So you're planning your spring break vacation. Sure, you can bask and burn on the beach. But dude, you'll have plenty of time to vegetate in the sun when it's time for retirement. While you're still young, why not bombard the bumps on the mountains? So where should you go?
Let's play Jeopardy. Ski Resorts for $600:
Answer: This Colorado ski resort is easily accessible, and provides non-stop fun for Spring Break partiers.
Question: What is Keystone?
As a proud Summit County local, I can tell you that all our ski areas have excellent skiing. However, some offer better options for Spring Break. So what's so sweet about Keystone? First off, out of all the Summit County ski areas, Keystone has the rep of being best for snowboarders. That's not to say that it isn't suitable for skiers. However, since knuckle draggers tend to be a bit younger, if you'd rather spend your Spring Break around a younger crowd, as opposed to hanging out with the Over the Hill Gang, Keystone is the place to go.
Now let's look at the numbers:
- 3,148 acres
- 3,128 vertical feet
- 121 trails
- 20 lifts including 2 gondolas, 1 express six-pack and 5 high-speed quads
- 2 terrain parks + 1 halfpipe.
This translates into some sick terrain, and lots of it. Beginners and intermediates can learn new skills on the long and gentle Schoolmarm. Advanced skiers and riders can earn their bragging rights on Independence Bowl. This collection of chutes, bowls and steep drops offers expert snow sliders a tempting taste of the backcountry. If you'd rather not hike, you can take one of the resort's daily snowcat rides. Try tree skiing at the famous Outback- the trail, not the restaurant!
Every school break should give you the opportunity to play in the park. At Keystone, you can do this in two places. Newbies can try the A51 Incubator beginner park, which has low set rails and small jumps. Seasoned park addicts love the huge jumps, rails and boxes at the A51 Terrain Park, which is the largest terrain park in Colorado. Got pipe dreams? Check out the 13 foot long half pipe.
Keystone is also more accessible than the other local resorts. While all the other spring breakers are in traffic jams on their way to Copper, you'll be skiing or riding at Keystone. If you get there too late, no worries. Keystone has night skiing, which is available at no extra cost. Don't feel like skiing or riding? Try night tubing.
Ditch the car once you get to the mountain. The free Summit Stage provides access to the entire Summit County area. Some Keystone lift tickets will allow you to spend a day in nearby Arapahoe Basin or Breckenridge. Take the Stage to Jersey Boys in nearby Dillon, which has the best pizza in Summit County. For less than what a group of four would spend on a hotel, you'll find some one and two bedroom vacation rental condos in Dillon and Dillon Valley . The property management company will usually give you a discount card for local restaurants and attractions.
If you'd prefer to stay on mountain, the condos in Keystone are often less expensive than those in the rest of Summit County. You can buy your meals at City Market in Dillon, and save money on restaurant food. Didn't bring gear? Don't rent on the mountain! Virgin Island Rentals in nearby Silverthorne has some sweet rental deals on ski and snowboard gear far better than the expensive junk you find on mountain.
The beach can wait! This year, spend your Spring Break in Keystone, Colorado!
This insider info was provided by Lisa Marie Mercer, based solely on the condition that skiers DON'T look her up when they get to Colorado.
What are you waiting for? You're already behind in your homework, so procrastinate a little longer. Start your search now for a vacation rental house or slopeside condo in Keystone, Colorado, book one that fits your budget and look like a hero to all of your ski buddies.
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