llg

We are considering a ski trip to Keystone in mid March '04. party includes 5 adults from begginner to advanced and children ages 8 to 16, all beginners. would you recommend this resort? If so, where should we consider staying that's a good value. Any other tips?
Thank you!

abram

When we've skied Summitt COunty, Keystone is the most likely to have icy conditions, so isn't our favorite.

If you don't mind not staying slopeside, condos in Frisco are often more reasonable, and convenient to Keystone, Breckenridge, Arapahoe and Copper.

Pumpy

We went to Keystone last year (2 adults and 2 kids (10 & 5) and had a great time. Fortunately for us, we got snow everyday/night. The poster above is correct that it traditionally has icier conditions. That is based on the fact that Keystone receives a significantly less amount of snowfall then Breck, Vail, etc. I know it seems kind of odd that it can receive 100" less of snow than other near by mountains? However, it does have night sking and we found that to be a real highlight of our trip. FYI - it has a lot beginner to intermediate runs so that should not be a problem. Enjoy!

Coskier

llg, you ask 3 ppl there favorite ski areas you are likely to get 3 different answers. I have a place in Keystone so it is my favorite, then Copper then Breckenridge. As to conditions, for the beginners it will not matter too much. Keystone has committed to better grooming and snowmaking this season. They have been working all summer so I am hopeful that it is true. For the beginners my favorite run is Spring Dipper. It starts as a blue run then changes to green. It really is a green run and far less crowded than Schoolmarm, making it easier in my opinion.
Keystone is the only resort to offer nightskiing. They also have tubing, a great outdoor ice skating rink, sleigh rides, and nordic skiing.

As abram said if you do not stay at the resort proper less expensive lodging can be found in Dillon and Frisco. To me though staying at the resort with a large group outweighs the cost savings. Much easier to let everyone come and go as they please. Look at renting a condo direct from the owners as they are typically less than through an agency. Know that March is a busy time, you are smart to plan now. www.summitnet.com has lots of listings for all the areas and good information on activities.

julie_Colorado

First, I would not go to Breckenridge - great town, very crowded ski mountain...especially high season (which March is). Nice place to stay, just don't ski there!
I think Keystone is a great mountain (though, like coskier, I live there so I'm probably biased)... Beginners will do much better if they take lessons - I'd do Copper or Keystone for beginner lessons. Advanced skiers might like A-basin... It is just up the road from Keystone. My husband is a ski instructor. His favorites - the back bowls at Vail, Birds of Prey at Beaver Creek. He also likes going off the ridge line at Loveland or tree skiing anywhere (Loveland, Vail, B.C. are all do-able in a day from the Keystone). The lake at Keystone is a blast - both for free skating and hockey games - they put up hockey boards - and it's pretty intense... great fun!

Coskier

Another site worth checking out is http://www.mountainskiresorts.com

tlindeman

I have lived in Colorado all of my life. I like Keystone, but it can get icy, But it is great for beginners, the longest begginer run in the state is at keystone. Loveland is nice but it can get cold. Loveland is about 15-20 min to keystone. It is a good place to go for lighter crowds and the lift tickets are reasonable. The only problem is that it can get cold there. part of it is above treeline., but you should have too much of a problem in march.

mrt

Keystone is out of the way. It is not like going to Vail, Aspen or breckenridge, which have sights to se, bars, restaurents everyone amd many stores, and more excitement. Keystone is not too different than Copper Mountain which has a small village with a few shops and restauents. If you want more than skiing go to one of the towns. I am told that the skiing in the 4 places I named is better than Keystone.

Coskier

mrt, what do you mean by keystone being out of the way? It is a pretty easy drive over Swan Mtn to Breck for dinner/shopping. Though like Julie I do not care to ski there. It takes us about 20 min to get to Copper. Granted if you are planning on skiing a different area each day, and it is easy to do, it makes sense to stay in Frisco as abram said.

Now if it would just turn cold and snow!!

julie_Colorado

If I wanted a real ski town (authentic old town that just happened to get a ski resort) I'd go to Steamboat or Crested Butte (vs. Aspen or Breck). If I was OK with a built up mountain resort (no town - just manufactured to be a ski resort), then Vail, Copper, Keystone, Beaver Creek are all very nice. Whatever you chose, I think you'll be happy.

