Keystone Resort Colorado Villages

Two of the Keystone villages are also base areas for the ski mountain. Mountain House and River Run.

Mountain House

This is the original base area for Keystone when Max Dercum founded Keystone in 1970. The Snake River Runs along the base of Dercum Mountain, so there is precious little space right on the slopes. Only 4 buildings in Keystone are actually ski-in ski-out. Two of those buildings are in Mountain House Village (Chateaux D'Mont the original luxury condo building featuring in-room hot tubs and Slopeside which is an economical ski-in ski-out building). Mountain House is FAR less crowded than River Run and has a nicer beginners and ski school area. You will find one cafeteria style restaurant, one ski rental shop and one pizza joint, but not much else in the village. Mountain House is like having your own private mountain though.

River Run

In 1987, Intrawest (owns Whistler and Copper Mountain and Winter Park) developed the $700M River Run that is the quintessential alpine ski village. 12 individual condo buildings are arranged with shops and coffee houses and restaurants on the ground floor. The River Run gondola and high speed quad lifts service River Run. River Run is by far the most desirable location in Keystone as judged by numbers of guests wanting to stay there. The condo buildings are newer and the amenities are quite nice (pools, hot tubs, pool tables, saunas, fitness centers, etc). Downsides are that it's expensive, the rooms tend to be smaller, and it can get quite crowded.

Typical Guest: Families and Young Urban Professionals

West Keystone

West Keystone is group of many traditional condo buildings that are of all ages. It's only about 5 mins drive to either base area and is serviced by free shuttle buses that run every 20 mins in the peak season. The condos are nestled in mature pine forests and spaced out with nice Snake River Views. West Keystone is also where the two world-class golf courses are located. West Keystone is where you get the most for your money if you don't mind being 10 mins or so from the slopes. Downsides are that some of the buildings are older, so it is recommended to be able to see the actual condo you're renting as they do vary widely in quality.

Typical Guest: Families wanting value and people that come to Keystone year after year.

East Keystone

The newest addition to Keystone is East Keystone. Built on the old 'Ski Tip Lodge' property which was the original stagecoach stop after you passed over the mountain pass into Keystone. There are only a few condo communities and lots of multi-million dollar homes. The condos in East Keystone are large and new and nice and again, only 5-10 mins to the slopes at River Run.

Typical Guest: Affluent people wanting quiet and quality.

North Keystone

US Highway 6 bisects Keystone into the mountain side (to the south of US 6) and North Keystone which is everything across highway 6. You can get alot for your money in North Keystone. The buildings tend to be older, however there are some newer developments also. Again... only 10 mins to the slopes AND you can see them easily from your condo in North Keystone.

Typical Guest: Young guests looking for cheap accomodations and Senior guests looking for value.

Lakeside Village

This is the village Keystone built around a 5 acre lake to go with the Keystone conference center. Nice older well maintained condos surround the lake that you can boat in summer on a canoe, or skate on in winter. There are also several shops and restaurants and the Keystone Inn, which is a 4-star hotel run by Vail Resorts

Typical Guest: Conference Attendee and people wanting a hotel instead of a condo.

Keystone Ranch

The 7th village is the gated community built on the original homestead site for Keystone Resort. Keystone Ranch doesn't have condo buildings, only single family homes ranging from $1M and older to brand new huge homes valued at well over $10M. Only a few of the homes are available for rent. This is also home to the clubhouse for the golf courses which wind into West Keystone from here.

Typical Guest: Affluent guests wanting a home instead of a condo.

About Author

Steve Falk is co-owner of SkyRun Condos in Keystone Colorado. For more information and photos of all of the Keystone Villages discussed in this article, see www.SkyRunCondos.com.



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Keeping Your Kids Happy During a Keystone Colorado Ski Vacation

Tips: Clothing: Make sure your children are dressed in layers. We all know that layering allows our bodies to accommodate our constantly changing temperature. Avoid cotton clothing as it retains moisture and try some of the readily available wicking fabric products. A Turtleneck, fleece and jacket are all a good idea and the little one’s can shed layers as necessary.

