Posted on 9/29/2012 by Alyssa Schnarsky
30 Winter Activities to Check Out While Visiting Keystone Resort
In no particular order, here's our list of 30 things to try while you are visiting Keystone, CO this winter. After you get in a day of skiing or snowboarding of course!
1. Snowshoeing. Rent snowshoes from Mountain View Sports and hit the trails at the Keystone Nordic Center, Keystone Gulch, Frisco Peninsula, or up near Montezuma.
2 Shopping. There are so many places to shop in Summit County, whether you are looking for high end luxury shops or the best deals. Shop in River Run Village, the Silverthorne Outlet Mall, or Frisco or Breckenridge Main Streets.
3. Find the Yeti. Keystone is home to the SummitCove Yeti, who makes appearances from time to time, usually when you are least expecting it! When and where is a mystery, but if you see him, grab your camera, get a photo with him and post on the SummitCove Facebook page!
4. Snow-Tubing. This is one of the most family friendly and fun activities around- everyone is sure to have a good time. Magic carpets carry you and your tubes up, so there's no trudging up the hill like traditional sledding. The Keystone Adventure Center and Frisco Adventure Center both offer snow-tubing in the winter months.
5. Have a drink on a sunny patio or in an Adirondack chair. Colorado is known for 300 days of sunshine and many don't realize how many BEAUTIFUL winter days we have. When the sun shines hit LaBonte's Cabin or Summit House for a beer or Bloody Mary in an Adirondack Chair with a view or Kickapoo Tavern or Inxpot for an après-ski drink and appetizer.
6. Night Skiing. See the mountain with a whole different perspective. Lights guide you down the mountain as you feel the fresh air rushing upon your face. There are less people out and you'll notice an eerily awesome quiet to the mountain- you'll have to try it to know what we are talking about! Keystone is one of the few resorts in Colorado to offer night skiing; meaning you get more bang on the lift ticket buck. We recommend skiing til mid-day, going in for a quick hot drink or cup of chili to warm up and then heading back out there for round two!
7. Dog Sledding. Kids will have the time of their lives, seeing the dogs in action and helping mush their own sled. Try Alpine Adventures or Good Times Adventures for guided tours through the Rocky Mountains.
8. Winter Zip Lining. This is a new winter activity this year offered through the same owners of White Mountain Snowmobiling Tours. Top of the Rockies Zip Lining takes you through the back-country near Leadville, zipping down lines, over rivers, train tracks, and taking in spectacular views. A must-do for adrenaline junkies!
9. Snowmobiling. You've never experienced snowmobiling like this before! Wide open powder fields, groomed trails, family rides and views for miles. Check out White Mountain Snowmobile Tours for the best snowmobiling tour around, they even provide you with all of the necessary gear! Look for your coupon from WMST in the Key to Keystone Coupon Book.
10. Sleigh Rides. Nothing beats the feeling of fresh winter air nipping at your nose while bundled up sipping hot chocolate, listening to the soft patter of horse hooves, while taking in amazing scenery of snow heavy evergreens and mountain views.
11. Ice Castles (Silverthorne). You will be amazed by the maze of icicles and formations that form this spectacular winter wonderland, all built by hand! Located in Silverthorne, the ice castles are open to visit for a small charge and usually open in late December or January and stay open as long as the weather permits.
12. Winter Festivals and Free Concerts. Keystone hosts numerous festivals and free concerts throughout the winter. Bluegrass on the Snow, River Run Rocks!, Keystone Kidtopia and the Festival of Lights are some of the most popular events of the year!
13. Go See the Snow Sculptures in Breckenridge. (Jan 15 - February 3rd). This year will be the 23rd year of the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Larger than life sculptures are made from scratch, watch the progress as artists from around the world build works of art from a square block of ice.. working through the night in the cold of winter!
14. Ice Skating or Pond Hockey. The Keystone Lake Ice Rink is the largest outdoor, Zamboni maintained rink in North America! There is also another smaller, outdoor rink located in Dercum Square at River Run Village.
