Out of all the resorts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Keystone has the reputation of being the most family-friendly, going the extra mile to keep the little ones happy and amused. The resort even has its own kid’s mascot; a dog-like character called Ripperoo who can often be seen hanging around the lifts and runs. And it has tubing.

Tubing, or skirting down a mountain on an inner-tube, is a great break away from the skis. There’s certainly not much skill involved (in fact the only requirement is that participants be over 42 inches tall) and it’s a good way to boost children’s confidence in the snow. ‘Disco’ Day tubing (whereby you whoosh down the slope to a disco beat) and night tubing is also available at Keystone’s tubing runs (bookings required).

There are plenty of indoor kid activities too. At the Kidtopia Activity Centre in River Run Village they can take part in face painting, snowflake making and all manner of winter crafts (Open 9am-4.30pm, daily). Or how about taking them to Glow Bug Skate Night? On Monday evenings, the rink monitors at Keystone Adventure Center will dress you up in glow-in-the-dark gear, and then let you loose on the ice. The Snow Fort is a new kid’s activity at Keystone. Located on top of Dercum Mountain, there’s an ice maze, snowy towers, slides and plenty more to keep them amused. It’s as open as late as the lifts are, and a great way to end a fun day out in the mountaintop.

Scenic Sleigh Rides through Soda Creek Valley, Snowmobile and Snowcat tours and of course children (or children and family) ski classes are also on offer at Keystone. Before you leave get them to look at Keystone’s kid-designated website (www.keystonekidtopia.com) which will get them excited about what’s to come.

| Since 2006 Holiday Velvet offers accommodation in Keystone.