Keystone Mountain Resort Expands Family-Friendly Programming

The famous snow fort that is part of Kidtopia at Keystone Mountain Resort, Colorado © 2016 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Keystone Resort, one of the easiest major resorts to reach from Denver International Airport, one of the few major resorts that offers night skiing, as well as combined access to Arapahoe Basin with its lift ticket, is famous for its family-oriented Kidtopia programs.

Keystone Resort offers a wide variety of comfortable and family-friendly lodging options, from affordable hotel rooms to welcoming, family-sized condominiums. Plus, an unmatched Kids Ski Free program, free daily events, and unique offerings and special events perfectly complement the more than 3,000 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain.

Here are some of the many things to look forward to this winter at Keystone, one of the Vail Resorts (and included on Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass, details at EpicPass.com):

Keystone’s Kids Ski Free Program Turns 5
Keystone has long been the place where kids rule, and this year the resort’s unmatched Kids Ski Free program turns 5 (which just so happens to be the same age that kids can officially become a part of this awesome program). With more than 100,000free kids’ lift tickets provided to families since the inception of the program in 2012, there is a whole lot to celebrate as Kids Ski Free enters its fifth year. This year guests can look forward to free Kidtopia events and parties, including a special weekly birthday bash with Ripperoo, plus free skiing of course! Every day, all season long kids 12 and younger ski for free at Keystone with no blackout dates when parents book just two or more nights in one of Keystone’s numerous accommodation options, which span from affordable hotel rooms to family-sized condominiums. When it comes to family, no one does it better than Keystone!

Keystone’s Mountain House is Base Camp for Families
Having served as the original base area when Keystone’s founders, Max and Edna Dercum, first brought their family to the resort, this winter the Mountain House base area is ready to welcome a new generation of ski families to Keystone. Centrally located, the Mountain House base area offers an oasis for ski families and the perfect base camp for any ski day, offering smaller crowds, free and convenient family parking and an updated family restaurant concept. Plus, with free preferred parking just for families at Mountain House, it’s easy to get from the lots to the lifts, providing direct access to the resort’s family ski and ride zone, The Schoolyard. Families can also take advantage of conveniently located lift tickets, rentals and Camp Keystone – the resort’s kid-centric Ski and Ride School experience, where interactive displays, game-aided learning and a 24-foot slide that propels kids into their adventure on the snow will have little rippers begging to go back to “school.” When you’re ready to hang up the skis and boards for the day, relax fireside or continue the fun with Kidtopia activities that take place twice-a-week at Mountain House during Sunday’s Ice Cream Birthday party with Ripperoo and Wednesday’s Giant Snowball Launch.

NEW Kidtopia Mountaintop Spectacular – Dec. 16-18, 2016
Keystone’s Kidtopia continues to redefine the family resort experience with free activities and events on and off the snow every day of the week starting Friday, Nov. 25. This winter Keystone presents the inaugural Kidtopia Mountaintop Spectacular, a weekend of festive on-mountain fun for the entire family. This free event will showcase a variety of activities and Kidtopia programs that make the resort a top destination for families, including nightly firework displays, a torchlight ski parade led by Keystone’s Ski & Ride School, and a mountaintop celebration where guests can enjoy free snow tubing, snowcat photo opportunities, live music, hot cocoa and fireside stories with Santa. Kidtopia will animate the mountaintop with Bigfoot adventure walks and a ski patrol-dog meet and greet, plus a special lighting ceremony of the world’s largest Snow Fort to create an unforgettable weekend.

The Kidtopia Experience March 5-11, 2017
With the addition of the Kidtopia Mountaintop Spectacular, this winter season is bookended by two awesome Kidtopia events as the Kidtopia Experience returns for an extended week-long celebration. Start your family spring break early and be a part of all the kid-centric festivities and live outdoor music at the Kidtopia Experience, March 5-11.

Behind-the-Scenes Chocolate Tours with Keystone’s Very Own “Willy Wonka”
Keystone Resort’s executive pastry chef Ned Archibald welcomes guests for a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into his world of decadent desserts and chocolate making at the resort. Take a break from the slopes one morning to experience these can’t-miss tours designed for kids (and parents), and meet the man himself, tour his chef’s workshop and make delicious treats of your own to take home. No golden ticket required; these Chocolate Tours are free to attend. Offered on select dates throughout the season. Schedule TBD.

