Keystone - X-Mas Week 2018
 

Hello,

First time skiers wanting to do some skiing over X-MAS (23-30th) in Colorado this year. Have me, wife, and 10 year old. Looking to do week of few days beginner skiing, tubing, snowmobile, etc Have cheap flights to Denver and read that for newbies and families Keystone is a good option. Have rental car and can always go to Breck for the day also (been there in summer). Amy thoughts on where to stay, best deals, etc? Was thinking Steamboat also for better chances of snow but 3hr Drive vs 1.5hr. Thoughts?

Actually I think the best beginning mountain is Copper Mt. The general terrain lay out is the best for beginner skiers. All of the resorts absolutely will be packed. Keystone will be a zoo. Worse than Breckenridge. The week between Christmas and New Year is the busiest week of the year. The snow should be OK and could be great. It all depends. But with snowmaking all of the beginner slopes will be fine. It is the black runs that need a lot of snow. Snow conditions will not be a top priority for you.

Lodging, meals, everything will be at the peak. I would look a Copper Mt. It is a little smaller and more user friendly than either Keystone or Breckenridge. Lodging prices might be a little better at Copper. And nearly walkable to most things. Copper does have a nice tubbing hill and a big indoor pool. I see little advantage to Steamboat -- the chances of the snow being better or worse is coin flip.

And you need to start making reservations yesterday. The big ski sale weekend in Denver starts in 23 days.

Keystone area has more lodging options, plus a variety of dining, etc. The mountain is huge; my first inclination is Keystone/Breck for your needs (esp. for family Christmas atmosphere). But check VRBO for condos now.

me too and personally, I think Keystone is better for newbies. There are lots of inexperienced skiers there, sometimes it's a hazard as they are out of control, one skiied into me last year. I haven't been to Copper in a few years, but it seemed that way to me. Copper has some weird runs marked green that really are not at the end of them, they are more blue. So if a total beginner got on one, they could have a surprise at the end. Copper isn't a real town, anyway, it's totally a fabricated resort. Depends if you care about that. I just took the ski bus to Keystone to ski (staying in Breckenridge) but imagine Keystone may be the same way, that there is no real town with a history named Keystone.

Also, Breckenridge and Keystone have the same owners, so if you buy a multi-day ticket, it's good at both. Copper is separate.

Is it your priority to learn how to ski or just enjoy the atmosphere of the mountains at that time of year? Breckenridge is more picturesque at that time of year.

I completely disagree with Chrstina's assessment of Copper. I can think of no green run that ends in a blue run. All the green slopes and lifts are in the west end, blues in the middle and blacks in the east or on the back side. If you are skiing out of Union station (beginners area) you will not see a blue run.

From the first words of the OP's first sentence, I suspect this is a family vacation with some skiing, not a learn-to-ski-focused trip. Better variety of amenities and activities near Keystone and Breck (esp. if skiing turns out to be a low priority for individuals).
I repeat the suggestion of a condo for the family for that length of time ( could probably do a 1 bdrm, save $$).

Thanks for the replies. Yeah we are all learning to ski first time Plus want other things to do ala tubing, snow mobile, ice skate, Snowshoe, etc
We would need to take lessons and just hang out on the greens for a few days and get a first taste of skiing. Then do other things. We have been to
Breck in summer twice and can always head there for a day to hang around also as we have a rental car. Heard Keystone was great place for beginners.

Interested in best options for 2 adults and 1 kids in Keystone and where to stay ie Mountain House or Keystone Resort/Summit Area? What’s the best way for kids ski free ala get them from lessons or staying at Keystone Resort (they advertise kids stay free). Just curious if anyone knows? Thanks again!

Keystone markets itself as a family resort, great for beginners, etc. It is OK but not any better than Breckenridge or any other resort. Personally if I had to chose between Breckenridge and Keystone it would be Breckenridge. I have been skiing in the Summit cty area since before Keystone and Copper existed - about 55 years. Skier separation is a big issue because you don't want to mix slow, uncertain beginners with accomplished skiers skiing at a high rate. The worse mountain for separation is Vail and the best, IMO, is Copper Mountain followed by Breckenridge and then Keystone. And historically the ski school at Copper has been excellent.

Unfortunately the Christmas/New Years period is probably the worse time period to learn how to ski just simply because of crowds. There will be no discounts. I am even prohibited from using my season pass during this period. You will need advance reservations for the ski school, especially the child, or you may not find space in the classes. Kids may stay free at Keystone but that simply means that they are not be being charged for lodging. And I am sure you will find some packages that include lift passes and perhaps lessons. But nothing is free.

If you goal is to learn how to ski. I would start with Copper and stay there. With a car you can easily drive to Breckenridge (30 mins) and about the same to Keystone and Vail. Even Frisco (10 mins) has some excellent restaurants. If you want Christmas/New Years ambience - lights, etc. - I would opt for Breckenridge. It is a real town, with some local residents and services such as grocery stores if staying in a condo. But you need to start now looking for accommodations just to see what is available anywhere.

I agree with fmpden about copper. The layout is friendly to new skiers. You will want two full days of lessons and also need to factor altitude in. Frisco is near and offers lodging and restaurants. Children may enjoy Woodward at copper where trick skiers and boarders practice by jumping into foam rubber pits.