Keystone is home to hundreds of vacation rental options, from budget friendly to slopeside luxury. Wondering where to stay outside of the main village? Here are 4 properties that you may have never heard of and are worth looking into for your next Colorado vacation at Keystone Resort.
Ski Tip Ranch Townhomes Ski Tip Ranch is located just down Montezuma Road about a mile from the main village, River Run. These spacious 3 – 4 bedroom multi-level townhomes are perfect for a quiet mountain retreat. These townhomes were designed with nature in mind, featuring huge picture windows in the living room that look out into the forest. They have access to a great shared hot tub, and some of the properties have their own private hot tubs! You’ll enjoy a heated garage, private laundry, gas fireplace, beautiful master suites and a peaceful setting during your stay at Ski Tip. Make sure to try out the famous Ski Tip Lodge, an old stagecoach stop dating back to the 1860’s and Colorado’s first ski lodge in the 1940’s, for a wonderful dinner or even happy hour during your stay.
Quicksilver Condos Located in North Keystone, Quicksilver condos are tucked away in the tall pine tree groves, across the highway from the mountains. These condos range in size from 1 – 3 bedrooms and offer the guest lots of space and great forest views. In the summer the grounds are lush and green and the large windows really bring the outdoors in. Floor plans vary, some of the smaller condos are just one level and many are multi-level with bedrooms upstairs. Fireplaces, This is also one of the nicest indoor pools in all of Keystone!
Chateaux DuMont These larger condos at Keystone sit at the base of Mountain House and the Peru lift. Not only are they just steps from the lifts, they also feature a private hot tub on the balcony! Mountain views, a spacious kitchen, fireplace, bedroom balconies and more are just a few of the standouts at these condos. Enjoy the luxurious life when you book a stay at Chateaux D’Mont!
Keystone Gulch Townhomes A perfect home base for outdoor lovers! The Keystone Gulch Townhomes are backed up to the base of Keystone Gulch Road, which leads to tons of trails for mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing or even horseback riding. These properties have fantastic views of the woods and you’ll really feel like you have a real mountain getaway while visiting. You’ll also have access to the pool and hot tub across the street at Flying Dutchman Condos.
Start planning your next escape to the mountains at one of these hidden gems! Book your lodging with SummitCove and let the fun begin!
Keystone is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the world, but there’s far more to do with your kids while visiting than just ski! We’ve got a few of our favorite family activities listed below for you to check out while you are visiting Keystone!
Ice Skating at Keystone Lake A must-do while visiting Keystone- check out North America’s largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor skating rink, 5 acres of fun! Whether you want to try your toes at a triple axle or shoot the puck in a pickup hockey game, you are sure to have a great time skating on the Lake! The rink is the highlight of Lakeside Village– it’s surrounded by restaurants, shops and a number of properties available for rent, including Lakeshore 1561 which features amazing views! After you’ve had enough on the ice, stop by the bar in the Keystone Lodge and enjoy a warm nightcap or hot chocolate. The rink is open daily from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.; Admission and skate rental prices are as follows: Adult $12/$10, Youth $9/$5, and Seniors $6/$3. You are also welcome to bring your own skates!
Cupcakes and Canvases If you are looking for a way to get creative, this class is the perfect outlet to let your little ones explore their artistic sides! This 2 hour class is led by an art teacher who helps you and your kids create artistic masterpieces… all while enjoying delicious cupcakes! The $15 registration cost includes all the supplies including a canvas, brushes and paint, cupcakes and guidance from a teacher. There are 2 more sessions this season, on February 10 and March 10, so sign up today!
Tubing at Adventure Point Take a ride to the top of the River Run Gondola and head to Adventure Point- a tubing hill with a modern twist. Pick from 5 lanes and then let your kids decide- straight or spin and get ready to hold on! Once its over, no more trucking up a steep hill, let the magic carpet whisk you back to the top to do it again! Looking to get funky? Check out snow-tubing on Thursday Nights, which is disco themed under the lights and disco ball!
Explore the Nation’s Largest Snow Fort Your kids will LOVE exploring this larger than life snow fort, based at the top of Dercum Mountain. The fort is built with a dragon theme and has features like lookout towers, a drawbridge, ice sculptures and tunnels. Can we say snowball fight? (Play nice kids!) Better yet, the fort is free to enter, all you need is gondola pass or lift ticket to get to the top of the mountain!
