Tag Archives: Keystone resort

Where to stay at Keystone Resort

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Wondering where to stay in Keystone? We’ve got a few hints. First, you need to decide what is important to you and your friends or family.  Is it ski in ski out, or would you be happier with a garage?    Would you like the quick and easy access of River Run Village, or would you rather take the shuttle and get more space for your money and more ammenities like a garage and exta bedroom? Here’s the top 5 questions to ask before you select lodging options at Keystone Resort.

  1. What is your budget? (Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum rated property)
  2. Number of bedrooms and sleeping arrangements?  Murphy Bed OK?  Sofa Sleeper OK?
  3. Do you want quick access to lifts or do you mind taking the shuttle?
  4. Is customer service important to you? Are restaurant, spa, shuttle and others discounts important?
  5. Book online and save time

Let’s take a look at #1 above-What is your budget.  Ski in Ski out condos are available at Keystone but are some of the most expensive lodging options available.  Condos at LONE EAGLE and THE TIMBERS are located on Dercum mountain and also part of the River Run Village.  These are similar to Platinum rated Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons properties and can’t be beat.  The ammenities include 5-star decor, indoor/outdoor heated pool, private ski lockers, sauna, steam room, fitness center, heated parking.  In sum, the best of the best with the best location—ON THE MOUNTAIN.  You are paying for location, convenience and luxury.  The Timbers has been considered the best building in Summit County since it was built in 2002.   Expect to pay up to $500 per night during peak ski season for a 1 bedroom and up to $650 for a 2 bedroom.

Next, decide your desired sleeping arrangements.  If you have 5 people with kids, for example, you may be able to rent a 5-star 1 bedroom that boasts a King Bed, Murphy Bed and Sleeper Sofa.  If convenience comes first, this works for some people. 

Lastly, look for companies that have their own website.  This way you can view pictures and browse the current inventory of vacation rentals.   Some sites also offer the ability to book lodging, flights, and rental cars on the same website.  Unlike websites like Priceline.com, Expedia.com, and Orbitz.com who only rent hotels, work with a company that has those same offerings but offers vacation rental condos and homes.  You receive a much better value for your money on vacation rentals rather than hotels.

Thirdly, decide if you want quick and easy access to the lifts, or if you don’t mind taking the shuttle.  If you book vacation rentals that are away from the village (no more than 5 minutes in any part of Keystone), you instantly receive less expensive rates and 95% of the time, you get an extra bedroom for the money.  Quite possibly, a garage will be included.  A good example, Settlers Creek Town Homes in East Keystone.  These are the newest vacation rentals at Keystone and are also rated as Platinum.  The free shuttle arrives every 30 minutes and drops you off 50 yards from The Gondola.

If customer service is important to you, book with a reputable property management company.  Such companies offer discounted ski rental equipment, restaurant discounts, spa incentives and ski lessons.  If you contract with a personal property owner, you may only receive your keys in the mail and not be eligible for all the incentives.

It’s time for spring skiing at Keystone Resort

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With over 8 inches of new snow at Keystone Resort this past week, it’s time to plan your spring skiing and snowboarding trip! Enjoy the great conditions, mountain snow, and laughs with your family and friends.
We’ve been lucky enough to tackle two ski trips this year to Keystone, and since our son is 6 years old he was excited to try ski school.
Keystone offers a terrific kids ski lesson program. We signed up for three days of the kids 5 to 8 year old program starting at 10 a.m. From the second we entered the indoor sign-up area, the instructors were laughing, friendly and helpful. Given the terrific environment, our son had no issues saying goodbye to us. The kid’s skiing slopes are close to the main gondola, so it’s easy to take a look. After the instructors get the kids comfortable wearing their skis, they mainly focus on the “food” and ”fun” and let the kids go up and down a small slope on the elevator mat.
We enjoyed adult playing and hit the front and backside of the hill. This year we joined the Gondola Resorts Club

