If you are visiting Keystone this winter, you will certainly run into this larger than life snow fort at the top of Dercum Mountain, just to the left of the River Run Gondola. Each year the kids snow castle has a new theme, usually Dragon related. The fort contains tunnels, lookout towers, and even a unique ice sculpture throne perfect for being crowned King or Queen of the castle, playing tag, or even a playful snowball fight.
The snow fort is part of Keystone Kidtopia, a festival that is designed just for kids, exclusively at Keystone! The 2012/2013 Kidtopia features daily programming all season long, rather than just on busy weekends like last year. Some other feature events include Saturday Evening Fireworks shows, Disco Tubing, Glowtown Skate nights, Cupcakes and Canvases, cookie Hour and S’mores Saturdays. You and your kids will have the time of their lives this season while visiting Keystone Resort!
One of our favorite things about Keystone Resort is Night Skiing! Keystone offers visitors with one of Colorado’s longest ski days- you can ski or ride long after nearly all the other mountains close. Your lift ticket is good all day and into the night! Watch the sun set over the beautiful Rocky Mountains while enjoying a few more runs. The serenity of the mountain at night is a completely different unique experience than what you get during the day. Check out the schedule below for night skiing hours and dates and be sure to try it at least once during your visit to Keystone!
2012/2013 Keystone Night Skiing Schedule Wednesday, November 21 – 25, 2012 November 30 – December 1, 2012 December 7 – 8, 2012 December 14 – 15, 2012 December 21 – January 6, 2013 January 9 – April 7, 2013 (Wednesday – Sunday and select Holiday Mondays) Open 7 days a week during March
Hours: (On Days With Night Skiing) Open until 8p Wednesday – Saturday Open until 6p Sunday and select Holiday Mondays A51 Terrain Park closes at 6p all night ski nights
Packing for a ski trip requires a little more thought than the ordinary trip, as there is alot of gear and clothing involved. When packing your clothes, remember: Layers are your friends and cotton is not. Cotton holds moisture in and will actually make you colder if it becomes wet. Blended ‘wicking’ fabrics and layers will keep you dry and warm, making you a happy skier or rider. Use this list below as your ‘base layer’ when packing for your next Colorado Ski Vacation.
Clothing
– Base ‘thermal’ layer top & bottom. Long underwear, tights, etc. avoid cotton and look for blended ‘wicking’ fabrics that will keep you dry. – Warm socks, (avoid cotton, look for a wool blend) bring multiple pairs. – Sweaters/long sleeve shirts for wearing around the Village at Keystone – Light sweatshirt or flannel shirt for layering or as a substitute for a jacket on a nice day – 1 to 2 pairs of jeans or pants (one casual and one dressy dark pair) – Turtleneck (optional) – One ‘dressy’ outfit for nice dinners… think dark jeans and a warm sweater with boots. Remember its cold and you’re in the mountains! You won’t see many people wearing dresses, ties, or high heels of any kind. – ‘Lounge’ clothes for game night at your condo or a movie – Swimsuit to enjoy the heated pools, hot tubs, and saunas – ‘Cover up’ clothes to wear TO the pool and hot tub – PJs/Sweats – Undergarments
Outerwear
– Hat – Scarf – Warm, water-resistant gloves – Glove liners (depends on your gloves) – Facemask – Bandana (Can be used as a facemask or under your helmet) – Googles. If you don’t have a pair you should really think about investing in some; they will last you a VERY long time, keep your face warm and eyes tear-free and protected from the winds and sun. An orange lens is a great ‘all-around’ lens. Yellow or clear lenses are great for night skiing and the ‘fire’ or dark lenses are great for very bright, sunny days (but terrible for night skiing). Look for discounted ski clearance shops online or the ‘one deal at a time’ type of websites that feature snow gear, you can often find a great pair for only $30-$40. – Sunglasses, it’s VERY sunny in Colorado! – Warm jacket or shell – Fleece or sweatshirt to go under shell-style jackets – Waterproof ski pants- jeans or windbreaker style pants will NOT do the job – Snow boots or trail shoes to wear around town – Pea coat or other jacket to wear when not skiing (not necessary)
Miscellaneous Items
– Camera – Camera battery charger or extra batteries – Helmet Cam (if you have one) – Sunblock (or plan on buying some here) – Playing cards – Chapstick – Tylenol or Advil for sore muscles or headaches – Prescription Medicines – Reusable water bottle – Toiletries.. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, tweezers, makeup, etc. – IPod or MP3 Player w/ Headphones – Flip Flops to wear to the pool – Slippers – Laptop or IPad to send photos to your friends and make them totally jealous – A good book to read by the fireplace – Ski Passes or tickets if you have them – Cell phone – Phone charger – Travel journal to record your trip memories – Hand/foot warmers (if you tend to get cold)
A Few Tips:
– Pack & dress in layers. Colorado weather changes quickly so you may need to add or remove a layer in your outfit to achieve that perfect temperature. You will even notice a drop in the temperature once the sun goes behind the mountain.