Winter Zip Line and Snow Cat Tour If your kids are a little bit older (ages 7 & up) and are looking for a fun adventure, you should try the winter zip lining & snow cat tours with our partners, White Mountain Tours and Top of the Rockies Zip Lines. A complimentary shuttle will pick you up in Keystone and after a short and scenic 25 minute ride, you will arrive at the spectacular 2000 acre private property near Leadville. The area has views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, and rests on the splendid slopes of Mt. Arkansas, an almost “Fourteener” at 13,795 feet. Strap in and enjoy 5 sections of zip lining and an informative snow cat ride, of course stopping at an original yurt for hot chocolate along the way- this is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip! All SummitCove guests receive a discount from White Mountain Tours in the Key to Keystone Coupon Book! Complimentary coveralls and boots are available if needed, but personal warm winter apparel is appropriate and recommended. Guests must bring goggles or sunglasses as eye protection is not provided. Helmets, transportation and hot chocolate are included in the tour price.
Feeding your family during a vacation can be tough. Long days, busy schedules, and high altitudes may make you want to order in pizza every night, but we’ve got a few recipes that will be easy to prepare and save you money by not eating out every night. The nice thing is that most of our vacation rental properties in Keystone feature a full size kitchen and all of the cooking supplies you need to make a great meal. Cooking while you’re on vacation does present its challenges- you’re usually working with fewer tools, unfamiliar appliances and without your normal spice cabinet. You will also be busy with activities and tired at the end of the day! What you should look for when you are planning your meals are some simple, easy-to-make recipes that will please even the pickiest eaters, feed a crowd, have few ingredients and make plenty of leftovers. Here are four of our favorite easy dinner recipes for your next family ski vacation:
Easy Mexican Fajitas
Ingredients: – Medium size flour tortillas – 1 Lb. skirt or flank steak – 1 Package taco of fajita seasoning – 1 White or yellow onion – 1 Red bell pepper – 1 Green bell pepper – 2 Tbsp olive oil – Prepared guacamole – Prepared pico de gallo salsa – Shredded cheddar cheese – Sour cream
Directions: Preheat oven to 375. Rub the steak with half of the fajita seasoning and salt and pepper and bake for 35-40 minutes. Slice onions and peppers and then sauté in olive oil over Medium heat. Take the meat out of the oven and then slice it against the grain in thin strips. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 – 40 seconds. Serve ingredients in bowls or plates and let your family create their own as they please!
Beef and Bean Chili
Ingredients: – 2 Lbs ground beef or buffalo – 1 Large onion, chopped – 2 Stalks of celery, chopped – 8 Cups (4-15oz cans or 2-28oz cans) tomato sauce – 8 Cups (4-15oz cans) beans (2 kidney, 1 pinto and 1 black or garbanzo) – 1/4 Cup chili seasoning (your favorite brand) – Salt & pepper, to taste – Cayenne pepper, to taste – Chopped fresh or canned jalapeno peppers, to taste – 1/2 Lb. elbow macaroni
Directions: In a large stockpot, brown the beef. Break it apart into large chunks, season with salt, pepper, and about half of the chili seasoning and cook until it is just slightly pink. Once the meat is browned, stir in the rest of the ingredients. Bring everything to a boil and then cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes. The flavors only get better the longer you simmer; if you have a crockpot, you can throw everything in before you head out to the mountain, and the feast will be ready when you get back at the end of the day! In the meantime, cook up the pasta and set aside. Once you are ready to eat, add the macaroni pasta to the chili and serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream and corn chips or crackers for the perfect warm and easy to prepare meal! You can leave the jalapenos out if your family doesn’t like spicy foods.
Italian Chicken, Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
Ingredients: -2 Lbs. mix of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts -8 Tsp melted butter -1 Cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs -2 Tsp olive oil -1 Lb. baby new potatoes, halved -1 Half white onion, chopped -1 Clove garlic, chopped -1 Large head of broccoli -1 Half of lemon
Directions: Preheat the oven to 350. Dress the chicken with 6 tsp melted butter, then roll in seasoned breadcrumbs and place in a casserole dish or roasting pan. In another pan, drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Chop the garlic and onions and add to the potato mix. Cover both dishes with tinfoil or pan covers and cook both the chicken and potatoes for 40 minutes. About 5 minutes before the timer beeps, steam the broccoli and top with juice of lemon, a pinch of salt and remaining butter. Serve and enjoy!
