Keystone Resort is wrapping up 2012 with more fresh snow and additional terrain for skiers and riders to enjoy. The resort announced today that Keystone Adventure Tours, offering cat-accessed skiing and riding would open for the season Saturday, Dec 29. With the addition of 278 skiable acres in Independence Bowl, debuting Saturday, Keystone is now offering skiing and riding on a total of 1657 acres. Seventy percent of the resort’s lift-accessed terrain is open, complimented by 40 percent of expert hike-to terrain. This week’s 10” of new snow, which brings Keystone’s December total to 41”, has allowed the resort to open significant portion of new terrain on all three of the resort’s peaks. Additional natural snow is forecasted for early next week, giving snow enthusiasts another reason to celebrate heading into the New Year.

Keystone Adventure Tours offers skiers and riders a new way to experience the mountain with snow cat transport to powder and tree skiing and riding in Keystone’s Independence, Bergman and Erickson bowls. Full and half-day tours are available daily as conditions allow and include an expert guide and powder ski rentals, with full-day tours adding a mid-day break with a delicious lunch served in the cozy confines of the Independence Bowl yurt. Skiers and riders will enjoy spectacular views and exhilarating powder runs during this one-of-a-kind experience. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 970-496-4386.

For those spending New Years at Keystone, the resort is offering a number of events and activities for Dec 31. Kids can enjoy all-day fun at Lego Oasis with special build challenges, races and tips and tricks offered free of charge. A fireworks show will kick-off the evening at 6pm over the Keystone Lake at Lakeside Village, followed by the annual torchlight parade down River Run, with great vantage points in River Run Village. Head for the Hills will headline a live show at Warren Station in River Run Village beginning at 8pm, with additional live entertainment available at the Tenderfoot Lounge in the Keystone Lodge. A second fireworks display will light up the night sky at 10pm at Lakeside Village and a DJ will keep the party going at 9280’ Tap House in River Run Village. Couples, friends and families can also enjoy special dining experiences at Keystone’s numerous dining outlets, including The Ski Tip, Keystone Ranch, Alpenglow Stube, Der Fondue Chessel and horse-drawn sleigh ride dinners. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 970-496-3000.

Keystone continues to offer one of the best family ski experiences in the industry, bolstered by its new Kids Ski Free offer. Any child, 12 and under, staying two or more nights in a Keystone owned/operated lodging unit will receive free lift tickets for the duration of their stay. Keystone’s offer is as simple as childhood itself, without any red tape or restrictions. There are no blackout dates, giving families the freedom to take advantage of the special deal on weekends and throughout holiday periods, a rarity in the ski industry. Reservations may be made at Keystoneresort.com or by calling 800-328-1323.

Image courtesy The Vail Corporation