Bike-In Movies
Every other Thursday June 20 – Aug. 15, 2013
Night owls will enjoy this chance to enjoy an evening under the stars!  Bring your bikes or rent them and pedal around the scenic Keystone Lake and bike path before you get tucked in for a free family-friendly movie enjoyed outside under the starry Colorado night sky.

Kid’s Discovery Days at Keystone Resort

Kid’s Discovery Days
Every Tuesday June 18 – Aug. 13, 2013
Have fun playing in the sun while kids are charmed by live entertainers, fun activities, arts and crafts, bounce houses, balloon animals, gold panning, face painting and more!  This free events happens every week in the River Run Events Plaza.

Keystone Balance Bike Series
Select Sundays Throughout the Summer
Does your child have a competitive streak?  They will love competing against other children in their age groups in this fun bike race, designed for kids.  There are prizes for the top finishers and every racer gets entered to win a pedal bike!

Cupcakes and Canvases
Select Thursdays Throughout the Summer
In this two-hour art class led by an art teacher, your little one will be able to explore their artistic sides and create memorable artwork.  Cupcakes, art supplies and teacher guidance will be provided, classes are held under the Gazebo in Lakeside Village.

Independence Day Kids Bike Parade & Fishing Derby
July 4, 2013
If you’ve got young kids, be sure you head to Keystone for the 4th of July Festivities.  Kids can start off the morning with a fishing derby at Keystone Lake.  Afterwards, head to the village where kids can decorate their bikes any way they’d like and then take part in a parade throughout the Village to show off their new rides!  There is also a BBQ and fireworks in the evening.

Kidtopia Kids Theater
Friday Mornings June 28 – Aug. 9, 2013
A new family musical, Golden, puts a new twist on the familiar story of Goldilocks.  Have fun watching the show amongst the tall aspen trees at the Quaking Aspen Amphitheater near the Snake River in River Run Village.  The show is put on by the Lake Dillon Theatre Company and is just $5 per person.

Vendors from across the country will be serving up pounds and pounds of bacon!  Whether it be traditional style bacon, chocolate dipped bacon, bacon sundaes, or bacon Bloody Marys, you know it will be good! Be prepared for some great surprises with some of the more unconventional dishes!  Don’t miss the signature event, where vendors pair up with Keystone chefs to create unique bacon dishes and are judged in both ‘savory’ and ‘sweet’ categories. Festival visitors can also enjoy live music and beer all weekend while taking in the sights and sounds of the festival.  There will be bacon-themed lectures and cooking demonstrations held at Warren Station over the course of the weekend, to help people learn about all the different ways of cooking with bacon and new techniques to help you whip up your own unique bacon dishes at home.  Kids can have fun playing bacon-themed games and doing free crafts and activities, not to mention meeting the giant pig mascot.

This fun event is the first of three major summer festivals in Keystone, followed by the Wine & Jazz Festival on July 13 and 14th and the popular Bluegrass and Beer Festival taking place the first weekend in August. 

SummitCove Lodging is offering weekend festival packages that include your festival tickets and lodging in River Run Village.  See Bacon Festival Packages Here.

Chocolate covered bacon at Keystone’s Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival

Stage 1- Riders start in the Aspen/Snowmass Circuit- which is a 22 mile course. Racers will complete the course 3 times. Over 66 miles racers will gain over 3,000ft in elevation each lap, so this is no easy course. Riders looking to open up a time gap on some of their competition will need to use the naturally changing road conditions to pinch off the competition. Look for riders who specialize in crit races and single day classes to excel on this stage.

Stage 2 – Aspen to Breckenridge- As has become the norm with the Pro Challenge, the grueling slog over independence pass will be a feature of this race. Climbers can distance themselves from the competition by charging over the 12,000 ft monster. Flat terrain to Buena Vista, Fairplay and Alma lead to another opportunity for the climbers to get away on the climb up the south side of Hoosier Pass. Riders descend a technical top section of Hoosier pass and blast into Breckenridge. The end of the race will be most punishing as the riders have to climb up the difficult 15% grade of Moonstone Rd. before blasting down Boreas Pass Rd. to the finish line. If the climbers can put enough space between themselves and the peloton during the Independence Pass and Hoosier Pass climbs they should be able to hold on for victory. However, if they are caught prior to entering Breckenridge, look for a Puncheur to try to take advantage of Moonstone Road to go for the win.

