Plan your family trip to Keystone, Colorado!

We just got back from a winter wonderland trip to Keystone, CO and I'm convinced it's the perfect spot to take your family! This was our third ski trip and by far the easiest with the kids.

Why Keystone?

A few factors went into pick this location.

1. Ease to get to--It's about an hour and a half away from Denver and a very straight shot. Some spots that are farther have more risks of not getting there or getting stuck if there is a snow storm.

2. Altitude--It's not as high up as some of the mountains. I always worry about our kids or family getting altitude sickness.

3. Activities for the kiddos--This mountain seemed to be very family friendly with Kidtopia offering free daily activities for the kids! Also, kids ski FREE in Keystone!

4. There were also several surrounding cities very close by if we wanted to explore another town. We actually stayed in Dillon (just outside of Keystone), then you have Copper, Frisco, and Breckenridge all within about 20 min drive!

Now that you know why we choose Keystone lets chat about all the awesomeness!! Hubs and I don't ski (I know this sounds crazy, but we didn't grow up skiing and we both feel we will hurt ourselves so we opt for Apres instead of the slope lol) so we need ski school for the kids. Keystones kid program is a well oiled machine! It was so smooth the drop off was over before I even snapped a picture or said proper good-byes! I was used to having to go through lines to get the kids their gear and then take them to a spot where they should be etc....not here....THEY DO IT ALL! Literally, I gave their names, signed the papers with our contacts on them, and then they had two different instructors take the children to where they needed to go to get gear and get them to their groups...and it was over! It makes the process perfect so that the kids don't have time to get scared or sad about leaving their parents etc. ALL the kids were happy and having fun! These were their smiles upon pick up...safe to say they had an amazing day!

Right in Keystone Village Kidtopia has tons of activities and then daily they have a FREE activity that you and the fam can join in the fun. In addition to those activities there is a giant ice castle located on the mountain that the kids can run around and slide down little slides while you are able to take a little break! They do have tubing located on the mountain top as well!

In Keystone Village they offer ice skating too, but if you want the best ice skating experience you head a little down the road to Keystone Lake that is one of the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice rink in North America with 5 acres of ice! It's located in the Lakeside Village. There is an inside area to watch from as well with a full bar and TVs (making in comfortable for those not skating too)!

Now where to eat...because if you go in peak season you NEED a reservation. In Keystone Village the restaurants are ok but more for your quick and go eating. My favorite however was Zuma! If you take a 2-gondola ride to the top of the mountain there is a great restaurant called Alpenglow Stube. There is also a fondu restaurant at the top called Der Fondue Chessel. People raved about Snake River Saloon, however we didn't get in! I must warn you that this mountain town is a very laid back town (which is lovely), but remember things run slower and the service is not superb. So bring your patience and enjoy the time with your family.

If you are visiting Keystone in the Winter months you must also make a visit to Dillon to see the man made ice castles! They are insanely beautiful and something not to miss! In the evening they are lit up so something to consider when purchasing tickets!

There are two scenic drive that are worth your while...one is Montezumas pass (just above Keystone) where the views are stunning and there are tons of hiking paths. The other is along your drive to Breckenridge, on Swan Mountain Rd, called Sapphire Point Overlook.

My last tip...If you are renting a car rent one not at the airport! We rented one about 15 miles from the airport and we paid about $1,000 less than the same SUVs renting at the airport!

If you have any other suggestions or questions please message me and I will get back to you! I hope you have a wonderful ski trip!

XoXo,

Lacey