Even though we live near the mountains in Colorado, I never thought we would make it above the treeline.
Frankly, it's always been too hard to get to. There's no way I was about to hike up there myself, much less drag several kids along for the adventure.
But that all changed when I found out that Bergman Bowl, via the Bergman Express Lift, was making its debut this season at Keystone Resort.
The author received an overnight stay and activities at Keystone Resort to facilitate the writing of this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are the author's own.
Bergman Bowl Awaits EVERYONE at Keystone Resort
For the first time ever, Keystone has made it possible for everyone to get to the top of the mountain. Our family took advantage of the newly opened access and we were all absolutely blown away. Bergman Bowl is a must do for all!
Even though you are above the treeline, there are trails for every ability.
The top of the mountain has typically been reserved for hike-in skiing and riding, but the Bergman Express Lift has completely changed that! This means that whether your family consists of novice skiers and riders or thrill seekers, Bergman Bowl access has officially been unlocked for all. There are 16 trails to choose from (including 3 more challenging trails in Erickson Bowl), so there's a pretty great chance that each of your family members will find the high alpine terrain that's perfect for them.
I have quite the range of ages in my family, but there is one thing we all have in common... we are all competitive. No one ever wants to be left out of cool experiences like Bergman Bowl, but until now, some of us may have been due to ability level or age. Thanks to Keystone's initiative to get everyone up to the top of the mountain, we all now have bragging rights!
It's so easy to get to Bergman Bowl.
A short gondola ride and a speedy ride on the all new 6 person Bergman Express Lift will get you to the top of the mountain. No hiking, no difficult runs. Just a quick jaunt from the gondola to the lift, and up you go! Even young kiddos and newer skiers and riders can manage it. My boys basically did laps all day long, hitting all the greens and blues in the bowl... and even triumphantly conquered an accidental black. (Isn't that how we all discover our first black?)
The newly expanded Timber Ridge Lodge is located at the bottom of Bergman Bowl for quick and easy breaks.
Not only is the location super convenient, the food at the Timber Ridge Lodge is delicious, there is an awesome selection, and everything is reasonably priced. You can find the menu on the Epic app before you go to make planning ahead a no brainer... this is especially important with young kids (or indecisive adults, just sayin'). The best part for my family? The gluten free options are labeled, along with other allergens. This is a huge stress reliever for my daughter, who has Celiac Disease.
That view.
Most of us will never get up to the top of a mountain in our lifetime. But I am here to tell you that if you ever get a chance to, take it! The view from the top is unlike anything we had ever seen. Stunning in the word that comes to mind, but even that doesn't do it justice. My whole family just stood there in silence for a few minutes when we arrived. I'm not sure we will ever forget our time Bergman Bowl.
Beyond the Bowl
Our family not only cherished our time at Bergman Bowl, we had a total blast hanging out at Keystone together. I think we would all agree that Keystone is the perfect staycation (or vacation!) spot for families. Keystone Resort offers fun for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest members of your group.
I always recommend staying on property at Keystone Resort if you are able to. Why?
- You are steps away from the slopes... a big plus when you have kids who may need help or for anyone who might find it difficult to walk in their gear (like me!).
- Ski lockers at each lodge are lifesavers. Less distance to carry them, and less mess in your car or room from wet skis and boards.
- Hot tubs. Trust me on this one. There is nothing better than a trip to the hot tub (or heated pool) in the cool mountain air after a day on the slopes.
- No traffic or stress. This is pretty self explanatory, but let me say it louder for the folks in the back... NO TRAFFIC.
- Everything you could possibly need is a few steps away, from groceries to equipment rentals to restaurants to family activities. Keystone Resort even offers childcare.
- Stay and play for two or more nights, and your kids (12 and younger) ski FREE. Plus, there are no blackout dates!
Be sure to plan time to take advantage of all the fun family activities that Keystone has to offer, like Mountaintop Snow Tubing.
Our family had an absolute blast Mountaintop Snow Tubing at Keystone. A gondola ride (another favorite Keystone element for me) -- in regular winter boots, I might add -- got us easily to the tubing hill on Dercum Mountain, and we squealed our way down the amazingly groomed hill individually, in pairs, and in groups of three and four. My kids might tell you that I was the only one who was squealing, but don't listen to them. I have videos to prove it.
A moving walkway brought us and our tubes back to the top (which this mom was thankful for!) and there were chairs at the bottom if you needed a break or just wanted a good laugh at the expense of your siblings as they zoomed down the hill.
The staff was hilarious and awesome, which topped off an already fantastic experience. 10 out of 10... highly recommend!
The Stables Sleigh Ride Dinner is worth the splurge.
A splurge for sure, but the Stables Sleigh Ride Dinner is quite literally one of my favorite things to do at Keystone. There is something about bundling up your family and climbing aboard an old fashioned sleigh pulled by some big 'ol horses. Throw in some fascinating Keystone history, an authentic homestead destination, and I'm one happy lady. The dinner and entertainment is the cherry on top.
BONUS POINTS: The staff thoroughly accommodated my daughter's Celiac food restrictions, and offered amazing alternatives to the standard dishes, right down to the pie for dessert. We were very impressed.
Not up for a full dinner? Choose the scenic sleigh ride and you'll be treated to hot cider at the homestead.
Check out the other fun winter activities that Keystone offers!
Mountains of fun await you at Keystone Resort. Whether you spend time on top of the mountain or at the bottom (or both!), your family will definitely add Keystone to their list of favorite places to staycation in Colorado.