Stage 3 – Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs- In an exact reversal of the inaugural Pro Challenge, the race starts in Breckenridge before heading over the short climb of Swan Mountain Road. Due to Swan’s size it provides a perfect opportunity to springboard breakaways.  Riders who break away have little to look forward to as they must hold of the field on the long ride to Rabbit Ears Pass. If the peloton crests the second summit of Rabbit Ears Pass together a massive bunch sprint is likely, but if the climbers open up enough of a gap you might see a breakaway survive. Look For the sprinters, and look for someone to take advantage in a breakaway.

Stage 4 – Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek- This year’s Queen Stage doesn’t feature the daunting Independence pass, and instead features several short yet punishing climbs. If the steepness of each climb doesn’t frustrate the riders, how numerous they are will. As the riders push into the final climbs of the day they find themselves on the ruthless Bachelor’s Gulch climb with grades as steep as 18%. You may see a finish reminiscent of Crested Butte 2 years ago where rider after rider appeared to be away and a clear winner only to be caught before Levi Leipheimer managed to break away in the last little bit of the race.

Stage 5 – Vail Time Trial- Once again the Vail time trial comes back. Hailing back to the days of the Coors Classic, the Vail Pass Time Trial represents one of the classic rides in Colorado Cycling Tradition. Because it is mostly uphill riders face the tough decision of choosing between a standard racing bike and a time trial bike. Some riders bet on their ability to put away time on the flat ground prior to the climb while others save their legs in hopes of making a push as they hit the hill. Either choice has its risks and benefits. Time Trial Specialists will be pitted against strong climbers going in this unique stage.

Stage 6 – Loveland to Fort Collins- Riders begin the day in Loveland and enjoy the flats for a brisk early ride before heading up the Big Thompson Canyon. This winding road full of grade changes should split up the pack quite effectively as they head up through Devils Gulch before entering scenic Estes Park and back down through Glen Comfort and the Big Thompson Canyon. Provided the pack comes back together on the way down to Fort Collins, you can expect an exciting mass sprint in Fort Collins.

Stage 7 – Denver – Once again, the final day finds itself in Denver. By now the winner of the race ought to be decided, and as is with the Champs Elysees in the Tour De France the final circuit is an opportunity for teams to line up their sprinters for the win and should provide plenty of excitement to everyone watching this stage. If the leaders are separated by only a couple seconds though you may see one of them set on changing their fate and attack on the flats hoping to take the other off guard.

Curiously absent for 3 years however are some of the more daunting climbs in the state like Trail Ridge Road which connects Estes Park to Grand Lake and the deceivingly difficult Berthoud Pass from Empire to Fraser. Another absent is one of Colorado’s toughest, Loveland Pass connecting Loveland Resort and Keystone.  Lastly, the only climb categorized as “HC” in the state is the brutal 7,000’ climb over 27 miles from Idaho Springs to the top of Mt. Evans at 14,100’. While they have yet to be used in this epic race, it is only a matter of time until they rear their heads.

The USA Pro Challenge represents Colorado’s major foray into another professional sport and highlights our state as a mecca of physical fitness and athletics in the US. The mountains are also brought to the forefront as Summit County always seems to play a role in this incredible race. Come see it, experience it, and immerse yourself in it! The race is slated to start on August 19 and finish on the 26th.

Bring your kids and come with an appetite as we learn more about the incredible Summer Camp Programs offered by KSS. Keystone Science School is a non-profit organization that has been in Summit County since 1976.

What is Keystone Science School?
What kind of programs are offered?
Why should I sign my child up for camp this summer?
Can my whole family stay in Keystone while my child is at camp?

Visit the Keystone Science School Open House!
When?
Wednesday, May 1st
6 – 8 pm
Where?
SummitCove.com Golden
900 13th Street
Golden, CO 80401
(See it on a MAP!)

