Keystone, Copper and Breckenridge (and don’t forget A-Basin)

Those few words are the reason that most skiers never drive deeper into the Rocky Mountains than Summit County. And who could blame them. These three major resorts (plus the hidden gem Arapahoe Basin) are the Mecca, literally all a million skiers every winter seek. Let’s take a look why.




Location, location …



Keystone & Arapahoe Basin: Driving in from Denver and points east, there are two routes into Keystone. One is easy (I 70 west to Hwy 9, south for 10 miles), the other not so easy, but worth the effort and a little extra time. That would be I 70 to Hwy 6, up over Loveland Pass and down past Arapahoe Basin to Keystone). If it’s daytime, and the weather is clear, take Hwy 6 … at least once. It’s worth an extra 30 minutes, especially if your destination is Keystone.



Highway 6 over Loveland Pass is the route everyone took into the high country prior to the completion of the Eisenhower Tunnel back in 1960 – which changed everything. The old route is two lane, and you climb via switchbacks to about 12,000 feet before cresting the pass. The views are spectacular. And as an added treat, you will almost certainly see backcountry skiers and boarders making what look like first descents all around you into the valley floor - their only lift, a waiting SUV or maybe an aging van.



Shortly, up on your left is Arapahoe Basin, a historic ski landmark if ever there was one. A-Basin as it’s known locally, is essentially day ski area. There is no lodging here. But don’t let that fact dissuade you from skiing here. Your cozy lodging at Keystone is only 2 miles further down the road.





With a vertical of 2,257 feet, and a summit of 13,050 feet, A-Basin offers some of the steepest trails and smaller bowls in Colorado. And even thought this is an independent mountain (not owned by Vail Resorts) your Keystone lift ticket is valid here every day. So pull on in, grab a trail map, and plan on coming up here one day during your Keystone trip. Think of the bragging rights when you get back home.




Next stop – Keystone. Stay tuned, big mountain skiing ( and refined mountain living, just ahead