Keystone Resort packs everything you love about a Colorado ski trip into one incredible destination: wide-open bowls, night skiing, family-friendly runs, and fresh powder across three stunning peaks. Get the inside scoop on how to make the most of your time on the mountain.
Tucked in the heart of Colorado's majestic Rocky Mountains, Keystone Ski Resort is a dream spot for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With 3,149 acres of terrain, 139 trails, 20 lifts, and an impressive peak elevation of 12,408 feet, it's got all the ingredients for an epic day on the slopes. Add in an average of 235 inches of snow each year and some recent upgrades, and you've got one of Colorado's top winter playgrounds in peak form.
Love hitting the terrain park? Chasing powder in wide-open bowls? Or just looking for a fun, family-friendly mountain getaway? Keystone delivers it all.
In this blog post, I'll guide you through everything you need to know to plan the ultimate alpine adventure in Keystone.
Grab your gear; it's time to hit the slopes!
A Quick History of Keystone
Keystone Resort was founded in 1970 by Max and Edna Dercum, who purchased land in the Snake River Valley of the White River National Forest for its excellent snow conditions. Keystone pioneered night skiing in 1985, becoming one of the few Colorado resorts to offer evening skiing.
Now part of Vail Resorts, Keystone has grown into a world-class destination known for its top-tier facilities and family-friendly atmosphere.
What to Expect at Keystone
Keystone Ski Resort is conveniently located about 35 minutes from Breckenridge and 75 miles west of Denver, making it accessible for day trips or weekend getaways. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across three distinct peaks, Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback, Keystone provides terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels and everything you need for an amazing family-friendly snowy adventure.
1. Unique Attractions
Keystone boasts the A51 Terrain Park, one of the top-rated parks in North America, offering features for all skill levels. Besides, night skiing is a unique feature of Keystone, allowing visitors to extend their time on the slopes well into the evening. With the addition of the Bergman Express Lift, access to 16 new trails and over 500 acres of high alpine terrain make this season even more exciting.
2. Terrain Variety for Every Skill Level
Keystone's terrain caters to all abilities, with 12% of its runs classified as beginner, 39% as intermediate, and 49% as advanced or expert.
Dercum Mountain
This is Keystone's front-side mountain, ideal for beginners and intermediates. Schoolmarm, one of the longest green runs in Colorado, is a gentle and wide trail perfect for building confidence. Other beginner-friendly trails include Silver Spoon and Ten Mile, both offering smooth descents and scenic views.
North Peak
This area is geared toward intermediate and advanced skiers, offering a mix of groomed runs and more challenging terrain. Trails like Mozart and those on the western side of Dercum Mountain offer wide, cruisy blue runs that are perfect for intermediates advancing their skills.
The Outback
The Outback is a paradise for advanced skiers and snowboarders, featuring ungroomed terrain, steep pitches, and some of the best tree skiing in Colorado. Trails like The Grizz and Timberwolf are favorites for powder lovers, while the bowls provide a backcountry feel within the resort's boundaries.
3. Crowds and Accessibility
Keystone's proximity to Denver makes it a popular choice for locals, especially on weekends. As a result, lift lines can get long during peak periods. To avoid crowds, try to visit midweek or early in the season.
Despite the weekend crowds, Keystone remains a favorite for tourists because of its accessibility. It's only about a 90-minute drive from Denver International Airport, and being part of the Epic Pass program makes it an attractive option for skiers who want to visit multiple resorts in the area.
4. Night Skiing
One of the standout features at Keystone is its night skiing—a rarity in Colorado. Night skiing runs until 8 PM on select trails, allowing visitors to ski or snowboard under the stars. The atmosphere at night is quieter, and the slopes are less crowded, offering a unique and magical experience. While not all runs are open for night skiing, the available terrain is enough to satisfy those looking for extra time on the mountain.
5. Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Keystone is a family haven. From the Kidtopia program, which offers free activities for children, to the Camp Keystone ski school, the resort is a top choice for families with young kids. Kidtopia activities include parades, snow forts, and scavenger hunts, ensuring there's plenty to do off the slopes as well.
Beginner areas are easily accessible, located right at the top of the mountain. This allows families and beginners to enjoy the experience of skiing at altitude while staying in a safe and comfortable environment.
