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
Superb!5 / 5Oct 08, 2017
MCMarcus C.
Keystone is my favorite resort. I have been there over 40 times. A few times I have been first chair. Anyone who is thinking of planning a trip to keystone. You better book for a whole week. Will be the best week of your life.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 08, 2017
RFRashode F.
My family and I have been going to Keystone for the last 5 years! As a Denver native, I have always went with the Rocky mountain super pass. However we have just fallen in love with the Epic mountains!! Mainly Keystone and Vail. They are beautiful mountains with wonderful lodging and dining options. You cannot go wrong with staying in River run.... More
Average!3 / 5Oct 08, 2017
NMNathan M.
Well maintained and good snow. High numbers of beginners and very crowded on holidays, can take a while to get away from the crowds. Charge for the snowcat, most resorts don't. No microwaves anywhere so don't bring your own food.
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 07, 2017
JJason
Pretty cool mountain that can get really crowded sometimes. Night skiing is nice if you are into that. Its location makes it convenient to access from Denver and the Front Range.
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 07, 2017
GCGlenn C.
Nice village at base. Gondola to top.Good pitch plenty of places to get in the trees and great rolling groomers with views of the runs at Breakenridge on a clear day
Superb!5 / 5Oct 07, 2017
JDJosh D.
My favorite mountain by far. Big but cheaper than the bigger names. Usually not busy during the weekday, especially if you're there before noon. Ski right up to food and drinks.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 06, 2017
JWJoshua W.
I love keystone because it brings me life. As someone who works from home, struggles from depression and finding things to do. Winter is always my favorite time of the year to get out. KEYSTONE brings me life. And for that I am grateful
Superb!5 / 5Oct 06, 2017
BRBrad R.
I have been going to keystone regularly for 2 seasons and love the resort. Fast chairliftsn great runs, and close to denver! Check out the tree runs off of outback!
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 06, 2017
DMDave M.
This place has great runs, and the shuttle is great btwn areas. Kids ski school is amazing and instructors keep kids challenged. Lifts are never long, friendly and the lodge brew abd atmoshpere is not stuffy like other resorts
Superb!5 / 5Oct 06, 2017
TTommy
Keystone resort is awesome!!! One of my favorite mountains in CO. There is nothing like floating through the Outback on a deep powder day. Had 3 of the best days I've ever had last year.