Photo courtesy of Keystone Resort.
The world’s largest mountaintop snow fort is back for the 2023 ski and snowboard season at Keystone Resort in Summit County, Colorado! The snow fort is a not-to-be-missed attraction for anyone living in or considering a move to the area. This winter wonderland offers an exciting and unique experience for visitors of all ages.
The snow fort is located at the top of Dercum Mountain and is easily accessible via the Summit Express chairlift. The fort was constructed entirely from snow and includes tunnels, towers, slides, and even a fire pit for roasting marshmallows. It’s the perfect place to play and explore with friends and family and a great spot to take a break from the slopes and relax with hot cocoa or a warm lunch.
Summit County residents will have the luxury of being able to visit the snow fort multiple times throughout the ski season. The fort is built to withstand the elements and is available to enjoy all season long, so you can create new memories each time you visit.
The snow fort is not only the largest of its kind in the world but also one of the most ambitious snow forts ever built. The construction was a collaborative effort between Snice Carvings and Keystone’s snowmaking and mountain operations department and took roughly two weeks to construct.
Keith Martin, well-known in the world of snow sculptures, leads Snice Carvings. He is also the captain of Team Breckenridge at the International Snow Sculpture Championships in the town.
Martin frequently works with artists including Sean Spainhower, Trace O’Connor, Jess Parrish, and Erica Nicol. Nicol has been a part of the mountaintop snow fort team at Keystone for seven years and has a decade of experience with the International Snow Sculpture Championships, not only creating pieces for sponsors but also participating in the competition. Recently, she joined forces with Martin as a member of Team Breckenridge.
Nicol is an artist with experience in glass, wood, leather, painting, and ceramics. When she first started participating in the International Snow Sculpture Championships, she was excited to expand her mediums to include snow. The unique tools and ephemeral nature of working with snow particularly interest her, along with the opportunity to join such a diverse team.
This year, Nicol collaborated with the fort-building team to sculpt stones for the fort’s tower and carve 250-pound blocks of ice into various intricate shapes. The team also constructed an indoor ice cave complete with sculptures and an ice bar, which are brand-new features inside the snow fort.
If you can’t get enough of the Keystone snow fort, we have more good news: crews are set to begin building a second snow fort geared towards young children at the Mountain House base area. This fort will be smaller than the one currently at Dercum and is expected to open in January, per the resort’s announcement.
Click here to learn more about visiting the snow forts at Keystone this winter.
Keystone Resort offers a wide range of activities for all ages and skill levels, and the snow fort is just one of many winter activities the resort has to offer. In addition to skiing and snowboarding and hanging out in the snow fort, there are many other winter sports to enjoy at Keystone, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even ice skating.
The Keystone area also offers a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. From casual mountain-side fare to fine dining restaurants, there is something for everyone. Keystone also provides various nightlife options, including bars, clubs, live music, and shows.
Keystone Village and the nearby Dillon neighborhoods offer diverse real estate options. There is something for everyone, from luxury ski-in/ski-out condos to cozy mountain cabins. The area has seen a steady increase in real estate values in recent years, making it an excellent investment opportunity for anyone looking to purchase a second home or a permanent residence.
Living in Summit County allows you to regularly enjoy our community’s incredible attractions like the Keystone snow fort. You’ll also be able to take advantage of easy access to other popular mountain towns in the area, such as Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Vail.
Learn more about all the advantages of living in Summit County – contact us today!
