Tag: keystone summer activities

A Perfect Summer Day at Keystone Resort

Keystone is known for its snowy ski slopes but it’s also gaining recognition for its fun in the sun summer activities!  A perfect summer’s day is waiting for you at Keystone Resort, so take advantage of the last few weeks of summer with a trip to the mountains.  Picture yourself waking up in the morning and starting your day along the beautiful winding  paved bike path at Keystone.  Rent your bikes from Mountain View Sports and ride from the River Run village to Lakeside Village for a mellow morning wake up with some incredible scenery.  Then, grab the family and stop by the New Moon Cafe in River Run village to grab a hot cup of coffee and one of their delicious breakfast burritos.  

 

After breakfast, stroll over to the gondola with some packed lunches and load the family up to take a scenic ride up to the mountain to Dercum Mountain.  Stop at the top and take a memorable photo with your loved ones and stop at a bench to eat your packed lunch while taking in the 360 degree views! After lunch, start on your hike, we recommend the 3.5 mile Schoolmarm Hiking Trail.  This family-friendly hike offers beautiful mountain vistas, a flat grassy path to walk on and plenty of bird-watching opportunities.  End your hike all the way back down in River Run Village, get cleaned up and take the whole family out to dinner at Zuma Roadhouse.  Zuma Roadhouse is known for it’s mountain-chic decor, their delicious high quality meats and well-composed dishes. My favorite is their Zuma Jam burger with the lemon-parm kale on the side.  Get world-class fare without ever having to leave the village!  

 

From there, go back to your SummitCove condo, put your swim-suits on and watch the sunset from the hot tub.  There is nothing more relaxing than staring up and watching the stars emerge from the pink clouds over the mountains. Once you have had your fun in the hot tub or pool, take the family back inside for some board games and relaxation before bed!  Stand out on the balcony and gaze at the stars before laying down to get rest for your next action-packed day.   

 

It’s not too late for that last summer family vacation in the mountains. SummitCove Lodging is currently offering 25% off summer lodging at select vacation rentals throughout the Keystone Resort area.  Our rental properties will feel like a home away from home, with much more space than a hotel room. You’ll love having a full kitchen, fully stocked with everything you need for a great meal or preparing snacks.  Enjoy the spacious living areas and amenities like garage parking, hot tubs, a balcony and heated pool.  Choose the condo that you love based on photos, videos, reviews, amenities and more.  We have 24 / 7 guest services available to you during your stay.  As a bonus, every summer guest receives a coupon for a free 2-hour bike rental from Mountain View Sports! Don’t let summer slip away – book a summer vacation before the snow starts to fall.  

20th Anniversary Bluegrass & Beer Festival

Be sure to join us on August 6th and 7th, 2016 at Keystone Resort for the 20th Annual Bluegrass and Beer Festival. That’s right, we are celebrating 20 years of one of the best Colorado beer festivals around!

Enter the River Run Village and find yourself in the middle of live bluegrass music playing all weekend on 3 different stages along with 35 Breweries serving up more than 100 brews. Get a glass-pass to start tasting, the admission includes unlimited beer tasting from all of the breweries on site from 1 – 5 pm.  Local restaurants will be setup throughout the village as well, serving up delicious food for purchase to pair with the beer of your choice and of course, fantastic bluegrass music to enjoy.  Keystone’s Bluegrass and Beer Festival is one of the best organized in the state because we’ve been doing it for 20 years.  What could be more fun than a day full of brews, delicious food and amazing bluegrass music in one of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain towns?

SummitCove Lodging handing out free pretzel necklaces to go with the beer samplings at the 2015 Bluegrass and Beer Festival at Keystone Resort

Some of the breweries attending this year will include well-known Colorado favorites like New Belgium, Oskar Blues Brewery and Left Hand Brewing Company as well as local brews from all of your Summit County breweries such as Backcountry Brewery, Baker’s Brewery, Breckenridge Brewery, Broken Compass Brewery, Pug Ryan’s and Dillon Dam Brewery.

