5 Reasons to Visit Keystone this Winter

By Stacy Calderon

It’s the most magical time of year in the Colorado Rockies! We’re not talking about Christmas, but rather the whole winter season. Once the snow covers the party never stops in Keystone. Whether your definition of fun means skiing the black diamonds, tubing, or checking out craft beers on a pub tour, Keystone has it all. Colorado is proof that winter is no excuse to stay inside. Here are five reasons to visit Keystone this winter.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

Let’s start with the obvious — skiing and snowboarding. One of Keystone’s claims to fame is Colorado’s longest ski day. There’s also night skiing, along with 128 runs. That gives Keystone something for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. If you’re new to the sport, or want to brush up on, or looking for lessons for the kids, the resort offers lessons sure to get even the novice down the mountain. The slopes are minutes, or even just steps, away from lodging at this resort. Keystone is highly rated by visitors, and with skiing and snowboarding so enjoyable, it’s worth planning your whole vacation around it.

2. Snowtubing

Here’s a snow activity with no learning curve and all the fun of skiing and snowboarding. Snowtubing at Keystone is a blast and a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the Rocky Mountains. You just grab the inner tubes and slide down groomed slopes. Keystone has a special lift designed for you to make it easy to haul the tubes up the mountain and slopes designed especially for snowtubing!

3. Kidtopia

Kidtopia is just one attraction that makes Keystone a family-friendly world-class ski resort. Keystone Kidtopia is a series of free activities for kids. Whether it’s freshly baked cookies at 4 p.m. as they come off the slopes, or meeting an avalanche-search dog in training, the kids will have a blast. Speaking of blast, don’t miss the fireworks over the mountain at the end of the night.

4.Sleigh Rides

Talk about literally dashing through the snow. The Jolly Old Elf himself may be the only thing better than a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a Colorado Rockies winter wonderland — at least in the eyes of your little ones. 2 Below Zero and Keystone Stables make these sleigh rides fun for the whole family — dinner and hot cocoa included. There’s even live musical entertainment to help make this an experience for people of all ages.

5. Shopping

Need a new winter jacket, pair of skis, or souvenir to remember the vacation? Check out the brand name outlet shopping. You’ll find some of the best outdoor and ski gear in the world for sale in the shops in and around Keystone — many of them right on River Run Road or Main Street. The shopping opportunities don’t stop there. Take a jaunt over the Frisco to the outlet stores. You’ll find plenty of deals on brand name merchandise.

This list of five reasons to visit Keystone this winter is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s something special about a Colorado ski vacation at Keystone that warms your heart.

Stacy Calderon is a health and fitness expert in Colorado. When she’s not working out at the gym, you might find her hiking one of Colorado’s 14-ers. She has a passion for photographing the fall and winter colors in the high country.