Keystone Tubing Hill

Keystone Tubing Hill

which offers discounts on everything from food to ski rentals. For a one time fee of $49 per person, you can secure annual discounts on lodging for a lifetime. No kidding. They also offer lift ticket discounts up to $50 off on select days. This program is a great deal and, more importantly, saves us looking for a vacation rental lodging company every time we go skiing at Keystone. We were given the tip from Timbers owner Gino Malara who owns a ski in ski out condo in Keystone.
Where to Stay?
The Timbers at River Run. It is reminiscent of a Rocky Mountain-style ski lodge with 28 condos from 1 to 5 bedrooms. There is no better location in Keystone. It’s very similar in quality to a Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton. The best part, it’s ski-in/ski-out! If you want the most convenient location with the most luxurious accomodations, stay at The Timbers. If you are late making reservations, look to it’s counterpart-just right next door-Lone Eagle. Lone Eagle boasts 5-star ski-in/ski-out condos and has similar accomodations.
More places to stay in Keystone, (see http://gondolaresorts.com)
Where to Eat?
The Inxpot is good for a light breakfast and terrific coffee drinks.
Kickapoo Tavern offers great pub lunches, dinners and also has a fine dining restaurant.
Wolf Rock offers a great menu if you’re looking for fine dining.
More restaurants in Keystone.
What to Do?
If skiing’s not your thing, you can also have a great time snow tubing, sledding and taking winter walks. Bring your own sled. Breckenridge, Lake Dillon, Frisco and Vail are all nearby, so a car will help you make the journey.

More things to do in Keystone.

Vacation Rental industry shows resiliance to economic downturn. Why?

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See http://GondolaResorts.com for specials on lodging
See http://GondolaResorts.com for specials on lodging

The vacation rental industry has managed to experience growth during the recession, especially in Keystone, Colorado. The industry manages to stay strong, no matter what the economic climate is. This is good news for Colorado travelers.
There are several reasons the vacation rental industry is recession proof. By examining these reasons, both homeowners and renters are able to see why vacation rentals are a good choice.
A Better Value
Recessions force vacationers to examine the value they receive for their money. Travelers who stay in hotels are often upset by the lack of space and amenities they get for their dime. There frustration has caused many vacationers to cease staying in hotels when they travel. People want value, and they don’t feel they get this value when they stay in a hotel. It’s a trend for some hotel chaines to reduce their normal rate, but increase rates for food.  One recent traveler booked a Keystone Resort hotel for $189/night, but the steak dinner they purchased the first night cost them over $400 for a family of 4.  With vacation rentals, you can cook some of your meals in the provided kitchen.
Instead of getting ripped off, people are turning to vacation rentals. They enjoy the additional space, privacy and amenities that come with a vacation rental. People are pleased to get more value for their money. Instead of being crammed into one room during their stay, they have a spacious home to roam around in. They are able to get more out of the trip, and they feel confident that they got their money’s worth.
Full Kitchens
Travelers looking to save money on their vacations also enjoy the full kitchens provided with vacation rentals. When people stay in hotels, they typically purchase their meals at restaurants. This can add hundreds of dollars onto a week’s vacation. With vacation rentals, they can buy groceries and prepare their own food. This saves them a great deal of money. Full kitchens allow more people than ever before to travel. They can vacation on a tight budget since they don’t have to eat out during their trip.
The recession has caused people to examine the differences between vacation rentals and hotels. Upon examination, travelers realize vacation rentals are the better option. Those who stay in vacation rentals enjoy the recession proof benefits that make these homes the preferred choice over hotels. A perfect example of the benefits, refer to vacation rental lodging in Keystone, Colorado.

About Gondola Resorts of Keystone, Colorado

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Gondola Resorts: Keystone lodging

Gondola Resorts offers over 100 vacation rentals in Keystone, Colorado from a wide variety of condos to private homes. We bring a higher standard to Colorado’s vacation home industry and offer a wide selection to meet any family’s needs at the lowest prices in all 7 Keystone communities.

You can choose from the finest collection of hand-picked Keystone vacation rentals in every popular area of the resort. We have a wide variety, including moderate and luxury condo units in the $800 million River Run Resort area. Each vacation rental property is professionally managed and superbly maintained to the highest standards. Our rentals range in size from cozy condos to spacious 7-bedroom homes which come fully furnished and equipped for your vacation.

