Keystone's Outback Set To Open

KEYSTONE, Colo. — Dec. 3, 2002 (News Release) — Beginning tomorrow, Dec. 4, skiers and snowboarders will be able to enjoy the full “three-mountain-deep” experience at Keystone as the legendary Outback terrain opens officially for the winter season. With the addition of the Outback, more than 80 percent – or 1,276 acres – of Keystone’s mountain terrain will be available to skiers and riders prior to the Christmas holiday season.

“We’re excited to be able to offer our guests the full three-mountain experience at Keystone so early in the season. Our staff have been working around the clock to get terrain open as quickly as possible, especially as we’re experiencing some of the best early season snow conditions that we have seen in years,” said Roger McCarthy, chief operating officer of Keystone and Breckenridge.

Located six miles from the base area, the Outback features 1,006 acres of gladed terrain and bowls for intermediate to expert skiers and riders. Skiers and snowboarders will be able to access the terrain on the Outback from North Peak via the Fox Trot beginner run. The Outback Express lift will provide access to the Outback terrain while the Wayback lift will return skiers and snowboarders to North Peak.

Keystone Ski Patrol is reporting powder and packed powder conditions in the Outback. During the month of November this year, Keystone received three times the amount of snowfall – 40 inches total – compared to last season. Season-to-date, nearly six feet of snow have fallen on Keystone Mountain.

This weekend, guests can add a few items to their holiday gift lists by trying out, free of charge, the latest ski and snowboard equipment on the market in the “Keystone Test Drive.” From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mountain House Lodge on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, skis, boots and snowboards from Dynastar, K2, Marker, Rossignol, Salomon, Atomic, Volant, Vokl, Burton, Nitro, Unity, Vans, Santa Cruz and Sims will be available to test drive for the day. All participants must register and sign a waiver to demo any products. Participants must be 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license and major credit card. For more information on the Keystone Test Drive, call the Special Events Department at (970) 496-4628.

Skiers and snowboarders looking for a quick getaway can take advantage of a number of lodging and lift deals at Keystone this December, including “The Big Deal”. Any guest who makes a reservation by Dec. 31, 2002 for travel to Keystone throughout the ski season will receive 50 percent off of lodging. Efficiency condos, located in the Forest Neighborhood, start at $96. Deluxe studio condos in Keystone’s River Run, within walking distance of the lifts, start at $150 per night. This offer is not available Jan. 17-18 or Feb. 14-15, 2003, and it must booked by Dec. 31, 2002. Other restrictions may apply. Guests also will receive a Keystone Adventure Passport for free activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, yoga classes and wine tasting. Call (800) 404-3535 for reservations or information, or visit the “web specials” on www.keystone.snow.com.