Top 10 Reasons Keystone is the Best Family-Friendly Resort

UPDATED: September 2018

Families love Keystone for the skiing and snowboarding. And, when we say love, we mean they really love Keystone. With more than 3,000 skiable acres of terrain, there’s plenty of terrain for everyone in the family. But, there’s so much more to love at this family resort: the programs; the Kidtopia Snow Fort; the family zones; and the kid-specific activities like snow tubing, ice skating and sleigh rides.

It’s no wonder Keystone ranks as one of the top family resorts for skiing and snowboarding in the world. Plus, it’s the closest all-inclusive resort to Denver, making it easy and convenient, which means less time trekking to the resort and more time enjoying it. That always puts a smile on Mom and Dad’s face.

Here are our top 10 reasons we think Keystone is the best family resort:

1. Kids Ski Free at Keystone

Every day, all season, kids 12 and younger ski free at Keystone. As simple as childhood itself, Keystone’s Kids Ski Free program removes the red tape and fine print, has no blackout dates and is available on all weekends and holidays, a rarity in the ski industry. To qualify, children must stay two or more nights in one of Keystone’s numerous accommodation options, which span from luxury hotel rooms to cozy ski-in/ski-out condominiums. Now, that’s what we call family friendly.

2. The World’s Largest Snow Fort

If you’ve ever built a snow fort or snowman in your backyard, Keystone’s Kidtopia Snow Fort is a must-see and must-experience activity for kids of all ages. Why? Well, it’s only the world’s largest snow fort and, to make it even more epic, it’s perched 11,640-feet above elevation atop Dercum Mountain next to the snow tubing hill. The life-sized snow fort features slides, mazes, photo opportunities and tons of fun for families.

3. Daily Kidtopia Activities and Events

One thing is certain – your kids won’t get bored at Keystone. The family-friendly resort offers daily activities and events, like weekly parades,  a daily cookie hour, movie matinees, arts & crafts, stargazing and more. The best news is that many of the activities are free. Check out the daily schedule for Keystone Kidtopia here.

3. Family Ski and Ride Zones

The Schoolyard is a first of its kind Family Ski Trail, designed to engage skiers and riders of all ages while promoting on-snow progression with specialty features. Whether it’s gliding over Rockin’ Rollers or learning to maneuver over changing terrain in Tornado Alley, the Schoolyard is an area for the whole family to take their skiing and riding to the next level. Families can also enjoy skiing and riding with Keystone’s mascot, Ripperoo, get pictures taken by our Epic Photographers, and meet Keystone’s Ski Patrol and avy dogs. The Schoolyard is conveniently located on our most popular green trail, Schoolmarm – a 3.5 mile top-to-bottom green run.

 4. Terrain Designed for Your Learning

Keystone offers one of the most accessible, progression-friendly mountain experiences in Colorado. From the natural front-to-back sequence of Keystone’s terrain, with three peaks stacked in front of one-another, Keystone offers something for every level skier and rider. And, don’t pass up the opportunity to start off on the specially designed learning terrain or the kid-specific Tornado Alley terrain.

 5. Time for Family Bonding 

There’s something magical that happens here. Some say it’s the fresh mountain air. Others say it’s it’s the magic of the mountains. Time seems to stand still during a Keystone ski vacation with the family. All of a sudden, you’re not checking your phone every five seconds. And, your kids aren’t either. You have the time to engage in real conversations with your spouse, your kids and your friends and you find new ways to connect as a family – on the chairlifts, over a hot cocoa in front of a roaring fireplace or back in the condo or hotel playing games and reminiscing about the adventures of the day.

 6. Play for Free

Book your lodging directly through Keystone Resort and not only will any child 12 and younger ski free, but entire families can enjoy additional free activities together. Any two night stay or more provides the following perks for everyone in the party: free night skiing lift tickets on day of arrival, free ice rink admission, free Nordic trail admission and a free yoga or fitness class. Free night skiing is valid during normal operations only.

 7. Night Skiing

You’re having so much fun skiing and snowboarding with the family, you just want to keep going. At Keystone, the on-snow adventure at Keystone doesn’t necessarily stop when the sun goes down; the family resort offer the largest night skiing operation in Colorado, where skiers and riders can enjoy the one of a kind experience of cruising under the lights on 243 acres of skiable terrain. Night skiing hours of operation can be found here.

8. Tubing Hill

Snow Tubing at Adventure Point is a great activity for the entire family. Fly down one of the multiple lanes solo, or linked together as a group! When you reach the bottom the state-of-the-art conveyor lift will make getting back up the hill a breeze. Day or night, Adventure Point Tubing adds another thrill to enjoying the mountain. Tubing Hill schedule can be found here.

9. Pillow Fights! (and lodging options that every Mom and Dad will love)

With two hotels, a bed & breakfast and more than 700 condominiums, townhouses and homes to rent, Keystone has plenty of options to crash, have a pillow fight or just relax. And, Mom and Dad will love the range of prices – from steep and swanky to affordable and nice. Plan your stay – call (855) 923-8112 or visit keystoneresort.com for more information.

10. A Warm Welcome to Our Family

Guests will be welcomed to the resort – and to our family – by a team of family-friendly-trained employees in our recently renovated Reception Center, complete with on-site concierge for assistance booking the perfect family adventure and dining experience. Guests will enjoy the convenience of lift tickets printed on-site at lodging check-in, allowing them to skip ticket window lines and head right to the lift. Children will be greeted with a special treat from the Keystone Treasure Chest and weary travelers will be welcomed with fresh cookies from Keystone’s executive pastry chef. Because, at Keystone, we want you to feel like you’re part of the family.