Body Fuel: Stuff your pockets with Powerbar-like snacks, nuts, and dried fruit. Inevitably, someone will want to quit before others are ready because of hunger.

Extras: Make sure to keep a gear bag in the car with extra clothing items like mittens, socks, headbands, sunglasses, goggles, sunscreen, and lip balm. long underwear and socks. If you’ve ever seen the monumental size of the lost and found boxes at ski resorts, you will know that is only inevitable that someone will forget something...

Protective Eyewear: I can’t emphasize this enough. I hear more horror stories from my ophthalmologist friends about the dangers of the Colorado sun on young eyes, especially when it reflects off the snow. Make sure your children have UV protective sunglasses or goggles.

Plan for Being Separated on the Slope. While we all hope it never happens, I can assure you, it can happen much faster than you think. Make sure you plan a meeting place before you begin skiing in the event your child becomes lost. The information booth is a good place or decide which lift you will ski next so if you get separated. Make sure your child carries a piece of paper in a secure pocket that has your home, cell and lodging phone number as well as your name. Inexpensive walkie talkies are now available and are a big hit on the slopes.
Planning a little in advance ensures a great adventure, fun, laughter. It is a wonderful feeling to know that your children’s fondest childhood memories were of your family ski vacations.

About Author

Steve Falk is co-founder and operator of SkyRun Condos, a company that provides lodging in Keystone Colorado. For more information on planning your family vacation as well as discounts on lodging and lift tickets, be sure and visit www.SkyRun.com for great information.



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Discount Lift Tickets - Learn What Colorado Ski Resorts Do Not Want You To Know!

How to get Discount lift tickets for Keystone Colorado, Breckenridge Colorado, Arapahoe Basin Colorado, Loveland Ski Area Colorado, Copper Mountain Colorado, Winter Park Colorado, Vail Colorado, Beaver Creek Colorado.

Discount Lift Tickets in Colorado- All Colorado ski resorts make it difficult for anyone coming from out of state to get a great deal on lift tickets. Don't expect to get a great deal anywhere if you didn't start looking in late September or early October. As your Keystone Lodging provider, we can help, but WE DO NOT SELL LIFT TICKETS.

The most expensive way to ski is to buy your lift tickets at the ticket window without any coupons. The following information will help you find the best deal around no matter what time of year.

Colorado Ski Season Passes

If you are in Colorado in April, September or October, you can look into buying a season pass for Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin. Both Loveland and Copper Mountain sometimes sell season passes into November. If you plan on skiing 5 or more days, a season pass to one of the areas ski resorts will more than pay for itself and is the cheapest way to go...even though you won't get to use it for the entire season.

:: Keystone :: Breckenridge :: A-Basin :: Vail :: Beaver Creek ::

Season passes are sold along the front range at places like Gart Sports, REI, and Christy Sports. Season passes for Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin usually cost around $329. A 2nd option is to pay slightly more and get 10 days at Vail or Beaver Creek added to that same pass. You MUST buy these in person, and you typically have to use it at least once before the holiday season, or it will become invalid for the rest of the year. These passes do have blackout dates during the holidays and during Presidents Day weekend usually, so make sure you read the fine print before purchasing these ski passes. If you're planning an early season trip (Before December 20th) AND a later prime ski season trip (January - April), this is by far the least expensive way to go. Best of all, once you get a pass that you have to buy in person, you can renew it over the web year after year.

:: Arapahoe Basin Only ::

This year, Arapahoe Basin is offering a season pass of thier own. For the 2005-2006 ski season, these are only $239. This allows unlimited skiing at Arapahoe Basin, but also allows you to ski at Keystone or Breckenridge for 5 days. One of the 5 days can be used at either Vail or Beaver Creek. This is an awesome deal if you're coming out for a short trip of 5 days or more. Best of all, you can buy these over the phone and just pick them up at the base area of Arapahoe Basin. As always, get in on this deal EARLY. Passes are usually sold in September and October only. Check out the Arapahoe Basin Website for full details.

