Some people wish for a vacation in Keystone Colorado that’s away from it all. And some want to be right in the heart of things. Decatur 1812 is uniquely able to satisfy both tastes, whether you crave solitude or adventure, or a healthy mix of both.
Perched at approximately 9,200 feet Decatur 1812 is a large one-bedroom condo that looks out over the Snake River. Its spacious, open living area has a spectacular view which looks up between peaks toward the Continental Divide. After a quick check in, all visitors want to do is sit and gaze at the mountains while their bodies adjust to the altitude and the quiet.
Amazing Views
Most people are familiar with Keystone as the largest ski mountain in Summit County, only an hour and a half from Denver. Along with its neighbors, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, and Breckenridge, Keystone hosts over 100,000 skiers each season. But when the snow begins to melt, the area transforms into a summer playground and a whole new set of vacationers come to indulge.
Anglers arrive from around the world to settle into their waders at the water’s edge and attempt the perfect cast. Hikers test their endurance levels on the nearby peaks, several of which exceed 14,000 feet in elevation. (Called “14ers” by the locals, it is strongly recommended you give yourself time to acclimate before attempting to climb one of them.)
Golfers battle the greens on two championship courses. Mountain and road bike lovers come to circuit nearby Dillon Reservoir on a popular 18-mile paved bike path. And boating enthusiasts attend regattas and rent sailboats from the world’s highest Yacht Club. And that’s just the short list for active visitors.
More serene activities lie just outside the door from Decatur 1812. Visit the nearby pool and take a leisurely lap or two, or just sit in the summer sunshine and enjoy a margarita. You’ll have direct access to the trail along the Snake River, a paved and easy stroll that takes you past several fun and relaxing activities.
Nearby Lakeside Village provides shops for browsing, yoga studios for practicing, and a selection of cafes and restaurants with both indoor and outdoor seating. Rent a paddle boat or stand up paddle board from the Adventure Center to cruise around Keystone Lake for a bit. Or, for the ultimate indulgence, stop in at the Keystone Lodge and Spa to relax in the lounge, soak in the therapy tub, or get a massage and oxygen treatment.
Style & Comfort
The condo itself provides the perfect space to relax and unwind after a day’s activities. An immaculately clean and fully equipped kitchen invites guests to create old family favorites or try out new recipes. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in the living room and bedroom open to unobstructed views of alpine meadows and dramatic peaks. As the sun sets and the temperature cools, the wood-burning fireplace provides the perfect evening ambience.
Whether you are visiting with friends, family, or a special someone, the condo provides comfortable sleeping arrangements for 4 guests. A queen bed in the master bedroom and a new pull-out sofa sleeper in the living room are covered in crisp white linens and indulgently soft blankets. The bathroom has two separate sink areas to provide additional privacy, and there is plenty of storage throughout. Free Wi-Fi is available, as well as a large flat screen TV and DVD player in the living room. Additional features include on-site laundry and private ski lockers, as well as access to the indoor heated pool and hot tub and an outdoor patio and grill.
While Keystone is praised as a popular mountain destination, it is not a city. The community has built up around the ski resort, creating a unified passion for the mountains that is shared by locals and visitors alike. Its history dates back to 1941, when two couples, the Dercums and the Bergmans, came together and dreamed of a place where the mountains could provide year-round fun. Over decades, the vision for the resort developed and grew until the actual land for the ski area was acquired in 1967 and Keystone was founded in 1970.
Now, Keystone is the largest resort in Summit County. The Bergmans still live here in comfortable retirement, now well into their 80’s. And they love that it has maintained its distinct identity. “We are community-minded,” Jane Bergman says. “We all kind of work for the community here. Because we aren’t a town, we have to do it ourselves — and that brings us together.” The atmosphere is active and fun, but it’s more authentic and less commercialized than many other resorts in Colorado. Everyone here shares the same love of the mountains, and they intentionally keep it friendly and casual.
To get a feel for the community, join in one of the many sponsored festivals that take place during the summer: the Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour, the Wine & Jazz Festival, the Art Festival, Taste of Keystone, the Bluegrass & Beer Festival, or Oktoberfest. Choose your favorite and combine it with a day of horseback riding or white-water rafting to enjoy a perfect Rocky Mountain vacation. Some great family activities include nature & wildlife experiences at Keystone Science School, or the always-entertaining Wild West show and chuck wagon dinner at 2 Below Zero in nearby Frisco.
Whatever your passion for the mountains is, you’ll find Keystone provides every opportunity to indulge in it. And a stay at Decatur 1812 gives you the ideal place to relax in style and enjoy everything Summit County has to offer.
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*Originally Published in Vacation Rental Travels Magazine.
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