1. Keystone Prospector’s Home #669

2. The Springs Condominiums
The Springs is THE place to stay when visiting Keystone and for good reason.  Just yards away from the Keystone Gondola and River Run Village, you will forget that you even own a car, because you will be able to walk anywhere you want to go.  The common areas here have something for everyone including 2 outdoor hot tubs, a pool complete with a waterslide for the kids, a gazebo, outdoor firepit and multiple gas barbecue grills, perfect for an afternoon cookout. Inside features a fireplace with sitting area, a theatre room for watching movies, a full-size pool table, steam room, and a fitness center should you get the itch to work out before your big day!  SummitCove has close to 20 properties located in this building, ranging from studios to 3 bedrooms, so you can host your whole group here while still giving people their individual space and privacy in separate condos.

3. Keystone Retreat #33
Another one of our most popular private homes, Keystone Retreat offers space and luxury, while still being close to the village.  This 4 bedroom, 4 bath home has beautiful hardwood floors, a luxurious master suite, 2 kitchens and a private hot tub.  This home is beautiful and spacious and would be a great place to host the bridal party or even multiple families.

4. Settler’s Creek Townhomes
Have you ever seen the movie Pleasantville? Settler’s Creek Townhomes have that same homey, neighborhood feel, tucked away in the woods, yet less than a mile from the resort hub.  If you are looking for modern properties with great amenities and plenty of space, then these townhomes will be perfect for your group.  Beautiful mountain views, free resort shuttle service and access to the coveted Minnie’s Cabin Clubhouse and outdoor pool area are the icing on the cake.  SummitCove has several multi-bedroom properties in the area with a total combined sleeping capacity of up to 68 people!  This is a wonderful location for weddings at Ski Tip Lodge as well!

5. Expedition Station
A hidden gem in River Run Village, Expedition Station features the same convenience as some of other buildings in River Run, but it boasts its own pool area, fitness center, and steam room, instead of shared common areas.  Expedition condos range in size from studios to 3 bedrooms and just outside the front door is Dercum Square in River Run with a playground and mini-golf course to keep your guests entertained during downtime.

6. Keystone Gulch Estate #1688
This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home backs up to some spectacular hiking and cross country biking trails and features beautiful landscaping and decor.  Huge vaulted celings and simple luxuries make this the perfect home to host your group.  An indoor hot tub room, upstairs loft area with foosball table, and insane master suite will have you wanting to come back year after year. It is also less than a mile from both the Mountain House Base area and the Keystone Ranch!  Your guests will love being this close to the great outdoors!

7. The Pines Condominiums
Situated amongst tall pine trees and backing up to The Keystone River Golf course, The Pines Condos in Keystone are a great choice to host multiple families for your event.  Probably the best feature at The Pines are the spectacular views!   Huge floor to ceiling windows and balconies highlight the picturesque views of the River Golf Course, Gore Range and unbelievable Rocky Mountain sunsets- maybe even the best in all of Keystone.  With close proximity to the Snake River, the Keystone Bike Path, Golf Courses and Keystone Stables, guests will love the easy access to all of the great activities in Keystone.  There is a free resort shuttle stop right inside the complex, making it a breeze to travel to other areas of the resort.  SummitCove has a mix of fourteen properties, 2 and 3 bedrooms, in this complex and Homestead and Lodgepole are nearby if additional space is needed. 

8. Goldenrod Home #7
If you are hosting a wedding at Keystone Ranch, this is the perfect place to house the bride’s family or multiple families or to serve as a central ‘hub’ for people to gather over the week.  This home is very luxurious and features a large kitchen, vaulted ceilings, multiple fireplaces, and beautiful bedrooms.  Of course there is a large outdoor patio area complete with table and barbecue grill to enjoy the warm summer afternoons in Keystone. It is also close to the golf club at Keystone Ranch, perfect for a groomsmen afternoon out! One word describes this home: GRAND!

