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Ski Keystone
Keystone is one of the closest ski resorts to Denver International Airport, only an hour and a half (or less) away. Skiing Magazine refer to Keystone as the "ultimate all-things-to-all-skiers" resort, and that's a pretty fair summation. If there's something Keystone doesn't have that you want, you can go there via Summit County's free shuttle... but we can't imagine what else that might be. Keystone offers everything, including great stuff other area resorts don't have, like night skiing (for example,) to make your vacation full of eleven and a half hours of skiing every day!
What makes Keystone so distinctive is consideration. The resort is well known for wide, well-groomed trails, and sets aside designated “go slow” zones so that beginners aren't overwhelmed. Actually comprised of three mountains (Dercum, North Peak, and The Outback) every level of skier is certain to find what he's after somewhere in Keystone's three thousand vertical feet and more than three thousand acres of trails and terrains! If there were some who complained that Keystone wasn't challenging enough, that concern has been silenced by the advent of tree skiing and snowcat tours to Independence, Erickson and Bergman bowls. There you can launch yourself into expert terrain and truly virgin powder! The A51 terrain park, which is also lit up for night skiing, adds even more to the bumps and jumps found elsewhere on the mountain! Of course, the ski patrol are all consummate professionals, and the instructors are some of the best in the world. Whether you're a total novice or an experienced expert, you're welcome and safe at Keystone. Here's another brag for Keystone Resort: The United States Ski Team goes to North Peak for some early training at Keystone Mountain (with the help of snowmaking.) A score of fast, fresh lifts and over 120 trails round off the picture of a perfect ski resort vacation – an image Keystone is more than able to fulfill!
What about nightlife? First, remember there's night skiing. But if you're still raring to go (or some of your group or family is,) there's a five-acre outdoor skating rink to wear them out... or begin visiting the bars, restaurants and nightclubs right there in the village. They don't close or turn into pumpkins at midnight. Have all the fun you can handle, whether imbibing or sober, with live music and dancing, o enjoy a quiet or romantic conversation. Keystone is designed to accommodate everyone, from singles and families to couples.
One important thing to remember is that, even though you're very close to Denver, by the time you reach the village at Keystone, you're already high in the Rockies. The cold and wind chills are more pronounced, as are the effects of the sun's UV rays, at higher altitudes. You'll want to wear light layers and make sure you have a waterproof, breathable outer shell layer, as well as a hat that covers your ears or a ski mask, warm dry comfortable gloves, a neck gator, goggles and some sunscreen. Even if you're not prone to burning down below, you will burn when you spend the day on the mountain with perfect white crystals throwing the sun back up at you all day long. The UV rays are about 4 times as strong there as in the flatlands. Come prepared and you're sure to have a great time!
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Keystone Vertical - 2,900 ft | Base elevation - 9,300 ft | Summit elevation - 12,200 ft | Number of Lifts - 21 | Average Yearly Snowfall - 230 in | Number of Trails - 116 | Longest Run - 3 Miles/Schoolmarm | Terrain - 1,861 acres | Degree of Difficulty - Easiest: 12%, More Difficult: 29%, Advanced: 5%, Most Difficult: 54% | Snowmaking - 956 acres | Lifts - 2 high-speed gondolas, 5 high-speed quad chair lifts, 1 high-speed six person lift, 1 quad chair lift, 1 triple chair lift, 4 double chair lifts, 2 surface lifts, 5 carpets |
