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

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Mountain House (Walk)

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

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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

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Dillon/Silverthorne (5-10 mi)

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

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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!

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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
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 05, 2017
AMAlejandro M.
intermediate null
One of the favorites for me. The main mountain can get very crowded, weekends being just a huge pain. But the back mountain is where the better snow is at, and the most fun. It just closes a tad too early. The night skiing is also a lot of fun. ... More
Superb!5 / 5Oct 31, 2017
WWilliam
Keystone is a awesome resort. The staff is friendly, the snow is good. They always keep the runs in great shape. I also find the ski lifts to be faster than most resorts. Overall my favorite place to shred.
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 28, 2017
MPMike P.
Love keystone it has great runs and easy access to everything you need at a mountain. The back country is my favorite less people and all blues or blacks. I have stayed in the resort as well and the rooms were spot on
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 26, 2017
BPBrandon P.
Love this resort. Welcoming to both the newcomer and experienced skier with a variety of terrain. They have gentle grommers for those who are still learning in addition to some more challenging runs in the backbowls. Even after skiing the same runs for a few seasons now, I still find them enjoyable.
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 26, 2017
EWEvan W.
Awesome resort for the whole family. The front side offers a variety of skill level runs for everyone while venturing out back offers challenges for the experienced carver. All the big resort amenities without the crowd.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 26, 2017
MSMatthew S.
Easily my favorite resort. From the comfy gondola ride up the mountain, to the night skiing, as well as the proximity to Denver, Keystone can't be beat. Great runs as well.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 24, 2017
GGee
This is one of our favorite resorts in Colorado to film for park shots! #A51 has some great world class rails and jumps as well as overall fun terrain. Keep it up! "Live Humorously" G- glevity.com
Superb!5 / 5Oct 19, 2017
EDEsteban D.
Keystone is a winter wonderland for skiers and riders. If you like groomers you can stick to the nice long runs. But if you like to get lost in the trees like me, Keystone has no shortage of amazing tree runs with rock face drop offs, log jibs and beautiful spots to take a break. Keystone has one of the best places to watch the sunset over the... More
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 18, 2017
MSMatt S.
How do I describe Keystone mountain resort? Well I'd have to day heaven because holy wow is it the best. To go to another resort would be among the craziest things you could ever do and if for whatever reason you do I would recommend you be tested because you are crazy. Thanks.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 17, 2017
KHKevin H.
There's plenty of great places to ride in Colorado. The walk up to Keystone's base deserves a theme song. It makes getting first lines and that deep powder that much more epic.