For the most exciting and immersive experience at Keystone, spend some time at our Ski & Ride School. When you show up for your day, our focus is on getting you moving and having fun finding the adventure you’ve been looking for! There are a few things you can do before you get here to enhance your experience, and our instructors have shared the most important ones:

1. Get comfortable with your equipment before you arrive. If you are renting skis, boots, and/or a snowboard, make sure to try it on before your lesson. If you’re arriving the day before your lesson, pick your gear up starting at 3 PM the day prior to your reservation at no additional cost – your future-self will thank you! If you are using your own equipment, it’s still wise to try it on and make sure everything is in working order before you arrive.


2. Get altitude ready. If you aren’t used to being above sea level, it’s ideal to arrive a day or so early to give your body time to settle in. Regardless of when you arrive, be sure to hydrate in the days leading up to your trip and continue once you are at altitude. Hydration is key to avoiding unpleasant side effects of altitude. Once you’re here, don’t push too hard on day one, and if you feel any discomfort, move lower down the mountain and take a break.


3. Layer your clothes. It’s tempting to overdress for playing in the snow, but you want to dress in layers that are easy to take off or put on. Wicking, non-cotton fabrics work best. And don’t forget ski socks (just one pair!) for under your boots! Lockers are available to store extra clothing.


4. Introduce kids to what the day will look like. The best thing you can do for your child is help them mentally prepare for the day. Show them ski videos (appropriate for their level), show them pictures of our resort, and talk to them about what kind of activities a Ski & Ride School instructor might do with them. If they live somewhere where snow doesn’t fall, make sure they understand what snow is! Just like adults, make sure to try on their equipment ahead of time and make sure they hydrate in the days leading up to their lesson.


5. Check out all of the benefits available. Did you know that kids ski FREE at Keystone? If they are 12 and under, their lift ticket is on us with a 2 -night stay at one of our properties. Parking is free, and the layout here is easy to navigate with two main base areas. We even have complimentary red wagons to help transport gear - and maybe an excited kid or two!

Be sure to watch your email for a complete list of pre-lesson day preparation from our Ski & Ride School. We can’t wait to add you to our roster of skiers and riders and show you all we have to offer at Keystone!