On-Mountain Family Adventures, Minus the Skis and Boards

Adventure Point, just steps away from the Kidtopia Snow Fort, features up to eight lanes of high-speed tubing action for kids and kids at heart. © 2016 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

With Keystone’s enclosed River Run Gondola, mountaintop adventures like snowcat tours, snow tubing and fondue dinners are accessible to the whole family regardless of skiing ability. The Mountaintop Snowcat Tour is a must-do family activity that provides an exclusive glimpse of Keystone’s high-alpine bowls, where breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and surrounding mountain ranges await. Adventure Point, just steps away from the Kidtopia Snow Fort, features up to eight lanes of high-speed tubing action for kids and kids at heart. To cap off an evening of mountaintop adventure, guests can enjoy two gondola rides en route to Keystone’s North Peak, where Der Fondue Chessel offers an exciting and interactive dining experience for the whole family, complete with accordion-wielding musicians in lederhosen, all at 11,640-feet elevation.

Experience the Mountain Together with a Family Private Lesson
Whether your family is new to skiing and snowboarding or you’re seasoned snow veterans, those looking to develop new skills, improve technique or explore the mountain like never before can enjoy the Keystone Ski & Ride School’s Family Private Lesson together. Taking advantage of shared on-snow time, bonding is just an added bonus to these specially designed lessons. Private lessons can be reserved for up to six family members (or friends) of similar ability, and with instructors who specialize in working with the whole family you can rest assured that everyone’s ski and snowboard needs will be met on the snow.A family private lesson at Keystone is the perfect way to create memories together and take your shared passion to the next level, so this new product is a can’t-miss for snow-loving families.

Keystone Resort’s more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, average of 300 days of sun a year, convenient lodging and variety of on- and off-snow activities all combine to provide the ideal location for winter vacations. As one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, Keystone is the ultimate family resort destination. Convenient touches like free parking, including front-row family parking, and complimentary red wagons to help parents tote gear and kiddos to and from the slopes help make a winter family visit to Keystone easy and hassle-free. For more information visit keystoneresort.com.

 

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Discounted Rates Kick in for Spring Skiing at Keystone Resort, Colorado

Spring skiing at Keystone, Colorado offers best of all worlds – great snow, long days, warm weather, and discounted rates © 2015 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

March and April is the perfect time to plan a trip to Keystone Resort, Colorado, when rates are discounted, the days are long, there is night skiing (free on the day of arrival), the weather is warm and the snow is soft.

Discounted lodging offers, including savings of up to 50 percent off, are available for select dates and accommodations during the remainder of the ski season. All stays of two nights or more include Keystone’s Kids Ski Free offer for children 12 and younger. Keystone’s Kids Ski Free program contains no red tape, fine print, or blackout dates and is available daily, including weekends and holidays.

During Keystone’s Secret Season, Feb. 20-March 5, guests can receive up to 50 percent off mid-week visits and up to 33 percent off weekend stays. One-bedroom condos in River Run Village, a central location within walking distance of lift access, begin at $148 per night. In addition to fewer people on the mountain during this time frame, plenty of free family-friendly activities are available daily.

For guests looking for a perfect spring break getaway, 50 percent discounts on lodging options are available from March 19-27 for any length of stay. Additionally, 33 percent off lodging stays are available all season long.

March and April offers skiers and riders the chance to enjoy soft snow, plentiful late-season powder days, and sunny afternoons perfect for enjoying an après beverage on one of the resort’s many decks or patios. Keystone’s renowned night skiing operation will be available for most of the month of March, taking advantage of longer days and providing the opportunity for sunset turns and fun under the stars.

Warmer days and softer snow make spring a perfect time for newcomers to the sport to take advantage of Keystone’s Ski&Ride School. With lessons for all ages and abilities, families can hone their skills and pass on their love of snow sports. Late season at Keystone is also highlighted by a number of fun events, whether you choose to spectate or participate; rail jams, pond skimming and the hilarious annual Red Bull Schlittentag are all perfect events to plan a trip around.

Keystone’s 3,148 skiable acres of terrain, average of 300 days of sun a year, discounted lodging, free daily activities, and lots of on- and off-snow activities all combine to provide the ideal location for Spring Break vacations. When not skiing or riding, Keystone’s Kidtopia offers free daily programming; from a 4 p.m. Cookie Hour to Saturday night fireworks, there are a variety of additional activities to enjoy. Plus, Keystone’s many award-wining dining options provide the perfect backdrop for family gatherings, intimate date nights and memory-making outings with friends.

In addition to free lift tickets for children 12 and younger, guests who stay two or more nights receive free night skiing access on day of arrival, free ice skating with 20 percent off skate rentals and free yoga class admission.

As one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, Keystone is the ultimate location for families to enjoy the allure of the mountains; be it on skis, snowboards, ice skates, snow tubes or horse-drawn sleigh rides. For more information about Keystone, visit keystoneresort.com or call 877-204-7889. Follow the resort at @KeystoneMtn on Twitter or at http://www.Facebook.com/Keystone.