The Keystone resort layout is defined by 6 upscale neighborhoods that line the ski area from east to west, all located close to the base areas, skier service areas and lifts. Each community has its own special characteristics and benefits to vacationers including ski in ski out access, shopping, ice-skating, golfing, swimming, mountain biking and much, much more!

As you explore the Keystone Resort Map, located atop each of the neighborhood pages in the “community section”, you will get a feeling of where you would like to spend your vacation. From there, it’s easy to choose the vacation rental property that suits your needs.

Keystone Resort defines the “Perfect Ski Area” and the “Perfect Summer Getaway”! With terrain that spills directly into the heart of Keystone’s $800 million River Run Village, and a NEW gondola that whisks eager skiers, snowboarders and summer bikers to the base of Dercum mountain, exploring the entire terrain in one vacation is near impossible.

Enjoy three interconnected mountains filled with every level of terrain. Keystone has become known for hosting some of the best skiing and snowboarding competitions in the world. The A-51 Park contains perfectly sculpted hits, rails, jibs, super-pipes and more. Part of the pleasure in visiting Keystone is watching talented athletes test their skiing and snowboarding abilities against these monolithic jumps. From the gentle cruisers of the Schoolmarm trail, to the exhilarating steeps of the Outback, Keystone Resort is “the Ideal resort”.

“I took my family to Keystone and we had an amazing time at the ski in ski out condo we rented from Gondola Resorts. The snow was great, the staff was friendly and everything was very well organized. The lift lines move quickly as do the lifts. Plus the night ski was a blast! The ski school instructors at keystone were amazing. They were so helpful in teaching my kids how to ski and helping them build confidence in a safe way. Downtown keystone is great too. Lots of shops and restaurants situated around a huge frozen pond where ice skating is available. We had a really nice time having lunch watching the ice skaters. Our last night we rode two seperate gondolas to an isolated fondue restaurant complete with austrian polka. the food was amazing. Keystone is a great resort for families. I would love to go to Keystone again some day.” — Michael Santangelo Dallas, TX

Feel confident knowing that you will always get the best available rate when booking with Gondola Resorts directly. We take pride in our rates and shop the competition regularly to ensure we are advertising the best price at all times. If you do encounter a lower rate for the exact same room type in the same property prior to, or within 24 hours of booking your stay, simply email us at reservations@GondolaResorts.com with a link to the web page displaying the lower rate. If we can’t match the advertised price including taxes, we’ll refund your stay! We do not match against “direct from owner” properties.

Now, whether it be summer or winter, take a moment and let Gondola Resorts help you book the perfect vacation rental at Keystone resort. We have over 100 properties to choose from. You can either call our friendly staff for help, or book your reservations online. It’s simple.

We appreciate your business!

-Gondola Resorts, Inc.

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Gondola Resorts offers over 100 condos for rent at Keystone Resort

Gondola Resorts offers over 100 condos for rent at Keystone Resort

 

“This quiz is about different snow skiing resorts.”

(answers will be posted on November 29, 2009) 

Which ski resort is located in Flat Top, WV?
  • Snowshoe
  • Winterplace
  • Keystone
  • Steamboat
What resort has the longest mogul slope?
  • Stratton
  • Stowe
  • Killington
  • Steamboat
Which of these ski resorts is not located in Colorado?
  • Deer Valley
  • Keystone
  • Steamboat
  • Aspen
What color and shape are the most difficult ski runs?
  • double black diamonds
  • blue square
  • black diamond
  • green circle
What ski resort did Sonny Bono run into a tree?
  • Aspen, CO
  • Heavenly, CA
  • Lake Tahoe, NV
  • Vail,CO

 

The 1980 Olympics were held in what resort town?
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • Lake Placid, NY
  • Montreal
  • Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Which of these resorts is not in Vermont?
  • Whiteface
  • Stratton
  • Killington
  • Okemo
Sun Valley Ski resort is in which state?
  • Idaho
  • Oregon
  • California
  • Washington
Which resort did Michael Kennedy have his accident at?
  • Aspen, CO
  • Copper Mountain,CO
  • Vail, Co
  • Steamboat, CO
Jackson Hole is located in what state?
  • Montana
  • Colorado
  • Wyoming
  • Utah

