Your Colorado Ski Vacation is Just Around the Corner.. Now What?

So you've found that perfect property for your family ski vacation in Keystone.  Now what? Months to Weeks Ahead 1. Search for discount lift tickets or consider buying a season pass.  Typically a season pass will pay for itself after 4-5 days on the mountain.  Look early though, because most resorts stop selling season passes at a certain time, usually in November or early December.  Some resorts require you to buy in person, so if you can't make it happen this year, think about coming out in the late summer or fall next year to buy a pass.  Discount lift tickets are also sometimes available, but they usually require you to buy early, so be on the lookout months before your trip. 2. Research!  There are tons of great websites out there that offer discounts on activities and restaurants to take advantage of during your stay at Keystone Resort, saving you money.  Be sure to download the electronic copy of the Key to Keystone coupon book for exclusive discounts for SummitCove guests including discounts on snowmobiling, winter zip lining, free margaritas, spa services, massages, and more!  The e-book will be available in mid to late November, check your confirmation e-mail. 3. Make reservations for the couple of 'must-do' activities in Keystone you'd like to do while you're here, such as snowmobiling or a sleigh ride dinner.  It will guarantee you get to do what you want and then you can plan the trip around those activities. 4. Figure out your transportation.  Keystone is just 90 minutes from Denver International Airport, meaning its super easy to get up here!  Decide whether you'd like to rent a car or take a shuttle.  Remember Keystone and Summit County both have FREE shuttle systems, so a car isn't a necessity.  Fresh Tracks Transportation offers affordable Shuttles to and from the airport, along with other resorts if you decide you'd like to experience another mountain for a day such as Vail or Breckenridge. It also means you don't have to worry about driving on mountain roads in mountain weather, you can just sit back and take in the views.  If you do rent a car, be sure to get one with a ski rack and 4 wheel drive. 5.  Reserve your skis, boards, and other equipment ahead of time.  Reservations aren't always necessary, but if you are coming on a busy weekend or holiday, the rental shops do sometimes run out of equipment and I'll bet you would be bummed to be in Keystone without skis or a board to take advantage of the powder!  Mountain View Sports offers SummitCove guests 25% off all rental equipment and they also have a Kids Rent Free program. 6. Think about meal planning.  There are meal and grocery delivery services available through Peak Provisions to make your vacation seamless and easy.  You might want to have a grocery list and a rough 'meal' list prepared (you can do this on the plane!) and then stop at the City Market grocery store in Silverthorne BEFORE you head to Keystone, it will save you a 12 mile round trip back to town. Days Ahead 7.  Create a packing list.  There are lots of things to remember (and forget!) for a ski trip- hats, googles, socks, boots, swimsuit, sunblock, sunglasses, etc.  Make a list ahead of time and add to it as you think of things.  Check out our 'Ski Trip Packing List' here. 8.  Double check the weather and pack for everything.  It might end up be snowier or sunnier than you were expecting, so be sure to pack layers and have different options available; Colorado weather changes quickly! 9.  Drink extra H2o.  Colorado is dry to begin with and you will also be heading to higher altitudes.  Kick start your altitude adjustment by drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest before your trip. 10. Call us if you have any questions at all about your trip, lodging, or activities!