 

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Colorado Resorts Entice Offer Ski School Specials During Learn To Ski And Snowboard Month

Kids make learn-to-ski look easy at Winter Park Resort, Colorado and what a view! Colorado Ski Resorts are making it easy and affordable for guests of any age to take up skiing and snowboarding, especially during January, Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, nationally © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) resorts are treating beginner guests to a number of ski school deals and packages this season that are especially attractive during the month of January, which is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

The snow from recent storms that spread across the state has left ideal conditions for beginners to learn, and presents the opportunity for seasoned sliders to expand their winter sport repertoire. With the industry’s top instructors, legendary ski schools, and packages teeming with value, guests are sure to find the resort, program, and experience that caters to their needs.

Below are lesson packages available at resorts throughout Colorado Ski Country, and ski school specials pertinent to Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

Arapahoe Basin:

Super Sunday Special

Every Sunday in January, Arapahoe Basin will have special lesson and rental packages for newbie skiers and riders. These specials are specifically geared toward first-time skiers and riders – those who have never stepped foot in a binding or on a mountain. All packages include lift ticket, rental and lesson. Lessons are half-day, morning only.

Dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27

Adult ski package: $99

Adult snowboard package: $107

Kids’ ski package: $79

Kids snowboard package: $84

*lesson can be purchased a la carte for $59

One Run Lessons

With Arapahoe Basin’s One Run Lessons, Guests of any age and ability are matched with an instructor for one run from the Black Mountain Express lift to the base area. The purpose of this lesson is to suggest minor changes or improvements to the guest’s technique, and to introduce the guest to the resort’s snowsports instructors.

Dates: January 13, February 10, March 10

Times: 10am-noon

Sign-up is first come, first served, DAY OF only.

4 Lessons 4 U ($290):

Regardless of ability or discipline, guests can take advantage of four fully-transferable half-day, morning lessons for less than $75 per lesson. They can be used for kids, friends, or in combination with family members. They are available for all ability levels ages 3 and up, for child or adult skiing, snowboarding and telemark lessons (telemark lessons available Saturday and Sunday only). Lessons are good until April 28, 2013. Lift Tickets are not included and are available for $15 for kids and $25 for adults. More information can be found at http://www.arapahoebasin.com/.

Aspen/Snowmass

Adult Beginner’s Magic™
Learning to ski and ride isn’t just for kids. Aspen/Snowmass welcomes adults to Elk Camp Meadows in Snowmass, where students will learn to ski and ride mid-mountain in a private area specific to beginner skiers and snowboarders with their very own lift and magic carpet.

Aspen/Snowmass pros will get beginners out and about on the “easy” runs that will challenge them just enough. The accelerated learning method and equipment helps students succeed, and the resort’s top pros teach the lesson. Students will learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding from pros who practice a teaching method that promotes peak performance and confidence, and educates about the right equipment and mountain awareness. Aspen/Snowmass is so confident in this lesson that they created a unique package around it.

Available at Snowmass and Buttermilk every day, this program is best for adults who are first time beginners or who are only comfortable on beginner terrain. Beginner Levels (green terrain only levels 1 – 3) Lesson is a full day: 10:00am – 3:00pm and includes: lesson, beginner magic rental equipment, and a beginner area-lift ticket.

Costs run as follows: Full day: $203, full day with 7-day advance purchase: $193, one day extension: $143 per day. Three full days: $429, three full days with 7-day advance purchase: $408. More details can be found at http://www.aspensnowmass.com/.

Copper Mountain

Save 50% on 2nd Day Ski and Ride School Adult Lessons

Learn how to ski and ride right the first time. Copper Mountain Ski and Ride School offers 50 percent off on second day lessons when a two day adult lesson is purchased. For more information please visit http://www.coppercolorado.com/winter/ski_and_ride_school/adult.

Free Lift Access For Beginners At Copper Mountain

Learn to ski and snowboard at Copper Mountain without breaking the bank this January. Easy Rider carpet in Center Village is free for those just learning how to slide down the mountain. Once guests get the hang of skiing and riding and are ready to test their skills on more beginner terrain, a lift ticket for Pitchfork beginner chairlift is available for $15 and is the perfect terrain to hone in on new skills. Both tickets are available at a Copper Mountain ticket window and available all season long.