:: Copper Mountain :: Winter Park :: Mary Jane ::

Copper Mountain is offering season passes for the 2005-2006 ski season for only $279. You can buy these without being present, but you must submit a photo of yourself so they can print your pass. Add a few more dollars and you can ski Winter Park and Mary Jane too. However, Winter Park is a solid 1 hour drive from Summit County. Still, the skiing at Mary Jane is legendary and you won't be disappointed with your day excursion to the snowpack in the Fraser Valley of Colorado.

:: Loveland Ski Area ::

Lesser known by people from out-of state, Loveland is a very inexpensive option. You'll see Loveland Ski area on your way into Summit County on the East Portal of the Eisenhower Tunnel. The closest ski lodging to Loveland is in Keystone....only 15 miles away. Loveland offers season passes for $253. Being an independant ski resort, you can only ski at Loveland. Loveland is one of the highest ski resorts on North America and they are usually the first to open the ski season in North America in October. Check the webste for details. They have an outstanding variety of terrain and there are little or no crowds at any given time.

++++++++++++ Warning ++++++++++++

Do not EVER try to use a 4 pack or season pass that is not yours. There are extremely stiff penalties including large fines and possible jail time if you are caught. The lift operators WILL catch you. A free lift ride is simply not worth the consequences.

++++++++++++ Warning ++++++++++++

Colorado Ski Resort "Four Packs"

Another money-saving tip is to buy what is called a "4 pack" for your ski resort of choice. A "4 pack" is 4 days of skiing for any 1 person. Typically the ski resorts sell these early in the season, but have also been known to sell them again in late March or in April. Buying late in the season is ideal...unknown to many, April is usually the snowiest month in Colorado!

:: Keystone :: Breckenridge ::

For the Keystone and Breckenridge 4 packs, you must buy them in person and they are not transferrable. In previous years they have been transferrable until people started selling them for a profit on eBay. $ packs usually run about $99 and are bought in the same fashion that a Season Pass is bought. The 4 packs do have blackout dates, so read the fine print carefully.

:: Copper Mountain :: Winter Park :: Mary Jane ::

Copper Mountain offers 4 packs for only $69 and ARE transferrable. This deal usually is around for about a week and may have already passed. If so, you're still in luck...both Copper Mountain and Winter Park offer 4 packs for $120, which is still only $30 per day. This offer expires on Dec 9th 2005, so jump on this quickly if you want to get in on the deal! There are usually rules and restrictions as to the dates you can use the 4 pack, so check the fine print carefully.

:: Loveland Ski Area ::

Loveland also offers a 4 pack as well for the 2005-2006 ski season. The 4 packs run only $99 but are only available through November 21st 2005. There are no blackout dates on these 4 packs and can be used anytime during the 2005-2006 ski season at Loveland.

:: Aspen :: Snowmass ::

Okay, so these 2 resorts aren't really all that close to Summit County, but if you want to see what celebrities do during the winter in Colorado...try Aspen or Snowmass for a day. Cheap passes are available, but you have to get them in person. They are available up until November 20th, 2005 at select locations around the Colorado Front Range.

Other ways to get Discount Lift Tickets

Are you a member of the armed forces? Keystone has a special setup with any active duty military, Reservists, National Guard and dependents. Rocky Mountain Blue offers a Freedom Pass for only $129. This pass is good for unlimited skiing at Keystone or Arapahoe Basin. It can be purchased at military bases in colorado including Buckley AFB, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, F.E. Warren AFB, Fort Carson and the Air force Academy. You can purchase this anytime during the 2005-2006 ski season and it is good through closing day at Keystone. THIS IS THE BEST LIFT TICKET DEAL IN COLORADO.

Keystone Lift Tickets Sign up for a free Colorado Gem Card. These cards will give you discounts at other ski areas that are further away. The closest resort that accepts this card is Loveland Ski area, which is about 15 miles away right at the Eisenhower Tunnel on the Continental Divide.

Keystone Lift Tickets Know someone with a season pass? Season Pass holders usually can buy a lift ticket for you for a deeply discounted price of $29-$59. The number of times they can do this is limited.