Here is a list of all of the other breweries that will be in attendance: 105 West Brewing Company, 4 Noses Brewing Company, AC Golden Brewing Company, Aspen Brewing Company, Big B’s Hard Cider, Boulder Beer Company, Centennial Beer Company, CO Brew, Colorado Cider Company, Crabtree Brewing Company, Crazy Mountain Brewing, Elevation Beer Company, Fate Brewing Company, Great Divide Brewing Company, High Hops Brewery, Joyride Brewing Company,  Lone Tree Brewing Company, Mockery Brewing, Odyssey Beerwerks, Platt Park Brewing, Pikes Peak Brewing Company, Portland Cider, Ratio Beerworks, Redstone Meadery, San Luis Valley Brewing Company, Sanitas Brewing Company, TallGrass Brewing Company, Telluride Brewing Company, Tivoli Brewing, Upslope Brewing, Vail Brewing Company and Wild Cider Company.  We dare you to try them all over the course of the weekend (responsibility!).

The music lineup includes Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, T Sisters, Lonely Heartstrings Band, Mason Town, Mandolin Orange, Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan Band, Larry Keel Experience and more. Three stages set in various corners of the festival mean you will never miss a beat as you stroll from one beer tent to the next.

This is Keystone’s favorite summer event so be sure to join us!   We are offering great weekend packages in River Run Village starting at $461.00 for 2 nights lodging and 2 one-day glass pass tasting tickets.  Head up early on Friday Afternoon for the kickoff events or to head up on the mountain with a free gondola ride at the Friday Afternoon Club. Friday evening’s Bluegrass & Beer kickoff party event is called “Eat, Drink, Pick” a Beer Maker’s Pairing at Warren Station. New Belgium Brewing and Chef Chris Rybak will work together to present tasting dishes to compliment New Belgium flavors!  Live Bluegrass music will be happening all night as you work through six small plates, each paired with a New Belgium brew and hear about flavor pairings, menu design and general education about the brewery.  Doors open and tasting begins at 7:30 pm running until 9:30 pm, with bluegrass music until 10:00 pm. Cost for the event is $55 per person in advance or $65 per person day of event, buy tickets here.

Don’t miss out on one celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of Keystone’s most beloved summer festivals, the Bluegrass & Beer Festival happening on August 6 & 7 in River Run Village.  Book your lodging and tickets together with SummitCove to save up to 15% on the weekend.

 

 

Keystone Colorado Summer Festivals 2015

As the summer weather starts to shine here in Keystone, we know it must soon be festival season! In addition to the countless summer activities to enjoy in Keystone, there are also some fun weekend summer festivals that you should consider attending.  If you haven’t been to one yet, you should make your plans now! They are a ton of fun and a great way to escape the summer heat! There really is something for everyone, from bacon lovers to wineos, music fanatics, beer connoisseurs, foodies and more.

THE BLUE RIBBON BACON TOUR
The Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour makes a stop in Keystone on June 27 & 28! From 1 – 6pm each day, come out and enjoy free live music and a variety of great eats! Have you ever had chocolate covered bacon? Try a strip of bacon on its own from the bacon purveyors or try one of the amazing bacon inspired dishes, infused with bacon, created by one of Keystone’s many restaurants. There is also a whiskey sampling tour option.  Tickets can be purchased ‘À la carte’ or as an all inclusive package. You’ll hear music from Gypsy Moon, Rob Drabkin, Josh Blackburn, Arthur Lee Land, Hell’s Belles and Zoso. There are kids ‘Piglet’ ticket packages available too. This is one festival you won’t want to miss! Save money by booking your lodging & tickets together with our Bacon Festival Packages, which all include a complimentary pair of our famous pig nose-sunglasses at check-in.

4TH OF JULY
This year you can enjoy a full day of activities and live music throughout Keystone for your 4th of July celebrations! The morning is packed full of fun events for kids with a fishing derby starting at 8am, Super Slimy Science at 9am, a bike decorating party at 10am, followed by the Children’s Bike Parade at 11am! Head over to Lakeside Village and rent a paddle boat or try stand-up paddleboarding! Check out live music from Trout Steak Revival, performing from Noon – 3pm at the Lakeside Village, while BBQ is available À la carte at Edgewater Cafe. The Boroughs will perform from 7 – 9pm followed by a grand display of fireworks over both villages at 9pm. Stay in Lakeside Village to be close to the Lake and enjoy the fireworks from your balcony!

