Keystone Ski Resort is offering a playful twist on a classic summer pastime with a series of bike-in movies.

The family friendly activity is happening this Thursday with a free showing of Despicable Me.

“We were looking at new and different ways to engage guests and add value to the experience for both our lodging guests and locals,” said Keystone spokesperson Laura Parquette.

“There are a few us who remember going to drive-in movies,” she said. “Adding biking into the mix adds an active, environmentally friendly way for people to make a Keystone memory.”

Before the movie, guests are invited to take part in an organized bicycle ride. Participants can hop on their own bike or rent one from the Adventure Center and pedal around the resort.

“It’s fun for people to go out and be active before sitting through a movie,” Parquette said.

After the two-wheeled tour, moviegoers can settle into the Lakeside Village to watch the films.

“It’s a really nice central location, and a picturesque setting with the backdrop of the mountains and the lake,” Parquette said.

Films premiered at the resort so far have been a mix of modern and classic favorites, including “Cars,” “The Sandlot” and “The Sound of Music.”

The free showings premiered at Keystone this summer, and are offered every first and third Thursday during the summer months. This week’s showing is “Despicable Me,” a computer-animated comedy film that debuted in 2010. The Keystone movie series will wrap up on Aug. 15 with the “Wizard of Oz.”

“We wanted to do movies that were fun and engaging and people of all ages could enjoy,” Parquette said.

Keystone representatives said they offer all of the movie-going necessities, but guests can also choose to bring their own supplies. Guests are encouraged to dress in layers and to bring a flashlight.

The movie is set up on a large, transportable pop-up screen near the lake. Chairs are set up for guests, but some opt to bring blankets, Parquette said. Popcorn and other snacks are available for purchase.

Parquette said the bike-in movies have enticed a mix of locals and visitors to the resort. The films they have presented cater to a wide audience, and have attracted multi-generational families, young couples and groups of friends, she said.

“We’ve really seen a wide range of attendees, and I think our movies have played to that,” Parquette said.

Event organizers said they are happy with the turnout of bike-in movies series has produced in the first year.

“There is so much going on in the summer, we are happy to provide an activity that’s a little different from anything else,” Parquette said. “It’s what summer is all about – taking advantage of the great weather in a great setting,” she said.