Keystone Lift Tickets Don't forget eBay! Many times people will buy a package deal and not be able to use it. Sometimes it's a 4 pack, sometimes it's someone who has an inside track to the resort and is trying to make some money on the side. Either way, MAKE SURE you check the lift tickets carefully to make sure you know what you're getting. Search around and see what you can find!

Keystone Lift Tickets Buy an Entertainment book for the Denver area. These books are PACKED with ski coupons. We typically buy these books and keep them available for our guests to use. The coupons are for slightly discounted lift tickets. ($5 - $10 off ticket window prices) There are also coupons for ski school.

Keystone Lift Tickets Buy your tickets on the front range in or around Denver. Go to any Safeway or King Soopers grocery stores, or ski and snowboard rental shop. They sell disount lift tickets for most ski areas.

Keystone Lift Tickets As your Keystone Lodging provider, just ask us and we'll do what we can to get you the right information you need or point you in the right direction to save you the most money given the time period of your visit. We typically keep a packet of coupons just for our guests use. When booking, please email or call us with your requests and we will mail coupons to you before you arrive. Coupons are first come first serve. These coupons usually come from Entertainment Books, and wherever else we can find them. We do not sell lift tickets.

BE CAREFUL - Some other lodging providers will entice you with a "package deal" saying that they will give you discounted lift tickets after your reserve your lodging...only to suddenly "run out" of the lift tickets after they have your money.

About Author

Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant.
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Discover Keystone, Colorado in the Winter or Summer

As a property manager in Keystone, Colorado for over 7 years and someone in love with the area, it has always baffled me that Vail and Breckenridge steal the spotlight for vacation resorts in Colorado. Certainly these resort areas are terrific and offer much for any visitor. But the lesser-known and visited Keystone is growing in popularity and is beginning to be discovered. It’s scenic beauty, endless choices, and the chance for fun in all seasons makes Keystone an alluring destination that should be highly considered.

Keystone is young and fresh. It abounds with young families, spunky and spontaneous youth and tends to be a little more laid back than some of the other resorts. But don’t the “laid-back-ness” fool you. In the Village at River Run, there seems to be an endless supply of festivals and street parties. There are multiple spa options that include massages, facials, and body treatments. The Village also hosts terrific restaurants, shops and boutiques. A wonderful “find” is the River Run Gondola glide to Alpenglow Stube - the "highest gourmet, top rated Zagat Survey, AAA FourDiamond rated and Wine Spectator award-winning restaurant in North America.

Tremendous winter activities have helped to give Keystone its growing reputation as a place for everyone to have a fantastic time. Let’s start with the four mountains and the eight month snow season. The slopes range from beginner- level Keystone Mountain to the ultra-challenging Arapahoe Basin. A truly fun experience is Keystone’s nighttime outdoor options. Night skiing, tubing, or “sno-hawging” are exhilarating as you speed down the slopes after the sun has gone down. If you would rather take things slow, you can join a full moon snowshoe tour. Either way, take advantage of this truly unique experience in Colorado’s largest night park.

Another great quality of Keystone is that summer can be just as rewarding as a vacation as winter. Hiking, fabulous mountain biking, balloon rides, boating, climbing, fly fishing, and mini golf are just a few of the activities that will attract young and old alike. For a relaxing time, enjoy a nature stroll through the Snake River Valley or ride the chair lift for a spectacular view of the Continental Divide. You can also rent canoes and paddle around Keystone Lake, or even take a tour of a historic sawmill. For the adventure-driven, test your skills at the newly updated Keystone Bike Park. You’ll find ramps, drops, rock gardens, and G-Outs that mark this adventure playground.
When planning your next Colorado winter or summer vacation, consider Keystone. You will surely not be disappointed.

About Author

Barry Cox is co-founder and operator of SkyRun.com, a company that provides lodging in Keystone Colorado. For more information on planning your family vacation as well as discounts on lodging and lift tickets, be sure and visit http://www.skyrun.com for great information.



Source: ArticleTrader.com