WINE AND JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Keystone Jazz and Wine Festival returns again on July 18 – 19. Sample a variety of wines from a selection of over 300! Meanwhile you’ll be able to enjoy live jazz music from 8 different bands over the course of the weekend, like Dotsero, Will Donato, and Joey Sommerville, just to name a few. This spectacular event is held from 1 – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entrance is free, while wine sampling tickets can be purchased for $60 a day or are included with any of our Wine and Jazz packages. And for the wine connoisseurs, educational seminars will be available throughout the weekend and special sessions, like our favorite, Prosecco and Pancakes on Sunday morning. Download the Wine and Jazz festival app and keep track of your favorite varieties that you taste throughout the weekend!

BLUEGRASS & BEER FESTIVAL
The perfect combination for a summer festival… sunshine, beer, homecookin’ and of course bluegrass! Keystone’s Beer and Bluegrass Festival will be held August 1 – 2. Bluegrass begins at noon both days, with beer sampling being held from 1 – 5pm each day. Taste delicious brews from over 25 breweries and get down to some great live bluegrass. This is one of Keystone’s most popular summer festivals and once you attend, you’ll know why! 3 different stages will host bands such as the Steep Canyon Rangers, Cornmeal, Ragged Union, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades and more. New this year will be a bluegrass workshop, where you’ll be able to interact with and learn from the musicians.  You’re gonna wanna stay the night, so check out our Bluegrass and Beer lodging packages that include discounted festival tickets.

MOUNTAIN TOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL
This is one of Keystone’s newest festivals, back for its 2nd year, focusing on Indie music acts and a Colorado Peach Harvest theme. This festival is unique as it takes place on Friday night and Saturday, with a fantastic fireworks display happening on Friday night. Stroll through and shop craft, jewelry and art vendors and taste a variety of local food and beverages that focus on the Colorado peach theme. Look for tasty treats like Olathe Sweet Corn, Rocky Ford melons and elk dishes while you enjoy some spectacular music acts such as Mosey West, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, David Wax Museum, Delta Rae and more.  There are also some unique kids activities in the mix like face painting and plant your own flowerpot! We are offering some great lodging deals over the weekend, but book now before they sell out!

 

OKTOBERFEST & THE DAS BIER BURNER 5K
Taking place over Labor Day Weekend, on September 5, enjoy your beers and brats in Keystone this year at the annual Keystone Oktoberfest! Start your day on the right foot with Das Bier Burner 5K where you get to enjoy a free beer after the race! Head into River Run Village with your beer and grab some great food from Keystone’s restaurants. Entertainment includes live music and a multitude of activities for kids, as well as German inspired cuisine and polka dancers. Purchase a stein for $35 and receive 3 beer tickets and $5 refills for the rest of the day! Register for the Das Bier Burner 5K before June 30 to take advantage of early bird pricing. We offer discounted lodging to all of the Das Bier Burner 5K participants.

Keystone Resort boasts a family friendly atmosphere at all of its events and every festival is free to attend and has fun activities designed for kids, in addition to the adult events. Purchase tickets to participate in the food and drink tastings.  All festivals are pet-free, so please leave Fido at home.  Please call us today at (970) 368-7023 to book your ticket or lodging packages for any of the upcoming Keystone, Colorado Summer Festivals.

Written By: Lauren Smith

Keystone Destination Wedding Activity Ideas for Guests

If you’re hosting your wedding in Keystone, Colorado your guests are most likely from out of town, and it’s probably fair to call your  wedding a “destination wedding.”  That being said, there are endless activities in Keystone for your guests to enjoy during their stay.  The more they get to experience Keystone in their short stay, the more memorable their experience will be.  We recommend picking out a few activities and invite your guests to do them with you!  Create an itinerary ahead of time and e-mail it out to your guests.  Provide them with all the details, including the meeting time, costs, and where they should make a reservation if applicable.