Learn To Ski And Snowboard Month Is Not Just For Never Evers

Learn how to spin in the park or conquer a box or rail with Copper Mountain Ski and Ride School and Woodward at Copper. Start the day at the Schoolhouse for skiing and riding then head to the Woodward Barn for a unique and fun experience on trampolines and in foam pits. Lesson packages include a lift ticket, lunch, and real-time GPS tracking provided by Flaik for superior safety and peace of mind for parents. Walk-ups are accepted until 9 a.m. on the day of lessons. Advanced Reservations are highly encouraged, for more information please visit www.woodwardatcopper.com.

Crested Butte

North Face Guide

For guests interested in an extreme skiing or riding experience, but looking for some tips and tricks for success, CBMR’s Ski and Ride School created the North Face Guide. This in-bounds group tour allows participants to experience the resort’s famed extreme terrain, concentrating on skiing and riding off the High Lift and in the North Face area of the mountain. The tour includes an evaluation and light education, helping adventure-minded guests make the jump to extreme skiing and riding in a safe and controlled environment. Call Crested Butte Ski & Ride School for reservations 970-349-2211. More information can be found at http://www.skicb.com/cbmr/index.aspx

Eldora

First Timer Lesson Package

Eldora’s First Timer Lesson Packages provides new skiers and riders with a four hour group lesson, rental equipment and a lift ticket for just $119. Eldora’s lower mountain terrain is perfect for first-timers looking to develop their basic skills. For more information please visit www.Eldora.com/lessons.first

Loveland

3 Class Pass

Loveland Ski Area’s 3 Class Pass encourages a lifelong love of snow sports by rewarding first time skiers and snowboarders ages sis and up that complete three lesson packages with a free season pass. Newcomers can also pre-purchase the three lesson packages and use the pass all winter long.

Loveland Explorers

Explorers is a six week program where intermediate skiers and snowboarders ages 7-14 train with top level coaches from The Loveland Ski and Ride School and The Loveland Ski Club to develop their skills. Children learn and explore with the same coach all six weeks and the groups are limited to six students to one coach. Package is $469 and includes six full day lessons with lunch and a season pass.

The Loveland Ski and Ride School offers a unique private lesson for families looking to learn to ski or snowboard together. Up to four family members age seven and older learn together with the same instructor in a two hour newcomer lesson for first time skiers or riders. The $395 includes two hour lesson, beginner lift tickets and equipment rentals for four people. More information can be found at http://www.skiloveland.com.

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is offering three new low cost packages during January 2013 for children and adults who want to learn how to ski and snowboard. These new packages are only valid at Purgatory January 7-31, 2013 as part of national “Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month” and are geared toward people who have never skied or snowboarded and want to learn.

2-Day Basic Beginner Package only $149, a savings of up to 43%

Includes a full-day ski or snowboard lesson for adults/children, basic rental equipment for two days, and two days of lift tickets.

Lodging Plus 2-Day Beginner Package starts at $189 pp, a savings of up to 39%

Includes the 2-Day Basic Beginner Lesson Package ( lift tickets, rentals & lesson), plus two-nights lodging, based on quad-occupancy in Lodge at Tamarron. Some restrictions apply.

1-Day Basic Beginner Package only $79, a savings of up to 47%

Includes a full-day ski or snowboard beginner lesson for adults/children, basic rental equipment for the day, and a beginner lift ticket.

Be Back Beginner Discount Card

Upon completion of the 1-Day, 2-Day or 2-Day plus lodging programs, participants will receive a card good for discounts on lessons, lift tickets and rentals for the remainder of the season through March 31, 2013. These discounts are valid for use of the beginner only.

Lift tickets: $50 adults; $40 students; $30 kids

Lessons: $39 half-day group lesson; $59 full-day group lessons

Ski or snowboard rentals: $20 adult basic; $17 kids

Blackout dates apply: 2/16-2/17 and 3/10-3/16

Basic rental packages include skis/snowboards, boots, poles and helmet. Pre-registration is required for participation. Visit www.skipurg.com/lssm for details and to register.

Powderhorn

Learn to Ski or Ride Season Pass Series

The Season Pass Series is designed for first timers ages eight and up who are new to either the sport of skiing or snowboarding and ready to commit to three lessons. At the end of the lessons, students have a great foundation and will be able to take their new skills all over the mountain. Additionally, when they complete all three sessions, they will get a free season pass for the rest of the season.

Lessons are a full day Group Lesson with an hour break for lunch and run from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Cost is $299 for adults including lesson, lift and rental and $249 for ages 8 – 17 including lesson, lift and rental and is available in three different tracks:

Intensive Series:

December 21-23, 2012 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) OR

January 2-4, 2013 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)

Saturdays Series:

January 5, 12, 19, 2013

Sunday Series:

January 6, 13, 20, 2013

Young At Heart

One of the most popular programs at Powderhorn, Young at Heart is for skiers or riders over age 50 and this January special sessions will be held specifically for January Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Join the resort every Thursday to ski with friends and a guide from the Ski and Ride School. Groups are divided by ability, with an emphasis on fun, camaraderie and ski time. Stay after the lifts close for the weekly apres ski party in the Sunset Grille. Learn to Ski and Snowboard sessions will be held Jan 10, 17 and 24.

