Families planning a ski vacation on a budget this year should check out Keystone, Colorado.  Just a 90-minute transfer from Denver International Airport, Keystone offers great deals on skiing and lodging with the new “Kids Ski Free” package, as well as unique family programs at its Kidtopia Festivals throughout the ski season.

Keystone will soon be debuting a mind-blowing winter play area as it is opens the world’s largest snow fort on February 18.   The fort, located at the top of Dercum Mountain, will be 60 by 40 feet with 12-foot walls, complete with a drawbridge, lookout tower, and its very own dragon.

The “Kids Ski Free” package is available now through the end of the ski season. Children 12 and younger can ski for free with the purchase of an adult three-day lift ticket and four nights of lodging starting from $229 per night with no blackout dates.

Book during one of the Kidtopia festivals (February 11-16, 18-21, March 15-21 an April 1-6) and kids can participate in activities including:

1) A glow stick parade down the mountain

2) Disco Tubing at Keystone’s lift-served tubing hill

3) Glow bug skate night on North America’s largest outdoor ice rink

4) BBQ night on top of the mountain

Keystone also offers additional value for families with its free Adventure Passport for all guests. It provides guests with an array of free and discounted activities to help them experience the Rocky Mountains.  Make sure to check out the largest night-skiing operation in Colorado.

Hit the slopes for less with great winter travel fares to top ski destinations courtesy of CheapOair!

Flickr: divemasterking200 & Zach Dischner