9. Flying Dutchman Condominiums
Flying Dutchman Condos are located in the West Keystone Area, just a half a mile from the Keystone Stables and offer plenty of individual condos of varying sizes.  The best feature of Flying Dutchman in the summertime hands down are the beautiful grounds and outdoor spaces.  Large, sprawling green grasses and beautiful flowers are so inviting! Take a stroll around, host a cookout, or just enjoy an afternoon on the patio in the sunshine.  There is also a wonderful, recently remodeled pool area and outdoor sand volleyball court to keep everyone having fun and getting to know each other!

10. Tennis Townhomes
These large townhomes offer lots of space and are just a quick walk across the street to the shops, restaurants, and activities at Lakeside Village.  These multi-bedroom townhomes feature great views, spacious living spaces, recent upgrades, and an awesome outdoor pool to really enjoy the Colorado sunshine! They are also located just yards from the Keystone Conference Center and have access to multiple shuttle stops in case you are looking to go to River Run Village during your stay.

Keystone Colorado Conference Center

The Keystone Conference Center is conveniently located in the middle of Keystone, near the Keystone Lake.  This Lakeside Village area is complete with shops, restaurants, and activities on the lake including paddle boating and kayaking in the summer and ice skating in the winter.   Condos surround the conference area, but even if you are not within walking distance, there is a free resort shuttle that will take you to and from your Keystone accommodations to the Conference Center.  The paved bike path runs right past Keystone Lake, making it easy to hop on and enjoy a scenic bike ride, through the tall pines, past the golf course and alongside the Snake River.

Serene Beauty of Keystone Lake

There are multiple options for lodging in this area, including studios with kitchens like those at Montezuma Lodge and multi-bedrooms at Tennis Townhomes.   Look for properties in either Lakeside Village or North Keystone, as these will be the closest to the KCC.  Anything located is Lakeside Village is just across the highway, within a quarter mile and there is a convenient walking tunnel so you don’t have to worry about crossing the highway.  Book a condo at Mall, Edgewater, or Lakeside to have access to the Keystone Lodge and Spa commons facilities which include a beautiful indoor/outdoor pool and top of the line fitness center.  Montezuma, Decatur and Lake Shore Condos all have access to the large indoor pool and hot tub at the East Lake Clubhouse, and also boast amazing views of Keystone Lake.  Tennis Townhomes has a spectacular outdoor swimming pool and is just yards from the tennis courts.  Most of our properties will have the amenities you will need such as wireless internet, kitchens, ironing supplies, and a basic stock of necessities such as shampoo, coffee, and kitchen supplies just to name a few!

SummitCove Lodging offers group and conference discounts varying with the conference dates and length of stay.  We can accommodate any size group, whether it be all in one larger townhome or private home or we can book your group in a block of condos all within the same building or complex.  Keystone is a wonderful place to attend or host a conference, as it is a beautiful area with many activities and some great dining options as well.  In the summertime visitors can take scenic gondola rides, ride the bike path, go golfing or fishing, try downhill mountain biking, and of course do some hiking!  Summer temperatures stay relatively cool, maxing at about 75 degrees and the nights cooler. There are many fun summer festivals and live music, making it the perfect work/vacation destination.  Call us today to see what we can do for your next conference in Keystone!

Simply put, certain areas of Keystone rent out more often and for higher dollar amounts than others, and while property type has something to do with it (private home vs. studio condo) when you compare apples to apples, like property to like property you have to think about the AREA you are renting within, not just the property.

If you are thinking about purchasing a property in Keystone, take a look at our Top 3 recommendations for rental property locations at Keystone Resort!

Views of the Keystone Ranch Golf Course

# 3. Keystone Ranch

The Keystone Ranch is tucked away in the back of Keystone Resort. Flanked by Keystone’s 2 world-class Golf Courses, the Keystone Ranch Course and the Keystone River Course, the Ranch is as exclusive and luxurious as you can find at Keystone Resort. Most homes within the Ranch have access to the Ranch pool house and tennis courts in the summer months. Rolling hills, mountain vistas, and wide-open spaces make it a beautiful backdrop for homes in the area.

The Ranch is also home to the acclaimed Keystone Ranch Restaurant which is one of Keystone’s two AAA Four Diamond Rated restaurants. Experience some of the highly unique dishes of Keystone’s finest chefs. They also serve breakfast, lunch and a more casual apres-golf dining with drinks, appetizers and a wonderful outdoor patio area to enjoy on warm summer afternoons.