Coskier

FYI.. A list of changes at Keystone...
On Mountain Improvements

Keystone Adventure Tours marks its arrival this season with conditional snow cat skiing trips into the Outback.
A51 - The new expanded terrain park showcasing 51 rails, fun boxes and features, DMX music, lights and a superpipe. A51 is serviced by the Packsaddle lift and offers three skill level progression zones. Plus during night skiing the park will offer Colorado's largest night park and superpipe.
WinterFall, a 6-week festival celebrating winter and the Evolution of Keystone beginning with the mountain reopening party on November 14.
Upgraded snowmaking system. This $4.5 million upgrade enables a higher quality snow surface and includes an automated snowmaking route on Spring dipper/River run.
Renamed Keystone Mountain as Dercum Mountain after the resort founder Max Dercum.
Return of Keystone's Adventure Point to the top of Dercum Mountain with offerings such as tubing, snow bikes, air boards and more.
Improved glading in the Windows and North Peak. Removed the standing dead and down fall trees with the eye toward improved forest heath, fire mitigation and small animal habitats.
In January of '03 we increased grooming by 50% and this year we will increase grooming by another 25%.
Food & Beverage

Opening a new margarita bar/restaurant in River Run
Opening a sweets, ice cream and cookie store named Bear Paw on the River Run plaza.
Opening a new casual Italian restaurant in River Run
New night club in River Run
Catch all your favorite teams at Zamboni's, the new sports bar in Lakeside Village.
We will bring the French countryside cuisine to the Lakeside Village with the new restaurant Champeaux
Additional on-mountain dining options including SubFusion - Fresh and Toasty Sandwiches, Bite Me Pizza and Border Burritos

lenleigh

Keystone is not out of the way at all. It is closer than Vail and in my opinion has a lot more activities to do than Vail and Beaver Creek because it's very close to Breckenridge, Lake Dillon and Silverthorne and Copper is not much further up I-70. I would have to agree that Keystone is my favorite and I am excited to see all the new things they are doing there. Breck is fun but it is overcrowded and have had a lot of accidents.

I took my husband skiing at Keystone once, it was the only time I have ever been skiing with him since (it was his 2nd time). They have a pretty good place for beginners but the run down to the Village is a little long but you could take the gondola if you're not up to it.

Pumpy

I know this is a slight change of subject, but how does Winter Park compare to Keystone, Breck, &/or Copper Mtn.? We went to Keystone last yr (as stated above & had good snow and a great time) but want to try someplace new.

lenleigh

I am not a huge fan of skiing at Winter Park but I think things are getting a little better there. I think the runs are a little boring on the Winter Park side and I don't usually ski Mary Jane. For beginners I think Winter Park is a pretty good place to take someone. The town is a little boring, just not as exciting and nothing else is really that close by. I think the best things about Winter Park is the ski train which is a fun thing to do at least once. They have some other activities like snowmobile trips and other activities. One plus is that Winter Park is not as crowded as the other places you mentioned and it is cheaper.

abram

I love Winter Park. It is very low key, not at all glitzy.

We ski all over the mountain, prefer blues and easy blacks. One of the things we like at Winter Park is that there are quite a few runs where half of the hill is groomed, and half left to bump up. That way, you can try a little challenge, but bail if it's not working for you.

Our favorite place to stay is the Timber House Ski Lodge (www.TimberHouseSkiLodge.com), where breakfast, afternoon snacks and dinner are included. They drive you to the hill in the morning, and you can ski right back to the Lodge. Friendliest guests we've ever met.

Gpaul

We will ski Keystone 12/31-1/3. Can all you savvy (and lucky Keystonian dwellers) offer advice on the Silver Inn? Is it camparable to a best Western etc.?

Best Pancakes in Area? Bracias!

Coskier

GPaul how was it?

Gpaul

Hola Coskier. Skiing was GREAT: 12 days sunny blue not cold, 1 day -8 (brrr), 1 day 12-19 inches of snow (1/3). 3 days Keystone, 5 days Vail, 4 days Beaver, 2 days Breck.

Keystone: Arapahoe Motel, very basic but close to lifts; Vail: Tivoli Lodge, excellent; Beaver: Seasons at Arrowhead, superb; Breck: Wildwood Suites, basic but nice.

Regards.