If your idea of a fun spring break involves burning the candle not only at both ends but somewhere in the middle also, you will love Keystone, Colorado.
Set on three mountains, boasting 121 runs, the longest of which is Schoolmarm at 3.5 miles, this resort has over 3000 ski able acres. At Keystone the skiing doesn't stop at sunset, but continues long into the evening with floodlit skiing until 9pm. Each peak has its own character and distinct Style.
A day of skiing at Keystone can be quite the adventure. Trek across all Three Mountains; the furthest peak has some fantastic glade skiing. As it is more remote it is usually much quieter the further you go and it really is worth the effort. Lift lines are short or non-existent and the scenery is spectacular.
If the pace of all that extended skiing is just too much for you, take a break. Book a table at Der Fondue Chessel. Located at the top of the Gondola, just next door to the more sophisticated and expensive Alpenglow Stube, this fun Bavarian style restaurant serves fantastic Raclette and, obviously, Fondue. If you have never tried this European style treat this is the perfect opportunity. The bigger your group the better! It is the perfect way to end a long day's skiing.
Keystone is a beautiful village. Over the last few years it has expanded. From a small but functional base it has become a world-class resort, with the benefits of clever and thoughtful design. It is a wonderful, pedestrian-friendly village and it is clear to see that a lot of time and effort was put into designing and planning the village as a whole.
Keystone has plenty of rentable condos and homes that make a great "home base" while you are visiting. You will save a ton of money, as opposed to hotels, and if you bring friends you can split the price between you for even more savings.
For even more budget-boosting, make sure you join Keystones Peaks Rewards Program. It is free to join and gives you discounts on lift tickets. Always buy tickets ahead to get the best deals. Buying on the Internet saves time and usually money. Seven-day lift tickets are a great value and also allow you to ski both Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge.
There is no need for a car in the resort as the transportation is frequent and free within the resorts. Cheap buses connect Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin and both resorts are definitely worth a day trip. (FYI: Check what time the last bus returns to Keystone otherwise you will be left with a really expensive Taxi ride back through mountains!)
Keystone is a fantastic spring break location; all through the season there are promotional events, snow boarding and skiing competitions and demonstrations. Each year this resort grows and improves, and each year it gets harder to see what else they need to improve!
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Julie Wood.
There is nothing like the rush of skiing. Skiing to a bar. And then to a club. And then to a hot tub. And then to your comfy vacation rental that you booked at Zonder.com.