What really makes this area unique is the types of properties you find here. There are no condos, no townhomes and very few duplexes. The vast majority of the properties here are large single family homes which really come to embody the feeling of an American Mountain Lodge, not so much a European Chalet. These properties are as unique as the location.

Settler’s Creek Townhomes in East Keystone

#2. East Keystone

East Keystone is one of the other “outskirts” of Keystone. Situated off of Montezuma Road to the east of River Run Village, these properties border the Keystone wetlands and really feel like they are tucked away in the woods, while in reality they are just less than a mile from the Resort hub.

These properties are also located near one of the most historic locations in all of Keystone, the famed Ski Tip Lodge. Formerly a Stagecoach stop and Keystone Founders Max and Edna Dercum’s own residence, it is now one of the premier restaurants in Summit County and is also a beautiful wedding venue.

Located in East Keystone are 3 lodging developments called Ski Tip Ranch, Trapper’s Crossing, and Settler’s Creek. As some of the newest developments in Keystone they are known for luxury, spaciousness and uniqueness. Almost everyone who stays in any of these locations wants to come back! Some of the reasons include the exclusivity of Minnie’s Cabin in Settlers Creek and location. While being away in the woods you are less than 5 minutes by shuttle to the base of Keystone Resort. East Keystone is the perfect neighborhood if you want space, scenery, exclusivity and a little bit of luxury all mixed in together!

The view of River Run Village Keystone Resort from a condo balcony

#1. River Run Village

At number 1, what else would it be other than the heart and soul of Keystone. River Run Village is the place to be in the Winter, Summer, even Spring and Fall, this has got to be the #1 place here in Keystone. Home to dozens of shops and restaurants the River Run Village is where all the happenings are in Keystone, not to mention it is where the River Run Gondola is located, making it ultra convenient for anyone looking to get on the mountain.

Enjoy the fine dining of Wolf Rock Steakhouse, or make a reservation to take the Gondola up to Der Fondue Chessel or the Highest Four Diamond AAA rated restaurant in the United States, the Alpenglow Stube. From River Run you can experience some of the higher end dining in Keystone, without having to travel far. You can also enjoy the Apres Ski at some of the great other restaurants in Keystone and not have to worry about driving anywhere, so drink up and enjoy!

With plenty of retail in The River Run Village, it is sure please even the non-skiers of the group. Just at the edge of the Village is the pickup for the Summit Stage Free Shuttle as well, so you have easy access anywhere in the county. including Breckenridge, to the Silverthorne Outlet Malls, old town Dillon or even Copper Mountain.  As far as convenience goes, nothing tops River Run Village.

If you are interested in Keystone nightlife, this is the only place you are going to see big names in concerts at Warren Station or the amazing summer festivals in the village like Bluegrass and Beer, Wine and Jazz or the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival. If you thought Keystone was only fun in the winter, now you know that you have to come back for the summer too!

River Run really is the place to be, and that is why it comes in at #1!  Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions regarding rental properties in Keystone, whether you are about to sign a deal or are just in the dreaming phase, we can help you make the best decision for purchasing and renting a property in Keystone!

Over a foot of snow has fallen since some Colorado Resorts closed last weekend

April has been a snowy month in Colorado, with many ski resorts seeing over three and a half feet of snow since the start of the month.

Breckenridge, Vail and Copper Mountains have all recently announced their plans to re-open this weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 19-21, extending the season to those who are looking to enjoy all of this new snow we have received.  Season pass-holders of the resorts will be able to ski for free, just as before. Please remember that the mountains will only be partially open with limited lifts running and not all terrain open.

At Vail and Breckenridge, non-pass holders will be able to purchase lift tickets for just $50. A special $25 ticket will be available for any guests who hold season passes from non-Vail Resorts owned and operated resorts. The $25 daily ticket is also available to holders of Summit County or Epic Local passes that have used all 10 days.

