As a property manager in Keystone, Colorado for over 7 years and someone in love with the area, it has always baffled me that Vail and Breckenridge steal the spotlight for vacation resorts in Colorado. Certainly these resort areas are terrific and offer much for any visitor. But the lesser-known and visited Keystone is growing in popularity and is beginning to be discovered.

It's scenic beauty, endless choices, and the chance for fun in all seasons makes Keystone an alluring destination that should be highly considered. Keystone is young and fresh. It abounds with young families, spunky and spontaneous youth and tends to be a little more laid back than some of the other resorts. But don't the "laid-back-ness" fool you. In the Village at River Run, there seems to be an endless supply of festivals and street parties.

There are multiple spa options that include massages, facials, and body treatments. The Village also hosts terrific restaurants, shops and boutiques. A wonderful "find" is the River Run Gondola glide to Alpenglow Stube - the "highest gourmet, top rated Zagat Survey, AAA Four Diamond rated and Wine Spectator award-winning restaurant in North America. Tremendous winter activities have helped to give Keystone its growing reputation as a place for everyone to have a fantastic time. Let's start with the four mountains and the eight month snow season. The slopes range from beginner- level Keystone Mountain to the ultra-challenging Arapahoe Basin. A truly fun experience is Keystone's nighttime outdoor options. Night skiing, tubing, or "sno-hawging" are exhilarating as you speed down the slopes after the sun has gone down.

If you would rather take things slow, you can join a full moon snowshoe tour. Either way, take advantage of this truly unique experience in Colorado's largest night park.

Another great quality of Keystone is that summer can be just as rewarding as a vacation as winter. Hiking, fabulous mountain biking, balloon rides, boating, climbing, fly fishing, and mini golf are just a few of the activities that will attract young and old alike. For a relaxing time, enjoy a nature stroll through the Snake River Valley or ride the chair lift for a spectacular view of the Continental Divide. You can also rent canoes and paddle around Keystone Lake, or even take a tour of a historic sawmill. For the adventure-driven, test your skills at the newly updated Keystone Bike Park. You'll find ramps, drops, rock gardens, and G-Outs that mark this adventure playground. When planning your next Colorado winter or summer vacation, consider Keystone. You will surely not be disappointed.