I finally experienced my FIRST ski trip to Keystone, Colorado – we skied, snowmobilied, hot tubbed and had so much fun. This post is for my first timers or those who need a little refresher on how to tackle a Ski trip. Specifically I’ll be giving details on Keystone, Colorado.

Where to Stay

Colorado has a plethora of ski resort locations – I stayed in Keystone but here are a few others that have great reviews (in price order): 

• • $$$ (245) Brekenridge – https://www.breckenridge.com/ 
  • $$ (226)  Keystone – https://www.keystoneresort.com/ 
  • $$ (219) Copper mountain – https://www.coppercolorado.com
  • $ (149) Loveland – https://skiloveland.com/ 

With a group of 22, we stayed at a beautiful estate airbnb that was only 5 minutes away from the slopes. 

Keystone, CO Airbnb – Here
9 Bed rooms | 15 Beds | 11 Bathrooms
Amenities: hot tub, gym, game room, massage room, steam room

Whether you choose to stay in a hotel, airbnb or condo, I highly recommend choosing a location that is close to the slopes. Imagine you’ve been out on the slopes all day, you’re exhausted, ready to relax and you have a 30+ min drive?! Absolutely not, instead, find a place that’s under 15 minutes away – especially if it’s snowing.

Food

Depending on where you are, the weather & snow might impact your ability to easily travel for food – so I recommend planning to cook for most of your meals. Stop at the grocery store on the first day and stock up for breakfast, lunch, dinner and SNACKS for when you’re on the slopes. 

Of course, there are still restaurants & bars in the area, so you can plan to visit them for some fun if weather and time permits. 

Things to Do / Activities

Skiing or Snowboarding 

Rent your equipment at least 3 days beforehand and pick it up the night before. That way, you can get up and go straight to the slopes. Wondering what equipment you’re getting? They differ depending on the sport: 

• • Ski Equipment: ski shoes, 2 skis, 2 ski poles, helmet
  • Snowboarding Equipment: Snowboarding boots, snowboard, helmet 

Keystone Rentals: https://mountainviewsports.com/
Keystone Lessons: https://www.keystoneresort.com/plan-your-trip/ski-and-ride-lessons.aspx 

• • Half day Lessons: 9:15am – 11:45am | $185 (without lift ticket) $240 (with lift ticket)
  • Full day Lessons: 9:15am – 3:15pm | $217 (without lift ticket) $270 (with lift ticket)

Note that if you have the time, I recommend doing the full day lessons so you can get as much instruction as possible. If you don’t have time, the half day will work well too! But I’d opt to go to the slopes for two days so you can get in practice time. 

Be sure to rent your equipment via Mountain View and not Keystone lessons as it’s cheaper with Mountain View. You can select to pick up your equipment the night before at no extra charge. 

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling

This was such a fun time and I recommend booking if you’re adventurous and open to new things. Check out Keystone Snowmobiling here for booking. Be sure to book at least 3 days in advance.

Please note this is “performance snowmobiling” and I personally was not up for the steep hills. Thankfully the instructors are so nice and let me ride on the back of their mobile for the super high and low parts. So, if you are not as adventurous, maybe skip this activity. 

Hot Tub / Hot Springs

Hot Tub at Airbnb

One thing I love is a hot tub in the middle of the snow. The heat vs cold is such a nice feeling you have to try it! If your airbnb or housing option doesn’t have an airbnb, check out some of the local hot springs in the area. I prefer natural hot springs because truthfully…the manufactured ones are just giant hot tubs and natural ones look cooler LOL.

Spa Treatments

One thing about being in cold weather? It’s the perfect time to relax and divulge into some self-care, especially after working so hard on the slopes! The great thing about the airbnb we stayed in, is they had a massage room, so we could schedule appointments at the house. Here is the Spa service we used – Mollify Mind Body Spirit.

10 Tips for Ski Trip First Timers

Coming from a first time skier who hates the cold

1. STAY WARM: Being warm eliminates the main discomfort in learning to ski/snowboard. I recommend investing in heated gloves and socks – especially if you get cold easily. If you’re pretty fine with the cold, then 1 layer of liner gloves, a good pair of snow mittens/gloves on top and heat packs should be fine. 
2. Make sure you’re wearing layers: Layer 1 should be thermals, layer 2 should be a sweater and pants or a warm bodysuit, layer 3 should be a snowsuit or snow pants with a good coat. 
3. Make sure your balaclava is thick, covers your neck and and repels water 
4. TAKE LESSONS – no matter how athletically savvy you are, you absolutely need some sort of lessons to at least get the basics down before you get out on the slopes. 
5. Rent your equipment the night before so you have an easier morning headed to the slopes.
6. Ski/Snowboard for at least 2 days if you want to really practice. 
7. If it’s SUPER cold, mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves (thought using heated gloves should eliminate this problem)
8. Bring snacks with you to the slopes if you don’t plan to take a lunch break. Things like nuts, granola bars, and fruit bars will keep you energized and satiated. 
9. To avoid altitude sickness, make sure you’re hydrated BEFORE your trip and DURING. Bring dramamine and ibuprofen in case you experience headaches or nausea. 
10. Don’t rush your progress or you will hurt yourself LOL, but be fearless & have fun!

Packing List 

Here is a packing list of what to bring so you don’t forget the important stuff! 

Clothes – LTK List here

If you’re going for multiple days, you don’t HAVE to have multiple top layer options (i.e snow pants & coat or bodysuit), I’m just a fashion girl and like to switch it up. I do recommend getting two thermal layers for different days. 

• • Ski Pants
  • Ski coat
  • Second Layer bodysuit
  • Snow bodysuit
  • Snow Boots (for non ski/snowboarding as you’ll rent those)

Accessories – Amazon List here

• • Liner gloves (if you don’t get heated ones)
  • Ski gloves (heated ones) 
  • Balaclava mask (be sure its thick and waterproof)
  • Ski goggles 
  • Thermal base wear 
  • Long socks (heated ones)
  • Hand warmers 
  • Toe warmers 
  • Scarf
  • Beanie/Hat
  • Thin fanny pack (for snacks)

Medication / Wellness

• • Liquid IV
  • Ibuprofen 
  • Dramamine 

Miscellaneous 

• Pack snacks for being on the slopes
• Fujifilm camera for the memories

If this is your first Ski trip, I hope you have an AMAZING time. This guide should help you navigate through planning and feeling like a success out there on the slopes. I had so much fun and as a black girl who has never done any winter sports, this was a surreal and exciting experience. Make sure you go with people who are supportive, fun, & down for an adventure. Feel free to comment or DM me for more questions!

xoxo,

Nylah