6. Ski School and Lessons
Keystone's ski school is top-notch, offering group lessons for all ages and skill levels, as well as private lessons for more personalized attention. Parents rave about Camp Keystone, where instructors are known for their patience and ability to make skiing fun for kids. The resort also offers specialized clinics, including women-only classes and adaptive skiing lessons.
7. Rentals and Equipment
The town has several on-site rental shops at River Run Village and the Mountain House base, making it easy to rent gear before hitting the slopes. To avoid long lines, especially on busy weekends, it's recommended to book your rentals online in advance. You'll often find better prices this way, and you can even reserve demo equipment if you want to try the latest gear.
8. EPIC PASS
The Epic Pass, offered by Vail Resorts, grants access to multiple ski resorts, including Keystone. It provides unlimited skiing at several top resorts like Breckenridge and Vail, with different pass options tailored to various skiing frequencies and budgets. For frequent skiers, it offers significant savings compared to individual day tickets. Epic Pass holders also enjoy perks like discounts on lodging, dining, and rentals. Some passes include access to international partner resorts, offering great flexibility. Early purchases, often in spring, come with discounted rates, making the Epic Pass a cost-effective option for those planning multiple trips to Keystone and beyond.
Heads up: Borrowing or using someone else's pass is highly discouraged. Keystone and Vail Resorts have strict policies, and those caught using another person's pass can face serious consequences, including being banned from the resort.
9. Dining and Après-Ski
You can enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining. Here are some tips:
- For an unforgettable experience, head to Alpenglow Stube, located at 11,444 feet. This fine-dining restaurant offers stunning views and a gourmet menu, perfect for celebrating a special occasion.
- Another great option is Der Fondue Chessel, where you can enjoy a lively fondue dinner with live music.
- For happy hour specials, check out 9280' Sake House in River Run Village for great drinks and asian fare.
10. On-Site Activities Beyond Skiing
While snow tubing and ice skating are popular, Keystone offers a variety of other exciting activities for visitors:
- Snowcat Tours: Explore untouched terrain with guided snowcat tours, taking you to high-alpine bowls for breathtaking views and powder skiing.
- Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing: For a more relaxed adventure, Keystone's Nordic Center offers groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Spa and Wellness: After a day on the slopes, unwind at one of Keystone's spa options, like the Keystone Lodge and Spa, which offers massages and other wellness treatments.
11. Sustainability Efforts
The resort is committed to sustainability through Vail Resorts' Epic Promise initiative:
- Energy Efficiency: Keystone is reducing its environmental impact by investing in energy-efficient snowmaking and lift systems.
- Waste Reduction: Through the Zero Waste Initiative, Keystone aims to divert waste from landfills and enhance recycling efforts throughout the resort.
12. More than Just Skiing
Keystone isn't just for skiers and snowboarders. There are plenty of activities for non-skiers or those looking to take a break from the slopes. Families will love the multi-lane snow tubing hill, while ice skating on the 5-acre Keystone Lake provides a picturesque setting for winter fun.
If you're looking for something more serene, Keystone offers scenic sleigh rides and snowshoeing tours, allowing you to explore the beauty of the Rockies at a slower pace.
Parking Tips and Getting Around
Parking at Keystone is free, which is always a nice perk. The River Run lot is the most popular parking spot, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. To secure a spot, aim to arrive before 8 AM. If the River Run lot is full, Keystone provides overflow parking with a convenient shuttle service that takes you straight to the base of the mountain.
Pro Tips for Parking
- Use the River Run Lot if you arrive early.
- Overflow parking is easily accessible, and the shuttle service is quick and reliable.
Best Time to Visit Keystone
Keystone's ski season typically runs from early November through mid-April. The best time to visit for ideal snow conditions is between mid-December and mid-March, with January and February being the prime months for fresh powder. However, for those looking to avoid crowds, early season (November) and late season (April) are also great options, especially since Keystone has excellent snowmaking capabilities.
April Skiing Conditions
April skiing at Keystone can be surprisingly good. The snow tends to hold up well, especially at higher elevations like Montezuma Bowl. While the base may experience warmer temperatures, staying higher up on the mountain will help you avoid slushy conditions.
Extra Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Layer up: The high altitude means temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. Dress in layers and make sure your outerwear is waterproof.
- Acclimate to the altitude: Keystone's base sits at nearly 10,000 feet. To avoid altitude sickness, take it easy on your first day and stay hydrated.
- Ski smart: Always ski with a partner and keep an eye on changing weather conditions.
Make the best of your visit to Keystone
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Colorado.