We’ve compiled 2 Top Ten lists of must-do activities for guests at your Keystone destination wedding, based on the seasons:

Summer

1. Let the River Run Gondola take you up 11,640 feet and take in beautiful panoramic views of Lake Dillon, Breckenridge Ski Resort, and surrounding mountains, for free during the Friday Afternoon Club.

2. Explore the expansive Lake Dillon and rent a pontoon boat or kayak at the Dillon or Frisco Marinas.

3. Hike the backcountry areas in Montezuma to experience old mines, ghost towns, wildlife sightings and spectacular views.

4. See live music at one of the many summer concerts and festivals, like the River Run Rocks Concert Series, the Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour, or the Bluegrass and Beer Festival.

5. Get wet and go whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River, through Brown’s Canyon.

6. Rent a bicycle from Mountain View Sports and take a trip down Vail Pass, with unparalleled views and scenery.

7. Drink the famous and delicious blended Rum Runner on the shores of Lake Dillon at the Tiki Bar.

8. Have a picnic and take in the views at Keystone Lake.

9. Visit one of four local breweries in Summit County, including the Dillon Dam and Pug Ryan’s.

10. Play a round of golf on one of the two world renowned golf courses in Keystone.

Winter

1. Enjoy a fine dining experience at altitude by taking a gondola to dinner at either of the on-mountain gourmet restaurants, Der Fondue Chessel or Alpenglow Stube.

2. Experience snow-tubing with friends at Adventure Point.

3. Go ice-skating at the largest, Zamboni maintained ice rink at Keystone Lake.

4. Strap on some snowshoes and explore some of the beautiful Colorado Wilderness on foot.

5. Visit the Silverthorne Outlets to do some serious shopping at great prices.

6. Marvel in chocolate heaven and check out the Chocolate Village at the Keystone Lodge and Spa.

7. Enjoy a beer or hot chocolate in an Adirondack Chair with views at the Summit House or LaBonte’s Cabin.

8. Bring out the kid in you and have a snowball fight at the larger than life Snow Fort on Dercum Mountain.

9.  See some live music at the Snake River Saloon, The Goat, or Warren Station.

10. Try winter zip-lining, snowmobiling or dogsledding for a fun adventure.

We think these lists are a good start for first timers visiting Keystone. Use this to put together a Keystone activities itinerary for your guests.  SummitCove is always glad to assist you and your guests during both the planning stages and once you arrive in Keystone.  We can even create a custom landing page for your Keystone Wedding that includes photos, activity ideas, and itineraries when you sign up for our Wedding Gifts Program.  The program offers you and your guests with discounted lodging, unlimited customer service and cash back for the bride and groom.

 

Zip Lining is the Best Way to See the Fall Colors!

Zip lining over the train!

If you’ve never been zip lining, its something you must try, whether you are a local or visitor in the Summit County Area. It’s exciting, adventurous, and one of the best ways to enjoy the spectacular Colorado scenery! You will fly with the birds, taking in the spectacular views of Mt. Arkansas, plus three of the famous ‘Fourteeners’, the highest peaks in Colorado, Mt. Massive, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Democrat. Top of the Rockies Zip Lining is owned and operated by our winter snowmobiling tour partners, White Mountain Snowmobile Tours. Their private 2,000 acre property includes more than fifty old patented gold mines including the Golden Treasure, the Colorado Belle Placer, the General Grant and the Emerald mine.  These mines are not operating gold mines, but several of the mine shafts will be visible as guests tour this unspoiled historic area.   You also have a great chance to see wildlife, as the area supports abundant wildlife including herds of elk and deer!  Enjoy the spectacular views from the deck before take-off.  Fall is one of the best times for zip lining, as the leaves are changing colors and the best vantage point is up high in the sky!  Guests will soar over Big English Creek, vast canyons, waterfalls, alpine meadows dressed in wild flowers, groves of elegant aspens and pine forests. One of the lines even goes over the historic Leadville Railroad!

