With Forest Service approval and local permitting, Keystone Resort will replace its mountain-top Summit House Restaurant, along with several other mountain improvements expected to begin next year.

The new facility is to be 20,000 to 30,000 square feet, built to U.S. Forest Service Built Environment image guidelines.

“These projects focus on improvements on Dercum Mountain and align with the 2009 Keystone Master Development Plan,” Keystone general manager, John Buhler, wrote in his proposal letter to the FS. “Keystone's intent is to integrate future development projects, identified within the MDP, with its brand focus as a family resort.”

Resort representatives weren't able to comment further on the proposed changes.

Other proposed projects include:

> Improvements to Adventure Point Tubing Area — Upgrade current facilities and features enhancing Keystone's recreational experience.

> Creation of “family adventure zones” — Develop trail sections into quality, educational, skiing/riding features to engage children of all ages and a variety of ability levels.

> Snowmaking system improvements — Continue to upgrade snowmaking infrastructure with new technology providing added efficiencies and a high quality snow surface.

> Improvements to Dercum Mountain ski and ride terrain — Trail widening, by-pass trails and grading projects intended to widen specific areas of existing trails and remove tree islands in some locations to improve skier circulation.

> Improvements to Dercum Mountain's mountain bike trail system — Divide trails into distinct ability levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and develop more beginner and advanced trails.

> Lift improvements — Install three surface “carpet” lifts to service beginner ski terrain at the Summit of Dercum Mountain, mid-station of the River Run Gondola and the top of Peru Express.