Families respond to Keystone 'free kids' offer

Keystone Resort says it has awarded 22,000 kids ski free days so far this season

KEYSTONE, Colo. (AP) -- Keystone Resort has boosted its family-friendly image this winter with a free ski lift ticket offer for kids, and families are taking advantage.

Kids ages 12 and under who stay at least two nights in Keystone's lodging get free lift tickets for their entire stay. The ski resort said Thursday that through the first four months of its season, it has awarded about 22,000 kids ski free days. Keystone's season ends April 7.

The offer is saving families money. The walk-up price at the ticket window for a child lift ticket for Friday is $64.

Keystone is operated by Vail Resorts Inc., whose four Colorado resorts had more than 4.8 million skier visits last season. The company also has resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, Michigan and Minnesota.