A Brave Ski Mom Interview with Wendy, the brave ski mom of an 8 year-old in Parker, Colorado.
If you could only ski at one resort this season with your family, which resort would you choose?
Why is this resort your favorite?
At the River Run location, the school, gondola access, magic carpet, food etc. is a one-stop shopping type experience. They make it very easy to get your kiddo on the slopes.
What are the best amenities at this resort for family skiing? Why are these the best?
At the moment, my little one will not, under any circumstances ride the chair lift. At River Run, she can get on the slope and to the magic carpets (there are two) very easily.
What needs to be improved at this resort to make it even better for family skiing? Why?
The walking distance from the parking lot to the Gondola is kind of a drag.
What “secrets” are you willing to share about this resort?
The granola bars are abundant, vibrant green and free!
What should other families coming to this resort know before they come?
Keystone offers many non-skiing options too for families – sledding, safe and sane tubing, cross-country skiing, a seasonal science center, equestrian center, and their evening activities are amazing.
What are your favorite places to eat at this resort?
Kickapoo in River Run is awesome – the fondue place at the top of the mountain is an amazing experience, so is Alpenglow Stube (reservations way in advance help a lot).
What is your favorite place to stay at this resort?
You can book lodging through Keystone Resorts, but cost wise it is spendy – check out VRBO or Ski Home Connect listings and sort by neighborhood – you want to be in River Run.
What makes this resort unique?
It feels connected, organized, thoughtfully available…
What is your favorite memory of this resort?
No one in particular – we always have a great time up here.
At what age(s) did your child(ren) start skiing? Do you have any tips to share with other parents?
My little buddy still hasn’t officially started skiing, but she’s been on skis since she was 5. I think this year, her strength is up to par with making a better effort.
At what age did you start skiing? Do you have a favorite memory about skiing with your family that you would like to share?
I’ve been skiing on my own since 5. I grew up in a family with three kids – all on skis at a very early age. In retrospect I’m still in awe at how my folks effortlessly got us up to the slopes every weekend, every Saturday and Sunday for years.
What is your favorite thing about family skiing?
Independent togetherness…
The Brave Ski Mom adds….
Thank you Wendy!
Keystone is owned by Vail Resorts, so if you have a 5th or 6th grade student, they can ski four days at Keystone for free with the free School of Shred pass (see my post, Kids’ Passes: Getting Schooled on August 31, 2010). School of Shred passes must be obtained before November 7, 2010.
Wendy covered many of the lodging options, but here is the SummitCove.com site with information on other lodging and dining options.
Have fun!
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Nice work ladies!
The thing that needs to be most improved at Keystone is the River Run itself below Dercum’s/Midland where it returns to the gondola and Summit Express at the River Run base. That is possibly the most dangerous section of skiing in Colorado especially after 1PM. After having 2 children run over on that by out of control snowboarders I will never go there (River Run) with a non-expert skier again.
Keystone puts their yellow jacket safety patrols at the bottom – they need to be up there in the thick of it on skis and with wire cutters taking peoples season passes / lift tickets away. Sitting them at the bottom they are too late. I understand the run is big and wide open and usually a patch of ice but speed gates a couple of times in that nasty bottom section might also help.
Thanks for commenting. I will forward this to Keystone as it is really valuable information. Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion.