Beginners - Keystone vs. A-basin (Loveland: school, restaurants, price)

[Amery523]

My daughter and I are snowboarders, I would classify us as intermediate beginners. We've both taken lessons and both can get on/off lifts without falling now, and get down the bunny slope falling maybe 2 or 3 times (as opposed to 20 or 30!)

I have some family coming in January and we're talking about Keystone. I know the beginner area at A-basin very well (the Molly Hogan lift and conveyor belt). I also have been on Chair 7 at Loveland (over in the Valley). I really like the A-basin price of $15 too. However, I read on Keystone's website they have a restricted pass for $11 which is good only for their beginner lift or if accompanied by an instructor.

Who out there can compare the beginner area of A-basin and Keystone? Anyone? I have called Keystone and they're very loyal, "sorry we don't know what the beginner area at A-basin is like".

Thanks in advance - trying to figure out if it would be good for us to try Keystone and their beginner area.

[Charles]

Ski Cooper is very inexpensive, no parking fees, discount tickets at Sooper Kings. Excellent ski school.

[Maynerd]

A-Basin is not near as beginner-friendly as Keystone. I'd recommend Keystone, if those are your only options.

But, I strongly agree with Charles. Ski Cooper is the best learner's hill in Colorado. It's not sexy; there's no village, no restaurants, no bars (other than the small lodge). But it's a whole lot cheaper than the resort-oriented ski areas. And, even as a beginner/intermediate, you can pretty much ski the whole mountain. At A-Basin, for example, you won't see 90% of the mountain unless you're a much stronger skier/boarder.

[borborygmi]

I would never recommend A-Basin as a place for an inexperienced or beginner-level skier/boarder. The majority of runs there are blacks or double blacks. I actually once watched a novice boarder careen full-speed into a tree from the Palavacini chairlift. Not pretty. Stick to Keystone, that would be my suggestion.

[MountainPharmD]

Originally Posted by borborygmi

I would never recommend A-Basin as a place for an inexperienced or beginner-level skier/boarder. The majority of runs there are blacks or double blacks. I actually once watched a novice boarder careen full-speed into a tree from the Palavacini chairlift. Not pretty. Stick to Keystone, that would be my suggestion.

agreed....I would stick to Keystone. Plus you get night skiing!!! The most fun I have ever had on skis.

[FeelGood]

Stick with what you already know. A consistent terrain is what instructors use for their new students. When your skills improve, make the change for different results. I taught as a snowboard instructor at Loveland on weekends back in the day.