Keystone lift ticket and lodging deals, packages and discounts

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Lone Eagle vacation rentals at Keystone Resort

Lone Eagle vacation rentals at Keystone Resort

This year at Keystone Resort lift ticket discounts, deals and lodging packages are widely available like no other year in the past. The lift ticket window rate has been reduced to $92 during peak season, while Keystone Resort has also discounted Christmas lift ticket prices by $9-$14. Usually consumers would see Keystone Resort running promotion at $2-4 off the regular price. This year is different. With the economy and travel still struggling, Keystone Resort is pulling out all the stops. Discounted lift tickets are good for Breckenridge, Keystone, A-basin and for a limited number of days in Vail and Beaver Creek.

The good news, Gondola Resorts has access to the steep discounted lift tickets for our lodging patrons. If you purchase lodging either online at www.GondolaResorts.com or via a reservations agent (1-888-295-2468) consumers can save up to 35% on the total Keystone ski package. This ski season is turning out to be the most affordable in years and Gondola Resorts has the deals available.

However, there’s more. By booking online at http://www.gondolaresorts.com/you can upgrade yourself for FREE. From Nov 20, 2009 – May 1, 2010 all reservations qualify for the following free ammenities:

UPGRADE YOURSELF FOR FREE PROMOTION:

 Oct 26, 2009 – May 1, 2010

For guests staying in SILVER-rated properties, you will automatically get a free small gift basket with snacks and goodies in your room when you arrive. Early check-in on your day of arrival if your room is available and express check-out.

For guests staying in GOLD-rated properties ,you will automatically get all of the SILVER upgrades PLUS:

Luxurious Satin Banded Linens on all Queens and King beds. Premium Vail Roasters Coffee. Complementary Large Gift Basket. (see picture) One Free DVD Rental from the SkyRun Guest Services Center collection of 600 DVD’s.

For guests staying in PLATINUM-rated properties, you will automatically get all of the SILVER and GOLD upgrades PLUS:

Complementary Arrival Bottle of Wine. (see picture) 12 Noon Late Checkout. Free Mid-stay Clean for stays 4+ nights. UNLIMITED Free DVD Rentals during your stay. FREE concierge services.

WINTER SALE ON RIVER RUN CONDOS

From Nov 20 – Feb28, 2010

Save UP TO 30% on the most convenient condos to shopping, restaurants, nightlife and the new Keystone Gondola. River Run condos brings you to the action and winter festival excitement. The $800 million River Run Village is a great selection! These units give you luxury and convenience at an unbeatable summer rate. Book online or call 303-420-9963 for a reservation specialist. Based on availability.

VACATION HOME WINTER SPECIAL

October 1, 2009 — May 1, 2010

Take advantage of Gondola Resorts’ winter vacation homes in Keystone, Colorado at a 10% discount! We have all sizes to accomodate your winter gathering.

GROUP LODGING DISCOUNTS

Annual Group Discount Program

Like Priceline, Orbitz or Expedia, it’s easy to book group loding at Gondola Resorts because we have over 110 lodging options. We offer groups that book 2 or more units a 10% discount. Call 303-420-9963 or toll free 1-888-295-2468 for reservations.

MILITARY DISCOUNTS 24/7 – Call 303-420-9963

Annual Discount Program

We are proud of our military personnell and extend a discount of 10% on all available condos, town homes and private residences. Thank you for your service to our country.

Maintaining your log home vacation rental in Colorado

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Log Home vacation rental in Keystone

Log Home vacation rental in Keystone

Log home owners at Gondola Resorts, Inc.,  and renters in Colorado have a variety of innovative products available on the market that are designed to foil Mother Nature and protect rental home log wall systems.   Here are the top 5 best practices to maintaining your log home vacation rental at Keystone Resort.

