beaver Creek: There are ice cream parlors, chocolate chip cookies, and hot cocoa to be found slopeside, perfect for a break during ski lessons. The ski instructors have plenty of patience, no matter how much help your child (or you) needs. At times, courtesy patrollers were stationed at Slow signs keeping an eye on speeds. Before getting back on I-70, I stopped by Chipotle in Dillon for a late lunch/early dinner, and it’s possible I also stopped at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company just next door to Chipotle for some chocolate treats for the drive back to Denver. If you are arriving between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., please check-in at the Keystone Lodge & Spa. That nice vibe extended to employees. Introducing new skis to some tree skiing. My first priority? So no matter who you’re skiing with or what skill level each person is at, you can all ski together. It seems good for intermediates, but that is my inference from some of your photos. Non-Skiing Things to Do: Live music happens nearly daily at Granby, and events that take place throughout the month include face painting, bonfires and arts and crafts for the kids. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Silverthorne. It will fill up by about 11. Non-Skiing Things to Do at Copper Mountain: Ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing and an alpine coaster are all offered at Copper Mountain. Considered to be one of the best places to learn to ski in Colorado, Granby Ranch features two mountains, one of which is dedicated to green and blue runs for beginners. Fully equipped with brand new equipment, on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, I decided to use the Epic Local Pass for the first time. After another wonderful day of uncrowded slopes, beautiful views, and perfect conditions, it was time to head back to Denver. Lessons at Winter Park: There are both kid and adult group lesson options, and one-on-one private lessons designed specially for your needs. Enjoy the resort off skis. Keystone is a large resort near the Frisco-Dillon area that offers some of the best and most varied skiing in the state. With free lodging suddenly available in Denver, the economics of visiting Colorado started to shift. Non-Skiing Things to Do at Telluride: After perfecting your stops and turns down the Telluride slopes, try a guided ice climbing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing tour. Non-Skiing Things to Do: Once you’ve mastered your ski or board lessons, take the family on a snowcat vehicle tour, go snow tubing or snowshoeing, or try ski bikes. The lab ran up to me, tail wagging furiously, and hopped in the back of my car! 1. Keystone resort is the first Front Range ski area to open and has a few top-to-bottom runs with two lifts and their gondola open. :). Recommended Hotel: Keystone Lodge and Spa, Related: Best Ski and Snow Suits for Kids. 96 seems a bit wide for an East Coast All Mountain. After an afternoon of skiing at Keystone, it was time to make my way back towards the base area, and as I walked back to my car with my skis on my shoulder, I’m pretty sure I had a smile on my face. It’s easy to split off and come back to together for lunch or breaks when there are a variety of difficulty levels available in one place. He was from Colorado, and had taken the day off to go skiing. On Tuesday, December 10, 2019, I experienced a bunch of firsts. First-time skiers will take a gondola up to the teaching area, where they’ll learn how to put skis on and move around on a slightly inclined surface. Ski areas are rolling out nighttime activities and relaxed, yet supervised, areas to just hang or play games. Keystone Lodge & Spa: First time in ski town - See 659 traveler reviews, 336 candid photos, and great deals for Keystone Lodge & Spa at Tripadvisor. In recent days and weeks, Colorado ski areas had received some nice dumps of snow. The key on those days is to start at *8:30 by immediately getting to the Outback. I had never been there before, and it was the closet Epic option from Denver. The evo employee thought they'd be a good fit for the kind of skiing I'd do in Colorado (and the kinds of conditions I could expect there), and I think he got that right -- based on my first two trips with them, I'm really pleased. I always felt like they were "working with me." After a couple hours, I had settled on a pair of Nordica Promachine 120 Ski Boots and Elan Ripstick 96 Skis. Putting you first. The two-way Outpost Gondola transports skiers between the top of Dercum Mountain and the top of North Peak. But after sitting in traffic for awhile, I finally broke free from the gridlock and began climbing the Front Range on I-70. And once you’ve mastered your shushing skills (no matter how slowly) down the sparkling crystal-like snowy trails and see the breathtaking snowcapped mountains from new peaks, you’ll be hooked on skiing in Colorado. M. Scott Smith is the founder and Editor of DCSki. The snow conditions were phenomenal packed powder, and I loved every inch of Schoolmarm. We work with hundreds of rental shops across our 120+ destinations. He then pointed me to the terminal for the Outpost Gondola, a short distance away. Lessons at Telluride: Private and children’s lessons are available at Telluride. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram! It’s a smaller ski resort with about 400 acres of skiable terrain and 41 trails on average. I don't know why they seem to love Keystone (maybe because they can get away with it) but other resorts don't seem to have as many. Turn left onto Blue River Parkway. My rule  of thnmb is to never ski on weekends unless it is a big powder day, and the next rule is to always start at 8:30 on those days. If it’s your first time skiing Colorado, many locals might point you to Keystone.