One of a Kind Family Fun at Keystone Ski Resort

They call it Kidtopia. It’s also Parentopia. Keystone Resort in Keystone, Colo., puts families first, yet still offers plenty to challenge and entertain adults. Here’s a list of activities everyone can enjoy… and it’s just the tip of the iceberg at Keystone!

What to Do With Younger Kids

First of all, kids 12 and under ski free at Keystone with a two-night stay in a Keystone property. So that’s a big plus, but there’s so much more.

• The World’s Largest Snow Fort: An easy gondola ride up the mountain, even the smallest in your family can enjoy this unique experience. Kids can play to their heart’s content through this amazing, frozen fort complete with tunnels, slides and mazes.
• Riperoo’s Parade and Fireworks: The Keystone mascot, Riperoo, pops up all over the mountain and is happy to pose for pictures. He also leads a parade through River Run Village. After the parade, get some dinner, then sit by one of the firepits and enjoy the fireworks show!
• Daily Cookie Time at Dercum Ice Rink: Enjoy a free, fresh-baked cookie, then go ice skating.
• Pajama Family Brunch: Children are treated to a private dining room complete with adult supervision, entertainment, games and buffet. Parents enjoy a traditional brunch with bottomless mimosas.
• Meet the Avy Dogs: Kids can pet the friendly avalanche dogs and learn how they are trained to save lives in case of an avalanche.

 What to Do With Older Kids

• Dog Sledding: Mush! This exhilarating experience puts you in driver’s seat as you lead a real dogsled team through gorgeous mountain scenery.
• Giant Snowball Launch: Put your skills to the test with Keystone’s giant snowball launch area, complete with targets and prizes.
• Starquest: Each week Keystone Science School provides a lesson activity, with the chance to view celestial objects up close and personal and explore the winter constellations.
• Tubing: If you’ve never been tubing, you’re missing out. Spin down a slick hill, then ride the people mover back to the top.

Fun for Mom & Dad

Parents will enjoy all of the above activities with their kids. One of the things I love about Keystone is its focus on keeping families together – because that is what a family vacation is all about! But if parents do want a little fun on their own, Keystone has the following to offer:

• Outback Shuttle: Instead of hiking to your favorite expert terrain in The Outback bowls, ride up on snowcat. Reservations aren’t required, just $10 in cash.
• Savor the Slopes: A rotating showcase of Keystone’s Signature Restaurants with food, wine, beer and spirits samplings.
• 9280′ Tap House: The deck is the place to be apres-ski for nachos and beer.
• Alpenglow Stube: For a more romantic evening out, head to this restaurant at 11,444 feet. The views are stunning and the food is AAA Four-Diamond rated.

Where to Stay

The resort encompasses the “town” of Keystone. Lodging options include homes, townhomes, lodges, condos, and hotel rooms. For the first half of our stay, my family stayed in the Plaza, part of Keystone Lodge & Spa, in a spacious two bedroom condo. It had a king bed in one room, two double beds in the second room, two and half baths, washer & dryer, and full kitchen. We loved swimming in the heated outdoor pool – it felt amazing to swim in the warm water while breathing in the cold mountain air!

After a few days, we moved to River Run Village. Our condo was smaller – two bedrooms, two baths and a smaller kitchen/living area – but still adequate for our family of four. And the location can’t be beat – just steps from the gondola and right in the heart of the Village with access to restaurants, shops and activities. Both accommodations included a heated garage and ski locker. I definitely recommend staying in the thick of the action with a family. It’s wonderful to be able to walk to your condo at the end of your ski day instead of driving or taking a shuttle. Staying on-site also makes it easy when little ones need to call it a day without forcing the rest of the family to leave the snow.

And the functional, adorable, and sanity-saving red wagons will get your gear and your little ones through the village with minimal whining! Just another reason why Keystone is one of a kind for family ski vacations.