Copper Mountain is offering $40 lift tickets for those without a season pass or $25 tickets to anyone with a non-Copper mountain season pass.  Anyone who has a ‘Snow Day’ pass will be able to use it as normal if the resort receives 4 or more inches of snow over any of the 3 days they are open this weekend.

Arapahoe Basin and Loveland ski resorts remain open for skiing daily.  Loveland has plans to close May 5, and Arapahoe Basin hopes to stay open until early June.  The skiing and riding is still great here in Summit County, Colorado, so come up and enjoy some more before the season ends!  The snow is still falling and local restaurants and lodging are offering up great ‘post-season’ deals.  Call us today to book a condo in Keystone, just minutes from Arapahoe Basin and  about a 20 minute drive to Breckenridge.

Arapahoe Basin is one of the few ski resorts in Colorado that doesn’t have a scheduled closing date.  The mountain typically closes sometime in June, but it all depends on the snow.  Last season ended relatively early for the resort, closing on May 6, yet two years they stayed open until the 4th of July! (Think swimsuits and sunblock!)

Spring crowds at Arapahoe Basin Colorado

A-Basin is well-known for its spring skiing and awesome events lineup.  People rent out parking spaces at the infamous ‘beach’ area at the base to enjoy the spring weather and sunshine while they make some turns on the mountain and enjoy a cold beverage and barbecue picnic.  This year is no different, featuring fresh snow and a can’t-miss spring events lineup. There are plenty of chances to see some live music with the ‘Shakin at the Basin’ free concert series and our favorite event finishes off May, the Festival of Brewpubs.  See the full lineup below.

• Apr 13, 2013 (Saturday)
  

  5th annual Save our Snow Celebration

• Apr 17, 2013 (Wednesday)
  

  24th Annual Enduro

• Apr 20, 2013 (Saturday)
  

  11th Annual Spyder Grind

• Apr 20, 2013 (Saturday)
  

  Moonlight Dinner Series – Italy

• Apr 27, 2013 (Saturday)
  

  8th Annual Red Ball Beach Bash

• May 4, 2013 (Saturday)
  

  Shakin’ at the Basin May Concert Series & Quatro de Mayo Fiesta

• May 4, 2013 (Saturday)
  

  10th Annual Huck, Rock, and Roll Terrain Park Competition

• May 11, 2013 (Saturday)
  

  Shakin’ at the Basin May Concert Series

• May 18, 2013 (Saturday)
  

  Shakin’ at the Basin May Concert Series & Rail Jam

• May 25, 2013 (Saturday)
  

  Shakin’ at the Basin May Concert Series

• May 26, 2013 (Sunday)
  

  12th Annual Festival of the Brewpubs

SummitCove Lodging has over 300 properties in Keystone, just a 5 minute drive from A-Basin.  For a limited time only, we are offering 30% off lodging for the rest of April and May, making it easy to come up and enjoy some last turns of the season before the snow melts!  Also, if you purchase an Arapahoe Basin Season Pass for next ski season, you are able to use it to ski for the remainder of this season.  It’s not over yet- come visit Keystone and Arapahoe Basin this weekend!

One of the main questions we are asked by homeowners who are looking to sell their property up here in Keystone is how to do so while continuing to rent it out to short term renters? Selling a property is of course a process, but actually, renting the property during the process can be more than beneficial.

When you are selling your property, it is very important to maintain the property in good working order and condition.  This will help to minimize what needs to be done to it prior to closing, as well as to position it in the best light possible for potential buyers. This is one of the major concerns owners have with renting, believing that when the property is being rented, it is going to experience harsh wear and tear and things will be breaking all the time from renters. Part of this is true. Yes, you will have some wear and tear on the property due to renters, however the role of the property management company like SummitCove.com is to keep every bit of the property in good working order. Sometimes renters or housekeepers will report something not working or broken and then that item will immediately be fixed thanks to the speedy services of the property managers.  We are here to care for your property and have multiple eyes in the property on a regular basis that will notice when things need attention.

There are many benefits of doing short-term vacation rentals your property while you try to sell. If you would like more information why not just give us a call?  We can help you through the whole process or even just offer advice if you need some questions answered.