Keystone

Closed
John "Fritzski" Fritz
SnowPak Local Insider
John "Fritzski" Fritz
Pros
  • Keystone is popular for its Kidtopia play area and endless family-friendly programs
  • Great for beginner skiing as the learning area is located at the bottom and top of the mountain
  • Boasting one of the best terrain parks in Colorado with its own lift
Cons
  • Crowds can be a problem if you're skiing on a weekend

Overall

4.8

If your version of après ski is night skiing then Keystone Resort might just earn a spot in your heart. This family-friendly resort boasts one of the longest ski days in Colorado which continues long into the night. One of the most popular mountains in the region, the resort has the largest ski area in the Summit County covering over 3,000 ac of stunning terrain on its three peaks and five bowls. The mountain has a vertical drop of 3,129 ft and known for its amazing blue runs, making it a haven for intermediate skiers. It has the best long groomers in Colorado as well as some of the most incredible glade runs and long bump runs in the region. If that’s not enough, Keystone Resort is also home to one of the country’s top terrain parks with over 100 features, kickers, rails and jumps as well as a dedicated chairlift to keep park rats real busy. Impressed?

Best month to go

January to March

The ski season lasts from late November through mid-April, with the peak period occurring between January and March. Bear in mind that prices and rates increase during this time, and the slopes can get very crowded. Weekends and holidays tend to run high as well, so check your calendar to make sure your visit doesn’t coincide with any U.S. celebrations. Christmas and New Year’s will always be more expensive, while three-day weekends (i.e. Martin Luther King Day and Presidents’ Day) see crowds flocking in. For the best deals, visit Keystone Resort during the first two weeks of January. These weeks are usually slower, and their prices won’t tear through your wallet. All that snow to yourself… It’s a true “winter’s tale”.

FLY TO

Denver International Airport

DRIVE/SHUTTLE TO

Keystone (2-2.5 hours)

River Run (Walk)

  • Heart of Keystone
  • Centered around the base of River Run Gondola
  • Wide range of accommodation

Find accommodations around here

Mountain House (Walk)

  • Walking distance to slopes
  • Quieter compared to River Run
  • Better value accommodation and larger condos than River Run

Find accommodations around here

North, East, West Keystone (1-2 mi)

  • North and West Keystone are great for larger groups
  • East Keystone is the most quiet
  • Short shuttle ride away from slopes

Find accommodations around here

Dillon/Silverthorne (5-10 mi)

  • 10-15 minute drive from Keystone Resort
  • Inexpensive lodging compared to the heart of Keystone
  • Limited nightlife

Find accommodations around here

For beginners

Keystone Resort has beginners covered with plenty of first-time training spots and beginner trails on Dercum Mountain. Beginner's with a bit more skill should check out the Spring Dipper, our top pick for those looking to take it to up a notch!

More beginners tips

For intermediates

There are fantastic blues to cruise across all three mountains at Keystone Resort, but if you love groomers you'll find the best stuff on Dercum Mountain. Check out Flying Dutchman to Jackwhacker to Beger to Dercum's Dash, you won't be disappointed.

More intermediates tips

For experts

Keystone Resort doesn't have the gnarliest of slopes but there's still fun to be had! Wolverine, Wildfire, Pika and Porcupine in The Outback are all some of our favorites, they're very loosely defined in gladed terrain, so feel free to get wild here!

More experts tips

Find freshies

The Outback offers gladed terrain featuring untouched pow otherwise hike to the bowls above the Santiago Express and Outback Express for the best fresh stuff.

Ditch the crowds

Take the Summit Express Lift instead of the River Run Gondola. Both take you from the base to the top of Dercum Mountain but the River Run Gondola gets quite crowded, particularly before 10:00am.

Non skiers

Keystone Resort has a range of activities available for non-skiers including tubing and activities at the nearby Frisco Adventure Park where you can go nordic skiing. Or shop til you drop at the Outlets at Silverthorne.

Families

Keystone Resort is known for its laid-back family-friendly atmosphere offering more affordable prices than other Vail-owned resorts. From daily Kidtopia activities to complimentary wagons to cart kids and their equipment around, Keystone is a family winner!

Save up to 37% when you book a Keystone package!

View Keystone packages

Keystone Reviews

Fabulous 4.4 / 5
based on 171 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Very Good!4.1 / 5Nov 09, 2017
DCDerek C.
advanced snowboarder
I learned how to ride at Keystone Resort and I wouldn't recommend any other mountain for friends new to snow sports. The staff is friendly and the views are great for day one. Love that you can take the gondola all the way to the top before getting to the beginners run. Gives you a sense of really being on a mountain. Also progression is easily... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 09, 2017
JLJason L.
advanced snowboarder
Keystone is the quintessential destination resort great for all skill levels, you do pay for that experience with both high costs and crowds (on the front mountain), but once you make it back to the 2nd or 3rd peak it is worth it! Great terrain and great snow with plenty of room to get away and soak it in. One of my top 5.... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 09, 2017
JDJosh D.
advanced snowboarder
Keystone is by far one of my favorite resorts it's 45 mins from my house and the backside isn't ever really that crowded. Wildfire and Griz are two of my favorite runs. It would be nice if they put something at the top to warm up or get a beer at those runs. ... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Nov 09, 2017
JWJohn W.
expert skier
One of the best resorts in Summit county. They have great snow, terrain for all skill levels, top notch facilities and free parking. It does get a little crowded at times on weekends, but Sundays and weekdays are usually a safe bet.... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 09, 2017
SPStuart P.
advanced snowboarder
Keystone is the best resort within one hour of the front Range of Colorado. It has close in free parking. There were three mountains and deep valleys and incredible views. The trees are spread out most everywhere on the mountain so you can always find a powder stash.... More
Average!3.3 / 5Nov 09, 2017
TFTerren F.
advanced snowboarder
The resort overall is very beautiful. The downside is getting on and off the hill when it is extremely crowded. When there are a ton of people it can be quite tricky getting down the last section of the mountain down to the bridge to cross back to the village. Other than that, it is a great resort that is close to boulder and Denver. Keystone is... More
Good!3.8 / 5Nov 09, 2017
GMGeorge M.
intermediate snowboarder
Wish they had electric vehicle charging, and not just for people staying overnight. It would make the commute easier. I also wish the grooming was done a bit more often. Everything else is pretty good. I especially like the idea of a main gondola taking you to a central top area, then people can proceed from there. This method reduce traffic by a... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 08, 2017
CNCasey N.
advanced snowboarder
Hands down my favorite place to snowboard when i get the chance! Lots of great options for lunch and close to Denver! Much less crowded than Breckinridge which is a major positive!... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 08, 2017
TSTrent S.
advanced snowboarder
I have had nothing but great experiences at keystone! Dercrum has amazing groomers and there's always pow staches to be found on north peak and the outback. Liftees and staff are super cool and more than willing to chat and let you know where to find the goods! ❄️... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 08, 2017
GTGriffin T.
intermediate snowboarder
Awesome resort. It is a nice play to ski or snowboard for all levels. Nice tree runs and expert terrain in the outback area. Lots of lifts and gondola available from the base... More