Summit County cycling fans will be happy to know that the USA ProCycle Challenge for 2012 will include a stage in Breckenridge! Keystone Resort celebrated the festivities in nearby Breckenridge, and drew cycling fans worldwide.  13 cities will be included in the race across Colorado from August 20-26, 2012.  This year, Durango and Boulder were added to the race, adding exciting changes to the course this coming year.  The inagural race in August of 2011, which featured some of the best cyclists in the world,  drew large crowds to Keystone and areas of Summit County.  Take a look at the schedule below, and get an early jump on planning your trip!

2012 Race Schedule and Host Cities:

Monday, Aug. 20 – Durango to Telluride
Tuesday, Aug. 21 – Montrose to Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte
Wednesday, Aug. 22 – Gunnison to Aspen
Thursday, Aug. 23 – Aspen to Beaver Creek
Friday, Aug. 24 – Breckenridge to Colorado Springs
Saturday, Aug. 25 – Golden to Boulder
Sunday, Aug. 26 – Denver (Individual Time Trial)

Cycling enthusiasts in need of Summit County lodging should contact a vacation planner today, and stay tuned for details about this summer 2012 event!

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge will be back in 2012 from August 20-26!  Race organizers have already begun planning for the 2012 race. Nearly 1 million spectators viewed the race from the roadsides along the route while more than 25 million watched the race on television in 161 countries and territories. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge was one of the largest cycling events in United States history.

For seven consecutive days, 135 of the world’s top athletes raced across 518 miles through the Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they ever had to endure, more than two miles in elevation. The race featured a challenging course through some of America’s most beautiful scenery.

Requests for proposals for cities across Colorado to apply to be a 2012 host city will be issued at the end of the month.  Breckenridge, Copper Mountain Resort and Frisco in Summit County have been specifically invited to submit proposals.  This year, 11 host cities for the race included Colorado Springs, Salida, Crested Butte, Gunnison, Aspen, Vail, Avon, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Golden and Denver. All 11 of these cities have expressed interest in returning as a host city in 2012.  The request for proposals will be posted online at the end of September.

River Run braids hundreds of wines into a picturesque piazza of wine seminars and deluxe jazz ensembles. Kindle a sashay into your step with a sophisticated, weekend affair in the heart of Keystone.  Learn about different regions and the delicate nuance of flavors that evolve the finest vineyard blends.   Enrich your knowledge by attending the wine seminars and discover which wines and foods harmonize with your favorite selections.  Enjoy live music from national Jazz musicians including headliner Big Sam’s Funky Nation out of New Orleans.  Enjoy this weekend long wine event reminiscent of its glory days of ’06 / ’07 with a renewed Republic National Distributing Co. partnership in place for the 2011 event.

SATURDAY, JULY 9th
Will Donato Quaking Aspen Amphitheatre 11am – 12:30pm
Dotsero River Run Events Plaza 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Big Sam’s Funky Nation River Run Events Plaza 2:00pm – 3:30pm
The Side Guys River Run Events Plaza 4:00pm – 5:30pm

SUNDAY, JULY 10th
Max Wagner Quartet Quaking Aspen Amphitheater 11am – 12:30pm
Big Sam’s Funky Nation River Run Events Plaza 12pm – 1:30pm
Dotsero River Run Events Plaza 2:00pm – 3:30pm
The Side Guys River Run Events Plaza 4:00pm – 5:30pm

1-Day Wine Pass (Saturday ONLY or Sunday ONLY):
$60 Full Price Online (after June 12) and at the Main Gate
-Includes: (1) official Keystone Wine & Jazz tasting glass and unlimited sampling of over 300 wines for Saturday OR Sunday ONLY

Weekend Wine Pass:
$100 Full Price Online (after June 12) and at the Main Gate
-Includes: (1) official Keystone Wine & Jazz tasting glass and unlimited sampling of over 300 wines for BOTH Saturday and Sunday.

We are offering 35% Off any 2+ night stay for the weekend!  http://www.summitcove.com/land/keystone-wine-jazz-festival/

Golf season in Keystone is in full swing now that summer has officially begun.  Both the River Course and Ranch Course are now open.  We’ve got a list of some important events and activities to look out for when you visit Keystone this June.  Just don’t forget to bring your clubs!

Senior Golf Days at the River Course:  June 7^th and 14^th at 8am.  9 holes of golf followed by a clinic hosted by a River Course golf pro.  Lunch at the River Course Grill is included, all for just $60!  Call 970.496.1520 to register.

Junior Golf Clinics at Keystone Ranch Golf Course:  June 8^th and 15^th from 8-9:30am for Juniors aged 11-16 and 10-11:30am for Juniors aged 5-10. The first of several clinics throughout the summer, and just $20 per week, this will introduce the kids to all aspects of the game.  Equipment is provided, and you must register by calling 970.496.4250

Birdies and Betties at the River Course:  June 11^th, 8 am.  9 holes of golf are followed by a clinic with a golf pro.  Lunch will be included at the River Course Grill for $60.  Registration can be made by calling 970.496.1520.  Sassy Caddy will host a special sale of their designer golf bags made just for the ladies!