Stain.  Even if you want the natural look for your log home, it’s important to apply stain.  Like applying sunblock to your skin, even a “clear” or lightly pigmented stain will help prevent damage causecd by the sun’s UV rays.  The winter’s in Colorado are blanketed with snowpack, and it’s a must to have good stain as reflected on some of the rental homes in Keystone.  GondolaResorts.com features several homes for rent, and follow a strict maintenance schedule to keep them protected from the summer and winter elements.

Preservatives.Preservatives specifically designed for log home construction are the key to protecting your logs over the course of time.  Preservatives repel water, which reduces the likelihood of mold growth and insect infiltration.

Caulk.  Caulk is an effective and affordable method for sealing a log home against the elements.  For experienced builders, it’s fairly easy to apply.  Wall movement and other factors may affect caulk performance and cause bubbling.  It may need to be reapplied every four years, depending on the type of use.

Chinking.  Visible between the logs, chinking is both functional and decorative.  It seals the gaps between the log courses and can be a dramatic visual complement to a particular log profile or stain.  Modern chinking materials remain soft and pliable for years.  They boast excellent adhesion, cohesion and durability.  Gondola Resorts Inc. has several log homes with chinking.

Sealants.  Visit log homes that are over 5 years old to determine if the sealant has worked.  You’ll see firsthand why this initial decision is so important.

Choices.  Expect to have several choices when renting log or traditional homes in Keystone, Colorado.  Log home owners take pride in their investment and give renters a beautiful home to rent year-round.  Winter rates are affordable for what you get in return.  See http://GondolaResorts.com for more information or call toll free 1-888-295-2468 for more information on renting a log home in Keystone , Colorado.

How to use the "GondolaResorts.com" website to plan your vacation to Keystone Resort

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Lift ticket discounts at GondolaResorts.com
Lift ticket discounts at GondolaResorts.com

It’s easy to plan and book a winter vacation at Keystone Resort in the Colorado Rockies using GondolaResorts.com.  What’s difficult is sorting out all the information on lodging, lift tickets, ski rentals, and transportation you are provided via Google.  If you can navigate to http://GondolaResorts.com, you’re work is almost complete.  Here’s  a 5-step process to plan your vacation.

#1.  How to get there.  Of course, you’ll shop for the best transportation to Denver International Airport if you live outside Colorado.  Plan on gas prices being between $220-$270 per gallon when driving.  Located just 2 hours west of Denver on Interstate 70, it takes one call to SuperShuttle or Colorado Mountain Express for the quick shuttle.  Rental cars are also abundant at DIA, but not needed when you reach Keystone.   Condos and vacation rentals are all connected by the use of the Keystone Shuttle. 

It's easy to book lodging!
It’s easy to book lodging!

#2.  Research Lodging.  At Keystone Resort, make sure to book a vacation rental condo or home.  Hotels are not the way to go in Keystone.  With over 3000 choices, you’ll be able to choose the right one for you and your family.  All of the ski in ski out lodging are condos.  Also, you’ll save money by having a kitchen to cook some of your own food.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner in River Run can be expensive!  Visit http://GondolaResorts.com for over 110 lodging options at Keystone.  Use the “advanced search” function to help you choose your specific needs.

#3.  Ski and Snowboard Rentals.  Here’s the link that will give you the best prices at Keystone Resort.  Use the discount code and save up to 40%, depending on the time of year.  Mention Skyrun and GondolaResorts.com for great deals and discounts on rentals.

#4.  Don’t Purchase Your Lift Tickets at the Resort!  Book lodging at GondolaResorts.com and get up to 30% off the resort price.  Call 1-888-295-2468 and speak with a ticket broker at Gondola Resorts, Inc.  Of course, you will have to book lodging with them, but you will save hundreds of dollars on both lodging and lift tickets.

#5.  Eat at the best restaurants.  Visit this “link” for a brief overview of the best restaurants in Keystone.  The resort has a deep selection including the 5-star Alpenglow Stube above 12,000 feet.  If you want the best restaurant in Colorado, and the best scenery…go there!  The new Keystone Gondola will whisk you to the top of North Peak at night and bring you back down after dinner.   Expect to pay about $100 each for dinner.  The Gondola Ride is free.

