Where to stay in Keystone mountain resort area: options for every budget

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 condo

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.

key condo keystone

 

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!

river run pool keystone

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.

Best Ski Towns: Park City, Utah

It’s the ideal ski town: beautiful scenery, dozens of kid-friendly resorts, and a downtown bursting with great restaurants and shops surrounded by not one, not two, but three major ski resorts, with half a dozen more nearby. It’s Park City, Utah, and I challenge you to go once and not want to come back for many more family ski vacations.
The Canyons
Where to ski: You really can’t go wrong whichever resort you choose, but our pick is Canyons Resort, Park City’s largest ski resort with over 4000 acres and 19 lifts. You certainly need more than one day to truly explore this mega-mountain, and with long runs (some over a mile) and plenty of terrain parks, you won’t be spending your valuable time in line for the chairlift. Their ski school is excellent, but given the diversity of their mountain, from groomed trails to expert chutes, the kids can ski all day with you.

Where to stay: We loved Westgate Park City, located near the base of The Canyons and five minutes away from downtown. This resort has it all: luxury (think plush towels, spa, and adults-only pool), cozy ambiance (the huge lobby’s fireplace is always ablaze), roomy suites, and a wonderful indoor-outdoor pool and hot tub complex complete with game room, tennis courts for the summer months, and playground. Westgate hosts a full kids’ program with off-site activities as well.

I more recently stayed at Grand Summit Hotel at Canyons Resort, which is more ideally located to the slopes, offers a ski valet and storage service, and a pool that rivals that of The Westgate. Dining is closer at-hand at Grand Summit Hotel, though standard rooms are more spacious at Westgate.

WestgateWhere to eat: Head to historic downtown for the best grub. Kids will like the Red Banjo Pizza Parlor (322 Main Street), which looks like an old west saloon, and if you get a night out without the children, try Wabo House (1385 Lowel Avenue).

What to do when not on the slopes: Families would be remiss to vacation in Park City and not visit Olympic Park, site of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Games (3000 Bear Hollow Drive). If you think your family will want to ride on ‘The Comet’ (bobsled), the ‘Gold Package’ ($75 per person) is a good value, and includes entrance to the museum and a guided tour in addition to the ride. There’s also a zip line, ski jumps, and other extreme fun at-hand.

Wherever you stay and ski, you’ll want to reserve ample time to explore downtown. Parking is free in the public lots, or if you’re staying nearby, check the free shuttle service for times and stops (they run near-continuously). We love Park City’s community atmosphere; you truly feel as though you’re visiting someone else’s hometown, not a tourist destination. Be sure to visit the U.S. Olympic Spirit Store (751 Main Street) for a glimpse at Park City’s merchandise of Olympics past, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate (510 Main Street), where your kids can select caramel apples nearly as big as a melon.

How to get here: Getting to Park City is easy, thanks to Salt Lake City International Airport being a major hub. From the airport, most resorts offer a shuttle, but if not, booking passage on one is easy. (We’ve had good luck with Park City Transportation.) Car rentals are also available of course, but depending on where you’re staying and skiing, you may not need one in compact Park City, given their great inter-town transportation system.

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