Superb!5 / 5Feb 22, 2012
DDanny
Lift ticket prices are less than other Colorado Resorts and you can ski at night.Build your Keystone Ski Trip
Learn more about Keystone
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
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
Mountain House (Walk)
- Walking distance to slopes
- Quieter compared to River Run
- Better value accommodation and larger condos than River Run
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
Dillon/Silverthorne (5-10 mi)
- 10-15 minute drive from Keystone Resort
- Inexpensive lodging compared to the heart of Keystone
- Limited nightlife
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 tipsFor 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 tipsFor 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 tipsFind 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
Superb!5 / 5Feb 04, 2012
JJulie
The layout of the ski runs and their flexibility are my reasons for recommending Keystone over other resortsAverage!3 / 5Dec 02, 2011
KKathy
Has a great wine tasting option.Superb!5 / 5Oct 14, 2011
SSarah
We always have SO much fun when we ski Keystone- that's why we've been going back season after season!Very Good!4 / 5Aug 01, 2011
MMax
Probably my favorite since it was the first place i went in Colorado so I had nothing to compare it to while i was there.Superb!5 / 5Mar 01, 2011
PPamela
we spent a week at Holiday Valley this year. IT was not on your list but a fun ski filled time. It was challenging for the whole family, including a telemarker and snow boarder. we went to Keystone a few years back (before kids) and that was great also. Lots of variety in terrain and lifts.Superb!5 / 5Jun 16, 2010
PPeppec
Great resort - good mix of green/blue/black runs. Great terrain park. Accomodations are nice. Love the gondola on cold days and the express on warmer. Most of all, the employees are all polite, fun, and seem to love their jobs which makes the stay exceptional.Very Good!4 / 5Mar 19, 2010
MMark
It is difficult to choose the best element of Keystone. It is our favorite because of the totally friendly atmosphere. Great lodging at reasonable prices, village shops and excellent skiing.Superb!5 / 5Feb 22, 2010
JJared
Night Skiing allows you to get the most for your money, and pack a ton of skiing into your trip.Average!3 / 5Dec 25, 2009
LLaura
reasonable priced lodging on the slopes