Young at Heart begins on December 20^th and continues every Thursday until the mountain closes in spring. Sign in by 8:40 a.m. Groups go out promptly at 9:00 a.m. More information can be found at http://www.powderhorn.com/special-programs

Ski Cooper

The 3 Lesson Season Pass Program is available for first time skiers and riders at Ski Cooper. Participants can pay as they go and upon completion of the third lesson, they are eligible to receive a Ski Cooper 2012-13 season pass. Details and more information can be found at http://www.skicooper.com/ or by calling (800) 707-6114.

Ski Granby Ranch

Get on the Snow

Ski Granby Ranch has long emphasized beginner-friendly ski environments and instruction, and to turn first-timers into lifelong skiers, they’re offering a Get on the Snow (GOTS) program, where newbies complete two days of comprehensive instruction (including lift tickets and rentals) for $199 – and walk away with a season pass to boot.

The GOTS program emphasizes watching and learning with others in a group setting which creates a comfort level for the beginner. GOTS is offered January through mid-March, some date restrictions apply and reservations are required. Details can be found at http://www.granbyranch.com/.

Steamboat

Learn to Ski & Ride Package

The Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School’s Learn to Ski & Learn to Ride clinics pair first time winter enthusiasts with some of the best instructors in the industry, including former Olympians, collegiate athletes and more. The resort is so confident that “Never Ever” students will be skiing or riding comfortably on green runs after their three-day programs that they guarantee it. Learn to Ski & Learn to Ride Packages offer three days of instruction, gear rental, lift tickets and the same instructor for all three days of instruction for 16 year olds and up. The Learn To Ride Program is part of the signature Burton clinic and features specialized equipment and proven teaching methods designed to help first-time snowboarders. Booking Learn To Ski or Learn to Ride Packages seven or more days in advance can result in a discount. For reservations call 800-922-2722, and for more information visit www.steamboat.com.

Sunlight

Learn to Shine

The Learn to Shine program at Sunlight encourages beginners to take on three days of lessons with a free 5-day ski pass awarded upon completion. The package includes three days of lesson, equipment rental and lift tickets for $325. Guests can choose what days to take their lessons, whether they are consecutive or not. More details can be found at http://www.sunlightmtn.com/ski-school/learn-shine.

Telluride
3-Day Beginner Skiing Adventure
Enjoy miles of beginner terrain with instructors teaching skills that will have guests successfully skiing on their first day. With the 3 Day Beginner Package, guests can buy two days and get the third day free – includes lift, lesson, and rental. First time skiers only. 11:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Learn to Ride Beginner Snowboarding
Telluride partners with Burton Snowboards to offer the best experience in snowboard instruction. Included in the lesson are specifically designed beginner snowboards, boots, and bindings – which quickens the learning curve. Smaller class sizes and gentle terrain complete this unique experience. Package includes lift, lesson and rental. With the Learn to Ride Beginner Snowboarding Package, buy two days and get the third day free – includes lift, lesson, and rental. First time snowboarders only. Learn to Ride Beginner Snowboarding is offered 11:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. More information can be found at www.TellurideSkiResort.com.

Winter Park

Bob’s Mogul Camp

Winter Park is home to North America’s infamous natural bump terrain, Mary Jane. With six hours of daily coaching from Winter Park Pros, guests will be navigating the bumps best in no time. Students finish out the day with a special après party and video analysis. Winter Park Ski + Ride School Director, Bob Barnes, and his top mogul coaches perfect bump skiing for novices and experts. Groups are based on ability level and range from blue bump runs to double diamond bump runs.

January 25-27, 2013
February 13-15, 2013
March 1-3, 2013
Meeting location: Mary Jane Moffat Room; 8:30am
6 hours a day / $519

Wolf Creek

Beginner Ski and Board Package

The Beginner Package at Wolf Creek Ski Area keeps things easy for first timers by offering never-ever skiers and snowboarders a combination lift and group lesson ticket. The $56 includes four hours in a group ski lesson plus the beginner Nova double chairlift. Lessons are from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with a one hour break for lunch. For $66 the lesson includes the same deal for snowboarders. This package is offered to adult skiers/boarders as well as to children, ages nine and older. More information can be found by visiting www.WolfCreekSki.com.

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