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 05, 2017
JGJose G.
Area 51 is one of the most impressive park layouts in all of Colorado. The level of risers that shred Keystone are in an elevated world of thier own. Such an endless amount of tree and powder riding. The cream of the crop however is the progression of riding that Keystone can offer. A great place to take the family and an even better place to take... More
Superb!5 / 5Sep 29, 2017
DBWDavid B W.
Keystone is my go to groomer hill for days it isn't nuking snow in Colorado. To be honest i hit other hills for powder, but this place does great for groomers and powder is always available in tree stashes in the back. pass affordability and availability is also something that makes this place stand out - since it is on the epic local and regular... More
Superb!5 / 5Dec 15, 2013
SSue
Keystone has every level of skiing, but you're never too far away from the bottom, a restroom or food.
Superb!5 / 5Jun 14, 2013
AAscott
Quiet, varied terrain, well layed out few runs that intersect each other. Nice village, convenient to get too.
Superb!5 / 5May 21, 2013
JJoel
loved the night skiing and the common pass to the other resorts plus keystone was a quality village
Very Good!4 / 5Feb 11, 2013
MMichelle
I like skiing at night and the cabins/condos are very reasonable and convenient to the slopes.
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 04, 2012
MMarianne
we enjoyed the skiing,the hayride to the cabin fir dinner and music, the retaurant at the top of the mountain,ice skating, the lessons!! My kids were raised in Hawaii and this was a great introduction to SNOW!!!
Poor!2 / 5Aug 05, 2012
KKaren
Other than people not speaking much english, the sking is good
Superb!5 / 5Jun 22, 2012
MMarlo
Access to alot of terrain, varried skill levels and great for family. Many activites to do other than the slopes.
Superb!5 / 5Jun 17, 2012
SSuzette
This is the first resort we have been to as a family. It was a great place for our nephew who was a first timer. looking forward to making more trips to many of the resorts in the coming years, try them all so to speak. hope to get to Utah or Tahoe for some great skiing!!