– It can be cold on the slopes, but remember you will be moving and working your body- no need to OVER dress or you will find yourself sweating under your jacket! Many people don’t realize how much sun and warm winter days we have in Colorado. The coldest moments are on the chairlift or during a snowstorm, but you can always hop on the gondola to warm up!
– Drink lots of water before and during your vacation. It helps to prevent altitude sickness and combat our dry winter air.
– If you are bringing your own equipment, stuff and ‘pad’ your ski bag with the bulkier jackets and pants to provide extra padding for your gear and save room in your suitcase! Don’t forget your boots, helmet, and ski poles!
– Get your equipment waxed ahead of time so its ready to go when you get here.
– If you will be renting skis or boards, reserve them ahead of time for the best selection and to ensure the shop doesn’t run out of gear before you get there. Mountain View Sports offers 25% off rentals to SummitCove Guests.
– Look early for discount lift tickets online or consider buying a season pass. They usually pay for themselves after 4-5 days. See your confirmation e-mail for a link to discount lift tickets.
‘Mud Season’ is what the locals refer to as the slower off-season in Summit County, after the summer rush is gone, but before the winter guests start arriving. There aren’t many visitors during this time and some businesses actually close their doors for anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, offering a break before the season; to clean, go on vacation, or just get away before the season ramps up. Other restaurants and businesses stay open year-round and typically serve up big deals for those who stick around during the mud season.
Tonight is locals night at the Bighorn Steakhouse, located in the Keystone Lodge and Spa in Lakeside Village. For those who have never been to the Bighorn Steakhouse, this is a great time to go check it out! The restaurant features great views of Keystone Lake and the towering mountains of the Continental Divide. Delicious menu selections change often and typically feature a vegetable of the day. Entrees may include dishes such as fish, chicken, scallops, vegetarian/vegan options, and of course steak! Tonight their certified Angus Beef Filet Mignon is on special for $18. If you aren’t feeling like steak, you can take 25% off all other entrees.
The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame recently announced one of Keystone Resort‘s original founders, Bill Bergman has been selected for this year’s Pioneer category in the Hall of Fame, and will be inducted in October.
During the 1960s, Max Dercum and his partner Bill Bergman worked hard to make their shared vision of someday establishing an international ski area become a reality. It is said that Dercum had the vision but Bergman possessed the business savvy skills to turn it into reality. He is credited as the individual who transformed skiing into a corporate enterprise, something that originally began with small investors. In 1967, their dreams were realized when Keystone acquired approximately 513 acres of land and a couple years later in 1971, the first two chair lifts were put in, at what is now the Mountain House Base Area. Over 75,000 skiers soon visited the new ski area, with lift tickets costing a mere $5 per person and the lifts have been turning ever since.
Bergman as served as Keystone’s first president, for six years with an annual salary of only $100, and as he continued to be a consultant and the head of ski school for many years. Bergman was able to expand the resort and he came up with two huge ideas that are still standard practices used today at major ski resorts: the revolutionary concept of environmentally friendly trail design and the installation of snowmaking capabilities..
Married for 66 years, Bergman has had his wife by his side to keep his life exciting — and challenging as he puts it. “Jane and I are always teasing each other, it’s what we do every day,” Bergman said. “But without her love for Colorado and her family connection here, I might not have ever gotten to know what Summit County was all about.” During the time Bergman was building Keystone Resort, he wasn’t actual even a local. He and his wife lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he ran a law firm and played golf. He quickly fell in love with the mountains more and more and permanently moved to Keystone in 1999 and continues to play golf at least 3 days a week and has started his own golf club, ‘The Bergman Boys’ which consists of about 30 members. They typically play fast in the mornings and try not to hold anyone up.
