Plan A Trip To This West Coast Destination For A Fun-Filled Winter Vacation

For some, the winter is a time when you hibernate indoors and mostly just wait for spring to come. For others, it's the perfect season to take advantage of unique, chilly outdoor adventures. For members of the latter group, Colorado is a haven of sorts. With its sunny, blue skies and mounds of powdery snow, the state is a hotspot for winter getaways. Every year, tourists flock to cities like Aspen and Vail for their unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experiences — but they aren't the only towns known for their winter fun. Keystone, Colorado is another one of Colorado's winter gems waiting to be explored.

Keystone offers just as exquisite of a setting for a fun-filled winter vacation as many other ski towns in Colorado. But what sets Keystone apart from the others is that the fun never seems to stop. According to Keystone Resort, the town offers the "longest ski day in all of Colorado," offering night skiing until 7 p.m. At the base of this resort town's phenomenal mountain slopes is the bustling River Run Village, geared towards visitors looking for entertainment, dining, and winter activities. Situated at 9,280 feet above sea level and with a summit of 12,408 feet, you can count on this sweet, lakeside town to be lined in white trim throughout the winter months.

If you're looking to shred some powder either via skis or snowboard, Keystone, Colorado is one of the best winter fun destinations. Within this small resort town, you'll find three distinct mountains to choose from: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and the Outback. Between these three separate mountains, there's a total of 128 runs and five bowls. That said, whether you're hoping for an easy, breezy bunny slope or expert-level black diamond moguls, you'll be able to find the perfect trail for you in Keystone. 

If you don't ski or snowboard, there are plenty of other fun ways to take advantage of the winter wonderland at Keystone. For instance, River Run Village offers one of the largest outdoor ice skating rinks in the U.S., with 5 acres of perfectly groomed ice for visitors to glide along.

If you're with kids, it's practically obligatory that you visit the top of Dercum Mountain to get a look inside the world's largest summit snow fort. This unreal playground made from ice and snow will amaze little ones and adults alike. Located near the Summit House, you can warm up from your time in this icy fortress with hot cocoa or a comforting hot meal.

Skiing and snowboarding are already pretty thrilling pastimes on their own. However, if you're looking for something to get the adrenaline pumping even harder, Keystone, Colorado is the place to do it. For a major outfitting adventure, head to the 2,500-acre private preserve where Top of the Rockies Zip Line and White Mountain Tours accompany guests across sky-high zip lines overlooking the enchanting Continental Divide. If you're with kiddos and want something exciting but maybe a little less nerve-wracking, the snow tubing hill at Dercum Mountain is another amazing option. There, guests zoom down the mountain while clutching their inflated donuts and taking in good old-fashioned fun.

Across all three mountains, there is a fantastic selection of lodges to fuel up and warm up while you take a break from the slopes. And when it comes to lodging, you'll find a variety of highly-rated hotels and adorable cabin inns. For easy access to the slopes, consider renting a mountain-side loft or, for a luxurious stay with an in-house spa, find a room at the Keystone Lodge and Spa, which is the No. 1 pick on TripAdvisor. This resort is also conveniently located right along Keystone's ski shuttle route. But, if you want maximum coziness, the Ski Tip Lodge is the golden standard with its old-timey cabin ambiance and fresh-baked cookies suffusing the bed and breakfast's air. Wherever you go and whatever you do, your winter trip to Keystone, Colorado is bound to be magical.