Lunch & Learn at the River Course:  June 15^th, 11 am.  This one hour clinic will help you to sharpen your skills.  A golf pro will help you along, and lunch will be provided at the River Course Grill for $25.  Complete your registration at 970.496.1520.

Why not spend a part of your Keystone summer vacation fishing or cruising a lake? Take a warm day on Lake Dillon for sailing lessons or rent a motor boat for trout fishing along 26 miles of shoreline.   Pack a family picnic to enjoy by the lake and lounge in the sunshine.

Lake Dillon is the largest lake in the Keystone area, and it offers spectacular scenic views and an abundance of activities to complete the perfect mountain vacation. With easy access to the Town of Dillon, shopping, lodging, there is sure to be something for everyone here.  The Dillon Marina hosts exciting weekend sailing regattas and other boating events that you can’t miss.

The recreational choices in the area are endless.  Miles of paved bike paths can be accessed near the marina. The surrounding National Forest also provides mountain-biking, rafting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and camping. Jeep tours on old mountain roads will take you to nearby historical mining towns. Hit the links at  any of Summit County’s four championship golf courses.

The Dillon Marina offers boat rentals, sailing instruction, racing regattas and is home to the Dillon Yacht Club.   At Frisco Bay Marina, you can rent a canoe, or kayak or hop aboard the water taxi.  There is sure to be plenty of fun to be had for your entire crew at Lake Dillon this summer!

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and Keystone is the perfect place to spend your holiday weekend.   Keystone will host the annual Summer Remix to celebrate the warmer months the right way.  The Remix is the perfect excuse for the whole family to venture to Summit County.

From May 27-30^th, there will be plenty of mountain activities to please the entire family.  Snow cones, free face painting, and live music for kids begin at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday, the 28^th-29^th.  Younger children can be registered for the Keystone Strider Race in River Run Village.  Registration is free, and starts at 10am on Saturday the 28^th.  Geared towards kids under 6, strider bikes have no pedals and two wheels so that kids can use their feet to glide.  Visit www.stridersports.com for more information.

Older children and adults can take advantage of other Summer Remix activities like snow tubing, mountain biking and a rail park with 20 features, and yes, you can have a snow cone too!  Golfers can finally hit the links at the Keystone River Course.

The Summer Remix at Keystone Resort offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer.  The Remix is the perfect kick off to many wonderful summer activities in Keystone and Summit County.  Stay the weekend for a memorable trip with your friends and family!

When you think of Colorado history, gold mining is probably one of the first things that come to mind.  Summit County is a great place to stay when exploring mountain history, and we suggest you head to The Country Boy Mine.  Located in nearby Breckenridge, the Country Boy Mine has become a favorite day trip for Keystone visitors looking to enjoy a hint of the Old West.  It will open for the summer season beginning on Wednesday, May 25th!

As one of the largest and most famous mines in Summit County, it has plenty of activities here to occupy the whole family or a group of friends.  Take a tour into a real gold mine or pan for gold in Eureka Creek.  Even on a rainy day, you can pan indoors at the Blacksmith Shop by a fire.   Pet the burros, slide down the 55 foot ore chute, and explore the authentic mine site.  You won’t want to miss the exhibits and equipment that were used in the mine and visit the general store.

Family reunion or wedding groups may be interested in having their own get-together at the Country Boy Mine.  Catering is available with venues that accommodate small groups up to 100 people, and includes a grand finish of a campfire with marshmallow roast!  This is the perfect Western touch to your family event, birthday, wedding rehearsal, or company picnic.

Tours begin at 10 am, and the last tour leaves at 4 pm.  Each mine tour lasts about 45 minutes.  Adult tickets are available for $20.95 and kids from 4-12 are at $14.95 and include gold panning.  For more information contact the Miners at 970 453-4405 or via email at info@countryboymine.com

Mountain View Sports re-opens for the summer on May 27^th, and they are ready to show you how to experience Summit County on a bike.  Vail Pass Bike Trips are available for anyone from beginners to advanced cyclists.  You can choose your own trip based on your ability and fitness level.  Reservations are required, and trips will depart at 9am, 11am, and 1pm.  Call 970-468-0396 or 800-530-3836 to reserve or get more information, plus rates for bike rentals!

Easy Trip

This trip is perfect for families and folks that just want spectacular views and not much peddling. Most participates in this trip will stop at Copper Mountain and take a scenic chairlift ride, play miniature golf, scale the rock climbing wall, ride go-carts, visit shops in the village, have a picnic, or have lunch at a local café. When finished at Copper the rider travels down to Frisco through the incredible Ten Mile Canyon on paved trail. Along this stretch of the trail the rider can stop and sit by one of the many beautiful mountain lakes, lounge by the stream, or visit an old mine. Once in Frisco you can also shop and dine. It is up to you.