The first take-off platform is at 11,000 feet of altitude and the entire course is all above 10,000 feet.  Guests will travel to “The Top of the World” surrounded by true Rocky Mountain back country splendor and views.  Take a deep breath of the crisp clean mountain air and just go for it! Step off the platform and glide effortlessly into the adventure of a lifetime. The attraction features the latest and safest technology including double cables for safety, faster zips with the latest hands free “zip stop” technology and several long runs traveling anywhere from 400 to 850 feet. Friendly certified guides are there to make sure your tour is safe, enjoyable and informative.

Top of the Rockies Zip Line  is located Halfway between Copper Mountain Resort and Historic Leadville, Colorado.  It is the closest zip line operation to Summit County and only about 35 minutes from Keystone Resort! To get there from Keystone, head west on Hwy-6 to Silverthorne where you will hop on I-70 west. Drive about 8 miles to Exit 195 (Copper Mountain/Leadville). From the Exit, go south on Highway 91. Pass the Climax Mine at the top of Freemont Pass at about 10 miles, then continue downhill for about 5 miles. Slow down when you see the green MILE MARKER 7 sign on the left. The entrance to our Base Camp is just south of that sign. Watch for oncoming traffic, then turn left into our driveway.

Visit the Top of The Rockies website today to make your zip line reservation!  There’s even a coupon to download to save $5 on your adventure! 

Photo credit: Top of the Rockies Zip Line

‘Marry Me a Little’ Now Showing at Lake Dillon Theatre Company

Marry Me a Little Playing at the Lake Dillon Theatre CO

For anyone who has never been to the Lake Dillon Theatre CO in Dillon, CO, it is certainly worth the visit at least once while you are visiting Keystone, Colorado.  The theare is a very small, intimate venue that completely involves its audiences and offers a wide variety of fun and interesting shows throughout the year.  Every night is unique and offers cultural experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the high country! Currently playing at the LDTC is ‘Marry Me a Little’, showing now until September 23rd.  “This romantic musical romp tells the serendipitous tale of two lonesome lovers through the music of famed composer Stephen Sondheim. The two express their feelings, both bright and bitter, on relationships and the never-ending dream of finding true love, without ever knowing they are one floor apart in the same apartment building!”

Marry Me a Little is a treasure trove of musical gems, each unique enough to stand on their own, but together they weave and overlap to make an evening of unforgettable musical theatre.  The show is recommended for all ages, so don’t hesitate to bring the entire family to this fun event.  Why see a movie when you can see the real thing?!

Purchase Tickets Here

Weekday Performances (Tues, Wed, Thur) @ 6:30 PM – $29.00

Friday and Saturday @ 7:30 PM and Sunday @6:30 PM – $32.00

Student Price (with valid student ID)- $27.00

 

Backyard BBQ Rail Session- 10 Tons of Snow, New Rails, & Great Prizes at Keystone Resort

We’re getting ready here at Keystone Ski Resort for a great 2012 2013 Ski Season.  The chilly nights in Keystone have us excited for winter! Wax up those boards and skis and get stoked because Keystone Park Crew is dumping 10 tons of snow in September in the park! Register for the upcoming Backyard BBQ Rail session on Saturday, September 15th to compete for your chance to win some HUGE prizes and just get back on those skis and get ready for the season!! Entrance in the competition is just $15.

Keystone is getting everyone hyped up for ski season with this event, both spectators and participants alike.  They will be offering some AWESOME prizes and a super fun atmosphere with live music from DJ DC, a huge backyard BBQ (perfect to close out the summer!), drinks and vendor tents showcasing the latest and greatest for next season’s equipment! Winners for both men’s and women’s skiing and snowboarding categories will win a Summit Epic Pass plus the incredible opportunity for free entry into the Transworld TransAm competition (for snowboarders) February 9, 2013 at Keystone or free entry into Breckenridge’s Freestyle competition (for skiers) in the beginning of January 2013. For the spectators, Keystone will be giving out tons of free stuff, along with a chance to win a free Summit Epic Pass and GoPro Helmet Cams. If you haven’t already purchased your ski pass for the season, you can purchase one anytime during the event at last spring’s prices; after that the prices will rise! What an awesome deal!

