South

We (family of 4) are going to stay at the Tenderfoot Lodge in Keystone, CO. in the first part of January '09. Does anyone know of a reliable and conservative place to rent skis/boots and also to purchase lift tickets? Will the lift ticket be good for one, some or all the ski slopes in the area? Could you give a price range to expect? ANXIOUS THANKS!

SiteC_er

There are numerous places to rent and most if not all should be trustworthy (especially at the base of the mountain). You can by lift tix which are good for several of the local ski resorts (Breckenridge, A-Basin) and depending on the tix how many days it's good for. Not sure where you're coming from, but you might check with a local (your home) ski outfitter and see if they offer discount tix. There's a place in my home town (KC) that offers a variety of discount tix to Keystone (among others). For what it's worth, our family loves Keystone!

South

SiteC_er, Thanks for your response. We are flying from GA to Denver and driving to KS. We desire to plan well. Thus far our plans have been blessed. Since you are familar with KS do you have any knowledge of: dinner sleigh ride, dog sledding, and unguided snowmobiling? We are searcching the internet, but nothiong like some first-hand information. THANKS!

Grassshopper

Hi South, I think you're in for a great time. The sleigh ride dinner is really fun for families. At that same price point is the fondue restaurant on top of the mountain. Both are what I consider "experience" dinners.

I have only taken the guided snowmobile tours and would not hesitate to recommend them. I don't think I'd suggest non-guided with a family. We have done it with Goodtimes Adventures in Breckenridge, which also does the dog sledding.

Like SiteC_er said, there are plenty of reputable places to rent and your ticket will be good at all the Vail Mountain Resorts (Keystone, Breck, A-Basin, Vail and Beaver Creek).

If you're looking for an easy first night dinner, Pizza 101 has the best pizza in Keystone and they deliver.

Have fun!

SiteC_er

We've done dog sledding & snowmobiling but not at or around Keystone (Lake Tahoe & Winter Park is where we did those). However, Grassphopper provided a name and gave you some good advice on going on a group tour. We've been snowmobiling twice and did the group tour both times. Both times we got plenty of opportunity to get away from the pack and do a bit of free-lancing. In addition, the group guide took us to some areas where we could really open them up for speed. Unless you're familiar with the area, I believe a guided tour is really the way to go.

We've talked about the dinner sleigh ride but have never gone because we're worn out after sking all day of sking

PS: Have you or your kids ever skied before? If not, be sure to take a family lesson or go to ski school. Enjoy!

South

Thanks SiteC_er and Grasshopper!
Yes, we have skied before. Though no claim for professionalism we taught the two children coming with us (ages 24 & 30) to ski between our knees as little "tots." However, all the advice is appreciated . Most of our meals will in house, the pizza sounds inviting. Any other suggestions or counsel from you or others will be welcome. We have longed for such a trip for years, probably first and last for my wife and I. Hopefully not for the children. THANKS!

Lexma90

I've never searched for unguided snowmobiling, but I'm inclined to think that you won't find any. The times I've been out and seen people snowmobiling on their own, they've obviously been locals who know their way around. And between liability issues, avalanche concerns and (I'm guessing) limits on snowmobiling on National Forest land, going on a guided trip is probably the better way to go. The Good Time tour, located north of Breck, off Tiger Rd., takes you to the top of the Continental Divide (Georgia Pass), and has great views both east and west.

Be realistic about the dog sledding. Most of the places I've seen (I've never done it, but seen the dog sledding while snowmobiling), it's some variation of most people riding a snowmobile pulling a sled full of people, who take turns riding on the dog sled, with the musher controlling the dog sled. That may not be how all of the places do it, but you may want to inquire when you're signing up.

Most equipment rental places are reliable. Slopeside rentals tend to be more expensive, but if you need to change out equipment, it's a lot easier if they're right there at the resort.

Enjoy!

Kay2

We have usually stopped at the King Soopers grocery store on the west side of Denver to buy discounted tickets for ski resorts. We have often also stopped in a bagel shop in the center. King Soopers (303/238-6486) - 3400 Youngfield Street in Lakewood west of Denver. Take Exit 264, turn left and go under I-70, then turn left again at the first stop light. Go 200 yards and turn right into the parking lot for King Soopers. Tickets will be sold at the Customer Service desk.

We have also rented skis at shops enroute at Idaho Springs and bought tickets, but I like to choose a shop that has another outlet at the ski resort in case I need to do an exchange/return, so we haven't done this very often.

I hear that the Safeway in Idaho Springs also sells lift tickets, but haven't used.

I have also heard City Market Grocery in Dillon offers tickets at a higher rate than the Denver outlets, but I have never bought there.

You will want to check if you must buy single resort tickets or can get multiple resort tickets at these outlets. I know we skied at both Keystone and Breckenridge, but don't remember which tickets we purchased for that specific trip.

Seems like the single day discount tickets I purchased at King Sooper equal the daily price paid on a 3 or 5-day multiday pass at the resort. So I could choose as many days as I thought I wanted, but could return unused tickets for full refund. I haven't been skiing in Colorado for 4 years (switched to Utah), so check this information for the current season by telephoning and getting prices at the outlets or check a ski specialized website like epicski.com
One day lift ticket price at the window for comparison is $79.

Gretchen

bookmarking I think I can help.

Gretchen

Our family has rented skis in the big Dillon shopping center --there's a big ski shop next to City Market (King Sooper). The supermarket sells lift tickets also but we have mostly been on a holiday week-end so no discount available.

South

THANKS to: Lexma90, Kay2 and Gretchen. We are digesting your info., as all the others. We are impressed that pople take such a personal interest and share their knowledge. Hopefully we can do the same for others. THANKS!