The Swan Mountain Flyer goes between Arapahoe Basin and Keystone Resort. You can find the schedule on the Summit Stage web site.

Arapahoe Basin has a learning area that new skiers can use to develop their skills. Kids as young as 3 years old can sign up for lessons. A full day lesson (including lunch & a lift ticket) is $175. This does not include ski equipment rentals. For adults, the price is $149 for a half day. Or for $630 you can get a full day family private lesson (if using this option, you will need to purchase lift tickets, but you get a 50% discount). Keystone also offers lessons for kids as young as 3. Their one day price is $221 and that includes ski rentals, lift ticket, and a meal. Keystone does have some other child friendly areas, such as a small play area in the River Run town center as well as little games scattered throughout the space. A single adult lift ticket purchased online is around $120.

Good chance. They opened on Oct 21 2016 and Oct 13 2017. No posting for 2018 yet

The closest lodging is in Keystone. It's very expensive to stay in the condos there. But they're very comfortable. The most affordable housing is in nearby Dillon, Silverthorne, and a little farther away in Frisco. There are many condos for lease. In Dillon, we frequently stay at the Best Western, which is located next to lake Dillon reservoir. It has ski lockers by the main entrances. In Silverthorne, the least expensive is Luxury Inn. It has an indoor heated pool and is located next to I-70.

Coming from a lower elevation like Louisiana, you could experience some elevation sickness. A night or two in Denver would reduce that problem. You will also need to drink a lot more water to stay hydrated. That will help you avoid headaches and weakness. As a beginner, you will likely take a few falls. Water resistant gloves and outer layer of clothes are important. I would wear several layers of clothes to stay warm. Abasin is one of the higher elevation ski resorts, so it will be even colder than other resorts. I've been told most ski accidents occur during the last hour, when people are worn out. So don't over do it. Take breaks in the lodges. I didn't take ski lessons there, so I can't answer that part of your question.

There is a lake at the base of Keystone mountain where I go play in a pond hockey tournament every January. It's absolutely beautiful there. There are many condo units all around the lake, so a very short walk. I am not sure about setting up a wedding, so I would recommend you just call to talk to somebody about that. Good luck!

There is a cafeteria at the base and another one in the mid-mountain lodge which has some special entrees for lunch.

(Correction to the 2nd sentence of the 2nd paragraph -- I meant "...that she COULD readily do" instead of "...that she GOOD readily do..." )

No, there isn't any lodging at the resort. If you stay in Summit County you can take a free shuttle to the base area. Keystone Resort is your closest bet.

Silverthorne/Dillon has more night life outside the resort than Keystone has in the resort... plus Breckenridge is just down the road wtih a great downtown area. I'd recommend you stay in Silverthorne/Dillon area.