The 2012 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place October 26, 2012 at the Omni Resort in Broomfield, Colorado and four other members will also be inducted at this time.
Take Advantage of the Free, Professional Epic Mix Photos When You Visit Keystone!
Tomorrow is the FINAL DAY of our Snowcapped Early Booking Sale! 15% Off Ski Season Stays of 3 Nights or More*
This winter has been predicted to be an above average snowfall year and we are prepping for an outrageously awesome season here in Keystone! Keystone Resort is set to open on November 2nd, leaving roughly just 2 months until ski season starts. Prime dates and properties are filling up fast, so it’s a good idea to book now, not only for the best selection but for the best prices! Book your 2012/2013 winter season stay of 3+ nights and lock in last season’s rates, plus take an additional 15% off!*
Why Choose Keystone?
Keystone features world class terrain with something for every skiing or riding level, whether you are just learning or are a black diamond, powder-seeking pro! Just 90 minutes from the Denver International Airport and smack dab in the center of a cluster of other ski resorts, such as Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper and Vail; Keystone offers a central location with convenience that can’t be beat. Keystone is also one of the few resorts in Colorado that hosts night skiing, meaning you get more bang for your buck. There are also plenty of lodging options in Keystone, whether you want to ski-in, ski-out at Lone Eagle, enjoy private bubbly hot tubs and slope views like those at Chateaux DuMont or just have the convenience of walking to shops, restaurants, and the slopes like you’ll have when you stay in River Run Village. Keystone is also known to be one of the most family friendly resorts, offering activities designed just for kids, such as Kidtopia Kidsfest, the Snow Fort at the top of Dercum Mountain, and every day fun with activities like ice skating, tubing, sledding, sleigh rides and more! You’ll also have access to Keystone’s Epic Mix, which allows users to track their days, vertical feet, earn pins and even have free professional photos taken on the mountain to record EPIC experiences! Keystone really has something for everyone! Call one of our Vacation Planners today and have them help you find the perfect property for your next Keystone Colorado vacation!
Keystone is an amazing place to view Colorado’s Fall Colors!
A few of the leaves in Summit County have already started changing colors, meaning Fall is on it’s way.. and even better, that Winter will be here before we know it! Fall is an incredible time to visit Keystone; the summer crowds have dwindled and it feels as if you have the whole resort to yourself. Many of the restaurants in Summit County offer 2-for-1 deals, making it easy to enjoy a gourmet meal at just a fraction of the price you would normally pay. The temperatures are cool, making it the ideal weather for hiking and biking. Equipment shops start running fall sales to get rid of last year’s equipment, meaning you can receive savings up to 70% off on a new pair of skis, boots, googles, and other gear. The quiet and relaxed atmosphere during the off season is a nice change from the normal hustle and bustle at the resort. You can also visit some of the Fall themed events in Summit County, including Wine in the Pines, Oktoberfest, Fall for the Arts, Fall Fest and more.
Probably the biggest reason to come though is for the Colorado Fall Colors. Keystone is home to Aspens which change to brilliant gold and orange hues, creating hills of gorgeous colors. Although the exact dates cannot be predicted, typically September is the best month to view the colors. There are numerous trails in the Keystone and Montezuma areas that offer superb color viewing opportunities, including the Peru Creek trail and Keystone Gulch area. If you have never tried cross country mountain biking, it is a great way to cover alot of terrain and really submerse yourself in the beautiful scenery. There are many trails that are considered beginner level to get started on. You can also ride your bike up one of the scenic passes such as Loveland or Hoosier. Another way to view the colors is to take a scenic drive on one of the many beautiful roads in Summit County such as Montezuma Road, The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway over Independence Pass, or the Copper Minturn Loop.
SummitCove is sticking with the 2-for-1 theme and offering A FREE Night, when you buy one night from September 10 until October 31st, at participating properties. Experience the colors from the balcony view shown above at Expedition Station or be tucked away in the woods at Trapper’s Crossing Townhomes. You can’t pass up these amazing prices during your Fall Color Viewing Tour! Take a break from the city life and experience the brilliance and beauty of the Colorado wilderness during one of its most beautiful seasons!