15. Hot Tubbing While Its Snowing. This SCREAMS ski vacation! Cold snowflakes hit the hot steam for a unique and refreshing feeling; personally I think its THE best time to be in the hot tub.
16. Ski-Biking. If you are looking to take a day off of skiing or riding, but would still like to be out on the mountain, you'll definitely want to try ski-biking. Part bike, part ski, 100% new adventure. Rent and take lessons at the Keystone Adventure Center.
17. Full Moon Cultural Cuisine Dinners at Arapahoe Basin. This is a really fun and a truly unique dining experience. You take the Black Mountain Express Lift up and then snowshoe down in the moonlight, after enjoying a one of a kind gourmet meal of course. Reservations are required and events sell out early.
18. Kidtopia Kidsfest. Where else do they have an entire festival and winter season, dedicated to kids? Glow Bug Skating Night, dog sledding, fireworks displays, teen adventure nights, scenic sleigh rides, cookie decorating, dancing to live music in the plaza, arts and crafts, disco tubing, meet the Avalanche Dog & more. Keystone even builds a life size snow fort at the top of Dercum mountain every winter for kids to explore and have snowball fights!
19. Enjoy a Wide Range of Fine Dining Options. Snake River Saloon, Alpenglow Stube, Ski Tip Ranch, Keystone Ranch, Bighorn Steakhouse, and Der Fondue Chessel are some of our favorites in Keystone. Reservations are recommended.
20. Snow Kat Skiing & Tours. Grab a few friends and family members and take a snow-cat ride through the back mountains of Keystone Resort. Untouched powder and breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, Ten Mile Range and the Gore Range are just a part of the fun.
21. Nordic (Cross-Country) Skiing. A great way to take in the scenery, look for wildlife and a enjoy a slower pace of skiing! Also is a great workout. Try the Keystone or Frisco Nordic Centers.
22. Gondola Rides. If you aren't skiing or riding, it is still fun to take a ride up to the top to soak in the spectacular views at above 11,000 feet or visit one of the on-mountain restaurants via the River Run Gondola.
23. Mountaintop Dining.. Alpenglow Stube & Fondue Chessel. Fine dining with altitude, this is an experience that you'll always remember. When else can you take a gondola to dinner?!
24. Experience Live Music. Snake River Saloon, The Goat, Warren Station, 320 South in Breck, the Riverwalk in Breck and many other places in Summit County offer live bands on a regular basis. Many Colorado bands frequent this area and there are some really good acts to see!
25. Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows Next to the River Run Firepit. Warm up after a day on the mountain next to the over sized fire pit in the village. People watch and sip a hot beverage for a relaxing afternoon.
26. Drive to the top of Loveland Pass on a full moon or clear day. It's just 8 miles to the Summit of Loveland Pass from Keystone, meaning you can easily experience unparallelled views without much work. We suggest going during a full moon or clear day to avoid an icy road.
27. Hot Springs. Natural hot springs are littered around Colorado and are a must try at least once in your life. Leadville, Buena Vista, and Idaho Springs are all just a short drive from Keystone.
28. See a show at Lake Dillon Theatre CO.
This intimate venue features shows year round, everything from comedies to musicals. Most shows are family friendly and are a unique and cultural experience for everyone!
29. Have an Epic Mix Photo Shoot. FREE, professional photographers take your photos all around the mountain! Have a contest to see who can get the most photos or have one taken from every spot! Epic Mix is available to all season and day pass holders. Online versions of the photos are free with the option to pay for high quality downloads and prints.
30. Bowling. Take the family out for a bowling night while you're here, Lakeside Bowl in Dillon.
About The Author
Alyssa Schnarsky
Alyssa Schnarsky is the Marketing Director at SummitCove Vacation Lodging in Keystone and has worked in the vacation lodging industry for over 15 years. When she's not delivering exceptional content on all-things Keystone, you can find her hiking in the mountains, skiing the trees, enjoying a live concert, spending time with her tuxedo cat or planning her next adventure.