Fall is in the air, and it’s officially ski trip planning season! Throughout the autumn and winter, I’ll be offering a large number of family ski vacation tips, recommendations, and resort reviews in partnership with Mountain Reservations, a great resource for budget-friendly ski trips.
If you’re considering a Keystone Resort ski trip with your family, you know how large (and somewhat intimidating) this Colorado ski resort can be. Considered a ‘best ski resort in Colorado‘, Keystone offers everything from luxury hotel rooms to vacation home rentals. What’s best for your family? Below, we’ve compared three distinct Keystone condominium options, all of which I’ve personally experienced, with something for every budget. Prices range widely from size of condo to season, so be sure to check the Keystone lodging page for up-to-date information.
Lakeside Village Condominiums:
Located within easy walking distance of the dining and recreation options of the Keystone Lakeside Village (adjacent to the Keystone Lodge), the Lakeside condo complex offers no-frills but very roomy ski lodging for families. Reserve condos of up to four bedrooms, and expect large living room space, full kitchens, and lobby ski locker areas. Laundry facilities are in every building. A great option for: large family groups who want lots of space without the isolation of a full rental home. The downside: families will have to take the shuttle bus (free) to the lifts each day.
Key Condo Condominiums:
A great budget option for families who want to be close to River Run village, Key Condo offers cozy, affordable lodging that’s still near the action. I was very impressed with the size of the smallest studio option: it included a bedroom, small living area, kitchen, bathroom with deep tub, and cute loft with double bed. You won’t be doing extensive entertaining in your Key Condo, but you’ll be very comfortable. A great option for: families who want to be near the outdoors (a stream flows directly outside) and don’t mind a five minute walk to River Run. The downside: while do-able, the walk to the lifts is a bit of a trek. Laundry facilities are on-site.
River Run Condominiums:
Not as roomy as the Lakeside Condos, the River Run condos are by far the newest and most beautifully appointed I’ve experienced at Keystone. Located right in the heart of River Run village, families have use of outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, and exercise areas, and are steps from the gondola, Kidtopia activities, and the ski school. A great option for: families for whom convenience is most important. The downside: River Run is the most expensive of the three listed condo options. For a deal on River Run condos, try an off-season Keystone ski resort visit!
Heading to Keystone for a romantic getaway?
For couples and families looking to splurge, the experience at the Ski Tip Bed and Breakfast cannot be beat. This historic inn is located near River Run, and transports visitors to a Swiss style chalet. I’ve had the fortune of experiencing a meal at the Ski Tip, and it was more than dinner…it was an experience. Couples or families can relax in the common room by the fireplace, or in nice weather, can enjoy wine on the patio. Run in B&B style, the Ski Tip is great for shorter visits or romantic stays. Since it’s located on the edge of the White River National Forest, it’s also ideal for cross-country skiers or snowshoers.
As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced some of the Keystone condo options at a media rate. This post was written in conjunction with my relationship with Mountain Reservations as one of its Mountain Ambassadors.
ue to its award-winning Arnold Palmer-designed course, the Running Y is only slowly building its reputation as a family resort, which means you won’t find crowds of children here, noisy halls, or lots of frazzled parents. In fact, depending upon the time of your stay, yours may be some of the only kids you see. (You can decide for yourself whether that’s a good thing or bad thing.)
Any time of year, visitors can enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, where a family-friendly indoor pool is open for the kids. Tag-team with your spouse: one can enjoy a spa treatment while the other splashes in the pool! I found the spa’s pedicure procedure to be professional, friendly, and fairly priced.
Where to eat: The only area in which I believe Running Y falls short is dining. There just aren’t enough options. For families staying in a home with kitchens at their disposal, that might be alright (there is a small grocery store on-site), it’s hard for families staying in lodge rooms. After the time of our stay, they did open a new casual dining restaurant, Wyatt’s American Eatery. Our advice: pack your own food (lodge rooms do have refrigerators), or plan to drive into town. The lodge did offer a nice buffet breakfast, which we enjoyed.