Colorado has been a feature on the national news as heavy early snow blanketed the state. The abundant snow has allowed Keystone Resort to open early for the season. For our readers who are unfamiliar with Keystone, this is truly a resort. Guests within the Keystone Resort have the luxury of “charging privileges” throughout the resort area.

We usually suggest Keystone for families due to the resort atmosphere, family-oriented base area and terrain. In addition, Keystone is one of the most cost-effective resorts in Colorado, an important consideration for families on a budget.

Of note, for the snowboarders in the family, A51 Terrain Park has been ranked #2 in North America by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine. Also, for the children that cannot get enough skiing and boarding in during the daylight hours, Keystone offers night skiing. Mom and Dad, enjoy the Alpenglow Stube or the Keystone Ranch while the kids are on the slopes of the tubing hill.

For those seeking the most upscale accommodations in Keystone this winter, take a look at the Prospector Home.

Yes….For those who may not be familiar with the Epic Pass, the pass is a unrestricted season pass valid for the ski resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin and Heavenly. The pass is a bargain, especially for those who may be skiing/boarding in excess of 5-6 days. Many of our clients secured Epic passes and booked multiple visits throughout the ski season. If I may quote one client as follows:

Our vacation home rental in Summit County was perfect. We were in close proximity of Breckenridge which is one of our favorite resorts yet the kids loved Keystone for the night-skiing. We took your reservationists advice and skied Vail and Beaver Creek as well. The 40 minute drive was easy, and we skied on weekdays, no lift-lines at all. The Epic Pass was a true money-saver and we look forward to multiple visits during the 2009-2010 ski season…..FWA, Milwaukee, WI

Consider the following for your ski clients, they will thank you for thinking of them.

The Epic Pass, the ultimate accessory for those contemplating a getaway to the resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone/Arapahoe Basin and Heavenly.

Introduced during the 2008-09 ski season, the Epic Pass was an instant success. For $579, the pass allows unlimited and unrestricted skiing and boarding at the 5 of the finest resorts in the Rocky Mountain West. No blackout dates and most cost-effective, by using 5 or more days, the pass pays for itself. Consider the pass whether you are planning one or multiple visits to the Rocky Mountain West. What a great excuse to ski/board the five resorts and have The Society book your lodging. For the Vail Resorts Epic Pass, prices are guaranteed until April 9, 2009 just a deposit now, balance later.

Vail: The “granddaddy” of them all. With the legendary back bowls, charming Tyrolean town, gourmet food and lodging options other resorts envy, Vail has it all in one package. Fly into Eagle or Denver, stay in one of our hand-picked flats of chalets, from mountainside opulence to hidden gems throughout the Vail Valley. (Left, our One Willow Bridge Penthouse)

Beaver Creek: Not exactly roughing it is the motto for those visiting The Beav. Once past the security gates, the resort of Beaver Creek is an enchanted wonderland. A base area literally carved mountainside dominated by a village square with charming shops, restaurants and a year-round ice-skating rink. Consider a village condominium or a luxury ski-in/out home in Bachelor Gulch. For the ultimate Beaver Creek retreat, the Former home of President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford should be considered. (Pictured at right)

Breckenridge: From rough and tumble mining town to a multi-mountain ski resort, Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most popular resorts. Main Street charms and delights with quaint shops, restaurants and clubs. The skiing and Boarding, some of the best in Colorado spans multiple peaks ensuring a diverse experience daily. Lodging options from the economical to luxury is available, all within steps to the slopes. Check out the Boulder Ridge Lodge (left) which sleeps 22 people.