The closest lodging to the event will be in River Run Village, where contestants or viewers can walk over to the Rail Session and BBQ and then walk to a bar or restaurant nearby for drinks afterwards!  Check out some of our River Run Properties Here, Black Bear 8033, Buffalo Lodge 8421, or Jack Pine 8022 are a few of our favorites! 

RIVER RUN LODGING

 

River Run Village ROCKtoberfest Tomorrow

Fall Colors in River Run Village

Fall is quickly coming, the leaves in Keystone have already started turning, and one of the first things that comes to mind for the fall season (after football) is… Oktoberfest!  The River Run Rocks! Concert series is putting their own twist on Oktoberfest this year, with ROCKtoberfest, going on tomorrow afternoon in River Run Village.  This event is the perfect Fall kickoff, featuring live music, delicious food, and of course BEER!  The music is free and kicks off at 2pm featuring tunes from Redline Radio, Musketeer Gripweed, and even polka music to get into the ROCKtoberfest spirit.  Redline Radio is a high energy, top-40 cover band from Denver, consisting of 5 members jamming out on a variety of instruments, including electric guitar, bass, drums, keys and harmonica.  Musketeer Gripweed hails from the Fort Collins music scene, self-described as an “American Revival Stomp Shake Ass Holla” band, they are sure to get you up on your feet, moving and shaking! The festival and music run until 7pm and can be followed up with dinner or drinks at one of the many restaurants located within the village, including the Kickapoo Tavern and Wolf Rock Steakhouse.  Book a condo in Silver Mill or Arapahoe Lodge and experience ultimate convenience by walking to the event from your condo!  Call one of our Vacation Planners to reserve at a great, discounted price!

Other activities to try while you are visiting Keystone include Downhill Mountain Biking, Golfing, Hiking, and enjoying the amazing fall colors that are starting to change the hillsides to brilliant orange, yellow, and red hues!  This is a great time to visit Keystone Resort Colorado!

 

 

 

 

Keystone Gondola Last chance for free rides!

Friday Afternoon Club (FAC): [Fried-eh afternoon kluhb] 

1. An exclusive club for Keystone Resort Visitors, offering exclusive member-only perks such as free scenic gondola rides, free breathtaking views, free access to live concerts, free yard game rentals including, but not limited to; horseshoes, ladder golf, and bocce ball and exclusive food and drink deals.

This Friday, August 31st is the last day to see what the Friday Afternoon Club is all about!  Enjoy free gondola rides all afternoon from 3 – 7pm and take in the breathtaking views atop Dercum Mountain at Keystone Resort.  While at the top, enjoy a free live concert from the Luv Brothers while taking advantage of some great food and drink specials at Summit House.  Enjoy a beer with a view while relaxing in an Adirondack chair or take the kids a scenic nature hike.  Free lawn game rentals will be available, so challenge your friends or family to a game of ladder golf or horse shoes.  After a great Friday afternoon at Keystone, spend the night in one of our River Run Condos! Don’t miss your last chance to be a part of the summer Friday Afternoon Club, happening tomorrow afternoon in Keystone!

 
Friday Afternoon Club Means Free Gondola Rides!

Today is the Last Day to Register for Wounded Warriers & KAC Golf Scramble

The Keystone Adaptive Center and Scotty McFadden Foundation have teamed up to put on the ‘Tee It Up for Wounded Warriors & KAC’ Event at the Keystone Ranch Golf Course, raising funds for the Keystone Adaptive Center and Wounded Warriors Fund. Cost is $100 per golfer or $400 for a team.  Fees include use of the practice range, 18 holes of golf with a cart, contests and some awesome door prizes.  Today is the last day to register for the event that is being held on Monday, August 27th.  This is the perfect chance to have some fun out on the golf course, meet some new people and support a great cause at the same time. For more information or to register for the event, call Marci Sloan at 970 453-6422 or email marci@boec.org. 

Schedule of Events
9:30 am – Registration & Practice Range
10:30 am – Shotgun Start, Scramble
4:00 pm – Door Prizes & Winner Announcements