Dancing with the Mountain Starsis back for the 5th year at the Keystone Conference Center on Saturday, September 29th. The evening includes a cocktail reception, elegant dinner and a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Flight For Life Colorado, in addition to a night of dancing and performances. The Flight For Life Colorado helicopter is our Summit County life-line to life-saving healthcare. This year they are celebrating 20 years of service in Summit County and 40 years since the establishment of Flight For Life in Denver, which was the first air ambulance service in the United States. Over the past 20 years, over 5, 400 patients have been transported in the Life Guard 2 helicopter and it has also flown more than 750 Search and Rescue missions in the mountain region. The expenses to operate every day of the year are high and Flight For Life depends on community support to help with equipment purchases for their base crew and helicopter at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center.
After enjoying the wonderful dinner, guests watch as local dancers are paired with professional dancers to fill the dance floor to compete with their versions of the waltz, salsa, tango and many more dances! After watching the dances performed by the local stars and their professional partners, you’ll also be inspired to dance among the stars until midnight in the ballroom. Those interested in attending the event are encouraged to reserve a table now, as last year’s event sold out almost a month in advance! For tickets, please call Deb Edwards at 970-668-6906 or click here to purchase your tickets or sponsorships online. The event starts at 5:30 pm and goes until midnight. If you are looking for a condo within walking distance to the event, Tennis Townhomes, Montezuma Condos, or Lake Shore Condos are all great options and we are currently offering Buy One Get One Free Prices on select properties for this special weekend! See the webpage for all the details.
Dancing with Mountain Stars in Keystone on September 29, 2012
Looking for a fun weekend of arts, culture, great deals, and fall color viewing? Come visit Keystone September 7-9 and attend a variety of events at the 2nd annual Fall for the Arts happening in Summit County. The weekend features over 20 different arts organizations, putting on events and workshops in conjunction with the colorful autumn leaves to bring together a community-wide cultural celebration of the arts across Summit County. Everything from music, visual art, art history, dance, theater, food and kids’ activities will be included in this 3 day celebration of the arts. Many of the activities and events are free and are located throughout the county, including at Keystone and Arapahoe Basin! Don’t forget, Saturday, September 8th is also the last summer session of River Run Rocks! with Redline Radio headlining the free concert in River Run Village.
Keystone Warren Station Center for the Arts is hosting ‘Music in Motion’, a concert featuring the Summit Community Orchestra, The Dercum Center, the Coral Society and CoMotion Dancers. Summit Community Orchestra will be playing Pirates of the Caribbean with kids from the Scale the Summit Music Camp, kids ranging from 8 years old to 18 years old. It’s a night you won’t want to miss! The Art Gallery at Keystone Lake, in Lakeside Village, will be open over the weekend and hosting an art show with work from local artists to coincide with the concert.
Arapahoe Basin For the first time ever, Arapahoe Basin will be hosting a celebration featuring a clambake, lobster boil and live music event during Fall for the Arts weekend on Saturday, September 8th. The Clambake will feature a huge buffet of delicious food, including clam chowder, mussels, chicken, and all the fix-in’s while you listen to live music all afternoon. Reservations are required.
Breckenridge The town of Breckenridge and the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance are teaming up to offer free admission at tours at the museums. On Saturday, Art enthusiasts can take a walking tour of 10 galleries during the 2nd Saturday Gallery Art Walk, featuring live artists and workshops. The National Repertory Orchestra is gearing up for a wine and cheese concert at a private home, and the Backstage Theatre will bring books to life in a new program for kid’s ages 5-12. Other activities include a photography workshop, distillery tours, ceramics studio, gourmet cuisine, glass-blowing demonstrations, wine tastings, cooking classes, music and much more!
Silverthorne In Silverthorne, renowned author Mary Ellen Gilliland will be giving away copies of her latest local history book, “Breckenridge,” at a presentation about “the fun and folksy history of ranching” along the Lower Blue. Friends of the Summit County Libraries present Hare-Raising Tails, a puppet show for families, and Women of Watercolor will display their original watercolors at the Silverthorne outlets, where the Summit Concert Band will also play.
Dillon In Dillon, the Alpenglow Chamber Music Festival is hosting two public concerts on Sept. 11 and 14 in addition to a private soirees on the 9th. Summit Public Radio & TV presents a classical concert featuring all-local talent on Sept. 9. The Town of Dillon is bringing live music to the Dillon Amphitheater on the shores of the Dillon Reservoir, with the John Truscelli Band on Friday night and Something Energetic Saturday night. Also in Dillon, “Marry Me a Little,” a musical comedy, presented by the Lake Dillon Theatre Company, which opens on Friday Aug. 31. The Summit Historical Society invites guests to experience history at the Dillon Schoolhouse Museum or you can sign up for a historic boat tour out on the Dillon Reservoir on Saturday.