Directions: Start with the bacon, either fry or bake according to package directions. Make the pancakes according to recipe on box, adding the blueberries into the batter. Crack all of the eggs in a bowl, add a splash of milk, whisk and scramble, adding the cheddar cheese if you’d like. Serve this for breakfast or dinner, a family favorite!
Keystone has a few small markets where you can purchase groceries, but we recommend planning your meals and grocery list on the plane or in the car ahead of time and then stopping at the City Market in Dillon before you head into Keystone. You will be exiting off of I-70 at the ‘Dillon/Silverthorne’ exit, take an immediate left and the City Market will be two stoplights ahead on the left, and then Keystone is about 7 miles further down the road. Remember to look for recipes with a simple and short ingredient list that are easy to prepare. Also think about things that are easy and quick for breakfast and snacks to take with you on the mountain, such as granola bars. Bottled water is not really necessary, as the water in Keystone tastes great! Many of our ski condos come stocked with crock-pots, which is a great tool for ski vacation meals- just throw it all in in the morning and dinner is ready when you get home! Check out the SummitCove.com’s ‘Ski Vacation Meal Ideas’ Board on Pinterest for more easy recipes!
SummitCove Keystone Rentals is proud to announce the addition of a new private home in the West Keystone area at Keystone Resort to our rental program.
Keystone Gulch Estate #1688 is a four bedroom, three and a half bath home, just minutes away from the Mountain House Ski Lifts and Base Area at Keystone. This property features some incredibly unique amenities, including a private indoor hot tub, foosball table and a massive flat screen television that emerges from its own cabinet via remote control! Recent upgrades include new carpets, updated decor and furnishings. This property is tucked away in a serene mountain setting, close to hiking and snowshoeing trails, Keystone golf courses, the Keystone stables, and the free Keystone Resort Shuttle stop.
This immaculate home has it all! The open floor plan and vaulted ceilings throughout the house really enhance the space and the mountain decor will make you feel right at home. Huge windows boast sensational forest views in both the winter and summer months. A private heated two-car garage keeps your car warm and snow free during the snowy winter months. Downstairs in the living area and great room you will find a wet bar, huge flat screen TV with surround sound, along with a stereo system that has the ability to broadcast throughout the house! There is also a plethora of board games and a chess board to host a family game night by the fire on a chilly winter evening!
Did we mention the state of the art kitchen? Whether you are making a snack or a gourmet meal, this kitchen has everything you could ever want. Top of the line appliances including double ovens, granite counter tops, and directly open to the dining area, you will fall in love with this fully stocked luxurious kitchen! Outside is a private gas grill and patio area to extend your space in the summer months and allow you to take in the serenity of the forest.
The master bedroom suite is straight out of the magazines, with mountain views, a private gas fireplace, sitting area, king bed and master bath with jetted tubs and separate luxurious shower. A secret ‘hidden’ rotating TV feature will really impress and allow you to watch from bed or the sitting area! Talk about a private retreat! Two of the other bedrooms offer queen and full beds, with the fourth bedroom featuring bunks and a trundle bed for kids or a large group.
If you have been searching for the perfect mountain escape to host your next family ski vacation, wedding group or Colorado family reunion, be sure to check out this amazing mountain home, now managed by SummitCove Lodging! Hurry, prime dates will book quickly at this spectacular home!
One of our private homes has been undergoing construction all summer long. North Fork Lodge #577 is a 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath private home in the River Run Village area. The home features some awesome amenities, perfect for your family ski vacation, including a state of the art gourmet kitchen, private hot tub, multiple patios, a heated garage and incredible views. It is even within walking distance to the ski slopes and shops and restaurants within River Run Village. The property was recently sold to a new owner who has decided to put some work into it and make it one of the most exquisite private homes available for rental in the Keystone Area.
Construction has been happening all summer long and we recently got a sneak peek inside the house, which is set to be complete hopefully in early November or sooner! The home is getting new flooring throughout, including beautiful wood floors upstairs and brand new tile downstairs. New bedding will be featured in all of the five bedrooms. The entire property will be getting fresh paint, new decor and brand new furnishings. The hot tub on the back patio is being replaced. In the kitchen, the granite counter top will be extended, to provide extra seating at a breakfast bar. The huge exposed wooden beams are being refinished and are looking great! Stay tuned for final photos once the remodel is complete. Although the property is under construction, we are still taking reservations for the upcoming winter ski season, when it will be a whole new place. . . and don’t worry, we will clean up the dust before then! Book your winter ski vacation at this spectacular Keystone home and enjoy a true mountain getaway!