Great skiing!

Top 5 reasons to vacation at Keystone Resort this winter

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  1. Feel Like a Child Again.  Playing in the fluffy powder of the Rocky Mountains wipes away years from your otherwise stressful and boring life.  Face it, when’s the last time you made a snow angel, or caught a snowflake on your tongue.  Rent a ski in ski out condo in Keystone, soak in the hot tub, wipe away wrinkles in the sauna, then nap next to the log fireplace with the one you love.?

    Just Do It! Keystone is waiting.

    Just Do It! Keystone is waiting.

  2. Vacation Like A Celebrity.  Leave the discount hotel room behind.  Rent a ski in ski out 5-star condo and treat yourself to the best.  You work too hard, and deserve to be pampered.  Nothing beats the convenience and luxury of being mountainside at the Ritz-Carlton.  However, some of us aren’t even that lucky.  Get the same benefits of the Ritz, but stay at Keystone’s number one resort, The Timbers.  You won’t soon forget it.
  3. Learn a New Trick.  Whether your a competitive downhill skier or first-time snowboarder, your investment always pays-off when you take ski lessons.  Inexpensive lessons and the best ski rental equipment can be rented in the River Run Village.  Learn something new every year and enjoy learning a new trick.
  4. Have a Boat Load of Fun.  Keystone Resort offers a ton of entertainment beyond the slopes.  Package your ski vacation with spa treatments, snowshoeing, shopping, ice-skating, tubing and a dinner sleigh ride.  Leave the rental car at Denver International Airport.  You don’t need it.
  5. Save Money!  Pull the trigger on it now.  Discounts and specials are abundant this season on lodging, condos, and rental homes.  There’s never been a better time to enjoy the slopes in Colorado.

Hotels and lodging in Keystone, Colorado

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Most people planning a vacation consider hotels first, and condos second.  In Keystone, Colorado hotel availability is limited, so the experienced traveler knows to research alternate sources first. 

Keystone Lodge and Spa ranks high as the best hotel at the resort.  Offering over 100 hotel rooms, it gives patrons all the amenities needed to satisfy the most discriminating tastes.  Located around Keystone Lake, the setting offers summer boating, canoeing, fishing, and the location for Keystone’s annual Fourth of July fireworks.  In winter, the lake is transitioned to the largest outdoor ice arena in Colorado.  Skates can be rented at the Keystone adventure center just adjacent to Keystone Lodge.  The adventure center is also the meeting place for Keystone’s nightly sleigh ride and dinner.  However, if you’re looking for more than just a nice setting and your typical 250 sq foot hotel room, a rental condo is the best bet at this year-round destination resort. 

In Keystone, the abundance of elegant and money-saving lodging at vacation rental condos has proven to be the best way to go.  Not only do condos offer better locations in Keystone, but also more space.  An average rental 1-bedroom condo in Keystone is 850 square feet and a 2-bedroom condo is about 1,100 square feet in size.  That’s more than triple that of a hotel room.  In addition, most come equipped with a full kitchen.  Cooking your own meals can save hundreds of dollars, and is considered by many the #1 tactic to reducing your vacation costs according to Travel Magazine. 

“The hidden-value at Keystone Resort is the lodging options at rental condos”, according to Keystone homeowner Gino Malara.  “You’re more likely to find discounts on vacation rentals that offer more bells and whistles”, according to

Keystone lodging deals at http://GondolaResorts.com

Keystone lodging deals at http://GondolaResorts.com

Malara.  Condos outnumber hotel rooms by more than 20 to 1.  The most popular village, River Run, doesn’t even offer hotel rooms.  Keystone’s newest village, and $800 million investment, is built around condos, shops, restaurants and is the mountain springboard for skiers and snowboarders.  “Unlike Vail and Breckenridge, Keystone is a condo resort not a hotel resort.  Vacationers are better suited sticking with rental condos 365 days per year.  All the ski in ski out building at the resort are condominium complexes.  In addition, 2 of them are 5-star rated (Lone Eagle and The Timbers)”, Malara goes on to say. 

Discounts and Specials can be found at http://GondolaResorts.com.