• 12 miles mostly coasting.

• Ride time 1 hour 10 minutes on average. Most riders plan on 4 to 6 hours to do other activities along the way.

• Shuttle Cost  is $29 adults, $16 kids 12 or under.  Children 3 or under are eligible for transportation at no charge with a trailer rental. This option includes transportation from Mountain View Sports in Keystone to the top of Vail Pass and return transportation from Frisco to Mountain View Sports in Keystone.

Moderate Trip

This trip includes all portions from the above bike trip,  plus an extra 7 miles of easy/moderate peddling through the Town of Frisco to the Town of Dillon. This trip enables the rider to explore the Historic Town of Frisco and its many shops and eateries. Plus the rider enjoys the beautiful portions of the bike path that meander along the shores of beautiful Lake Dillon.If you bike occasionally this is a great trip.

• 12 miles mostly coasting plus 7 miles of peddling

• Ride time 2 hours 15 minutes on average. Most riders plan on 4 hours to do other activities along the way. More ride time less playtime.

• Shuttle Cost – $25 adults,$12 kids 12 or under.

Moderate to Advanced Trip

This trip includes all portions of  each of the above trips, plus an extra 6 miles of low grade paved trail climbing from the Town of Dillon along the east shores of lake Dillon, ending with a wooded accent by the Snake River into the Keystone Village and beyond to Mountain View Sports in Keystone. This trip is geared for riders that want a bit of a work out and longer time on the bike. The section of paved trail from Dillon to Keystone is gorgeous. Once riders enter the woods along the Snake River most think the climbs are well worth it.

• 12 miles mostly coasting plus 13 miles of peddling

• Ride time 3 hours 30 minutes on average. Most riders plan on 4 hours to do other activities along the way. More ride time less playtime.

• Shuttle Cost – $19 adults $10 kids 12 or under.

Fisherman looking forward to the winter runoff are pleased with the warming temperatures.  Water access is increasing every day, and fish are feeding so the opportunities for anglers are expanding!  Fisherman head to Keystone, Colorado each year to the Snake River and many smaller streams in the area.  Nothing beats a day of stream or pond fishing in the Rocky Mountains for those who are looking to get away from it all!

There are a few events this summer that are right up a fisherman’s alley too.  June 19th is the Fathers Day Fishing Derby through Summit Fly Fishing.  The cost is just $25 for Dad and $5 for each child, and includes an hour on Keystone pond with lunch.  The July 4th Kid’s Fishing Derby is free for all kids 12 and under, as is an additional Kid’s Derby on August 6th.  You need to provide your own fishing gear.  The Derby is strictly catch and release, and will include Guides available for assistance.  For information about planning your trip, hiring a fishing guide and reports about river flow, click or call 970.468.8945.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newbie, there’s nothing quite like a quiet, relaxed day of fishing.  This can be a perfect guy’s weekend away or an opportunity to teach the kids a new skill during your family vacation.  Fishing is one of Summit County’s most loved hobbies, and one more reason to visit Keystone!

If you are looking for the perfect event to say goodbye to winter, and hello to summer this Memorial Day weekend, check out Keystone, Colorado for the Summer ReMix from May 27-30^th. With a mixture of winter and summer activities, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Bring the whole family and try activities like Hawaiian snow tubing with the leftover snow, hit the Keystone Bike Park, or the ski and snowboard Rail Park or mountain biking, golf at The River Course, hiking, scenic gondola rides to kick off your summer adventures.

Enjoy snow cones with your kids as they get their face painted.  You can even grab a snow cone for yourself!  Make your way to early summer scenery up Dercum Mountain and lunch on the Summit House deck with a Lift and Lunch package.  Check out the list of activities below for more information about Summer Remix at Keystone Resort.  We can’t wait to see you this summer!

Friday May 27 – Monday May 30
• Hawaiian Tubing Sessions, Adventure Point 10:30am – 2:30pm
o $29 for a (1) hour session

• Rail Park, Ranger Lift 10am -2pm
o Hit some sweet rails just below the Ranger lift.
o $18 for pass holders – $25 for non-pass holders

• Snow Cones, Gondola Plaza 12pm – 2pm
o Free and delicious treat for your ride up the gondola

• Kid’s Face Painting, Base of The Gondola – 11am – 2pm
o Free for all the kids!

• Keystone Bike Park, Keystone Resort 10am – 5pm
o Downhill single track trail from mid-mountain down
o $25 for an adventurous day on the mountain!

• Adventure Pack 10am – 5pm
o $49 for Unlimited play on the activities below
o Scenic Gondola Ride, Bungee Trampoline, Climbing Wall, Bounce House, Boat
Rental at the Keystone Lake
o Plus (2) times at Gem Panning
o Plus $15 Voucher for the Summit House BBQ
• Merchant Tent Sale all day!

Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29
• Live Music in the Plaza 1-3pm