Frisco Frisco’s newest event, FallFest, will carve it’s way on to Frisco’s Main Street on Saturday the 8th. This all day Main Street festival has something for everyone including art shows, lumberjack shows, farmer’s market, wood carving, and live music. The event celebrates our mountain environment and benefits Friends of the Dillon Ranger District. At the Blue Spruce Inn, Elmer Koneman will give a visual projection tour of 24 opera houses around the world. If you are looking to get creative, The Summit County Arts Exhibit Committee will be painting a mural on the fence next to the Moose Jaw. Be on the lookout for the Mountain Majesty Chorus, a women’s a Capella group, singing along Main Street on Saturday.
This is a great weekend to be in Summit County! Visitors can enjoy plenty of cultural activities, while taking in the beautiful fall colors and taking advantage of lodging deals and 2-for-1 specials at participating restaurants. The final schedule of events for the weekend will be published Sept. 7 in the Summit Daily and can be seen online at www.fallforthearts.org. SummitCove Lodging is offering great deals on condos in Keystone for this weekend, so call us and make your reservation today!
So you are thinking of taking your special someone on a romantic getaway weekend in the mountains. Keystone offers fine dining, plenty of activities, incredible scenery and some beautiful properties to make your stay perfect. Here’s a few tips to make it unforgettable!
1. Call for Help! Our Vacation Planners know our properties inside and out, meaning they can help you find that cozy love nest you know your girlfriend or loved one will love and also give you a great deal. Yes a private jacuzzi in the condo is do-able and of course you need a place that has incredible views. Tell us your story and you will find that we are willing to go the extra mile for you, maybe you can even convince us to have a bottle of champagne waiting in your condo when you arrive.
2. Plan, but don’t over plan. Sure the weekend will require some planning, booking a condo, making dinner reservations, etc. but you don’t want to OVER plan and leave no room for spontaneity. Maybe you decide last minute to stop and hike up that trail you just passed on your bikes or that you want to try horseback riding! Make a few plans, but leave some free time so you have flexibility.
3. What to do? Well every girl (and guy) is different and enjoy different things. Does she love the outdoors? How about a Ride the Pass bike tour down Vail Pass or a hike on Sapphire Point to take in incredible views? Rent a kayak on Lake Dillon or schedule a tee time at the Ranch or River golf courses. Shopping Fanatic? Visit the outlet malls in Silverthorne and she can shop til her hearts content. Other activities unique to the area are gondola rides, renting paddle boats on Keystone Lake, a show at the Lake Dillon Theatre CO, a trip to one of the local breweries or how about a couples massage at Serenity Spa or the Keystone Lodge & Spa. The Lake Dillon Water Taxi offers inexpensive rides on the Lake, perfect to enjoy the water and views. Take a scenic drive up to Loveland Pass or Baldy Mountain in Breckenridge to take in the views. There are also some more traditional activities such as the movie theater or bowling alley.
4. The secret to her heart is through the stomach! Yes, a delicious dinner! Prepare a candlelit dinner in the condo (or even order delivery!) with wine and candles or take her out for a nice, romantic dinner. If you really want to blow her away, take her UP to the top of the mountain by scenic gondola ride to either the Alpenglow Stube or Der Fondue Chessel, where the views are just as amazing as the food. Some other great Keystone restaurants include the Snake River Saloon, Wolf Rock Steakhouse and the Ski Tip Lodge.
5. Surprise her! Sure it might be hard to surprise her with the trip itself, but make a point to add in a surprise or something special over the weekend. Have flowers delivered to the room or pack supplies to make a quick breakfast in bed with fresh fruit, muffins, and mimosas. The gesture can be small but the reaction will be big!
The most important thing is to have fun and stay true to yourself. Don’t stress over making everything perfect… let the beautiful mountain scenery and our amazing staff help you with that and just roll with it. Pick activities that you know you know she will enjoy, but don’t be afraid to try something new either. Keystone is the perfect place to host a romantic mountain getaway! Check out Riverbank Lodge 2903, which features beautiful slate floors, incredible views and a private jacuzzi or Lake Shore 1540 has amazing views of the Lake, both are great choices for a romantic retreat!