Granite Countertops in KitchenNew flooring on the stairs and prepping for the new tile!
Need a little inspiration in your life? CampExperience inspires education, provides unbelievable networking and was created for women interested in building their lives, careers and connections. Attendees are a mix of business owners, entrepreneurs, business leaders, corporate women and active moms that that are looking for community connections and personal growth.
This 3 day women’s “camp” is held every October in Keystone, Colorado and is not exactly roughing it. Yoga and zumba classes in the morning, delicious catered meals throughout the day, keynote speakers, professional development workshops, crafts and other fun activities and networking events are all part of the amazing CampExperience. You can also stay with SummitCove at one of our properties near the conference center for the best lodging deal in Keystone – check out available properties here!
CampExperience motto is we are “women who have, helping women who need.” Every year CampExperience chooses charity partners that split 100% of their on-site charity “Bow-tique” shopping and personal services donations as well as generation donations and money. They believe that each of us have the ability to make a difference for others, and that this positive impact is multiplied as we work together with other women.
Betsy Wiersma is the founder of CampExperience which has been running since 2006. Betsy is an award-winning special event producer, international speaker and serial entrepreneur specializing in WOW! She is a social entrepreneur who invented CampExperience to bring together amazing women and support homeless women and children. Betsy will be the keynote dinner speaker on Saturday from 6:30 – 8:00pm.
So if you are looking for a little inspiration, networking, or education CampExperience is the place to be! Check out their website at www.campexperience.com
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!
What do you have planned for your long weekend over Labor Day? How about one last getaway with the kids before the back to school grind? Or an inexpensive, yet romantic getaway weekend with your special someone? Keystone is just a short 70 minute drive from Denver and is the perfect place to go for a quick mountain escape. There is plenty to do here whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, love shopping or are just looking to relax and take in the beautiful scenery. We have properties to fit any size group and Vacation Planners that can help you find that perfect property, whether you want a romantic love nest or a spacious home for your entire family. Spend 2 nights in Keystone over Labor Day Weekend & get your 3rd night free!
Over Labor Day Weekend, culinary lovers can satisfy their taste-buds at the Taste of Keystone Culinary Outdoor Food Festival. The Taste of Keystone is a perfect way to experience Keystone’s finest cuisine, from restaurants like the Alpenglow Stube, Ski Tip Lodge, Keystone Ranch, and The Bighorn Steakhouse without having to break the bank. Sample the finest foods and enjoy specialty wines along the shores of Keystone Lake. Stay at a property in Lakeside Village and walk to the event!
For the shopping lovers and deal hounds, the Merchant Tent Sale will be going on all weekend. This is a great time to get your holiday shopping done early or get some new ski equipment at up to 70% off! Don’t miss out on great bargains and prices from Gorsuch, Kidz Cabin, Christy Sports, Keystone Sports, Rock’n R Ranch and Shirt Off my Back. It’s the perfect time to buy your gifts for the entire family.
This will also be the last weekend for FREE gondola rides during the Friday Afternoon Club, with live music, food, and yard games at the top of Dercum Mountain. If you’ve never seen the views from the top during the summer, you won’t want to pass it up. With amazing panoramic views of Lake Dillon, Breckenridge and the surrounding mountains, it is a great spot to hike around or just enjoy a beer with a view in one of the comfy Adirondack chairs in the sunshine. Friday, August 31st features live music from the The Luv Brothers, at the top of Dercum Mountain. Saturday the 1st is your last chance for twilight riding in the Keystone Bike Park. The final closing day of downhill mountain biking is September 16th. Other activities at Keystone include hiking, biking, golf, and horseback riding. Enjoy one last summer vacation before the snow falls!
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!
Our guests stay with us because we take the time to match properties for them based on exactly what they are looking for. When they are looking for an upscale private home, Keystone Prospectors Home #669 is one of the top contenders. The owners of this incredible home left nothing unnoticed – from the architecture to the furniture, everything here is immaculate. Check out what two recent guests have written about this stunning home!
