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!4.8 / 5Nov 13, 2019
Keystone ReviewsZach R.
intermediate skier
I had a great experience here. It was wonderful. I really loved how I was treated by the staff and I felt welcomed. I met some great people on the lifts and plenty of people at the restaurant. I love coming here to ski and look forward to coming here many more times over the season. They cater well towards ever skill level and the signs for what... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Sep 04, 2019
Keystone ReviewsPatrick H.
advanced snowboarder
Keystone is an awesome experience! It offers a little bit of everything and skiers/riders of all abilities can find themselves at home here. Most lifts are high speed so you can get the most runs out of your day! Fairly cheap snow cat tours too!... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Sep 04, 2019
Keystone ReviewsMatt B.
advanced snowboarder
I love Keystone. Smaller, but easier to navigate than Breckenridge. Definitely suggest the cat skiing -- It is well worth the money to access the bowls. I typically head straight to the Outback, and spend most of my days in the trees. There are glades for most skill levels. You can find some nice spread out flowy runs, and hug groomed runs so you... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Keystone ReviewsDominik T.
intermediate snowboarder
Keystone was a great time! From multiple mountains to a great staff I built years of memories there. The food and setting was incredible and I very much will be coming back.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Keystone ReviewsSam S.
advanced snowboarder
Where to begin....Keystone is amazing, as simply one can put it. The resort offers amazing varieties of groomers, pow runs and tree runs but Keystone is more than that. It is a place for friends, family and memories. Aside from the snowboardint/skiing, the resort offers shops, restaurants and plenty of options of finding what you are looking for on... More
Average!3.3 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Keystone ReviewsMatt D.
expert skier
Keystone is a mixed bag. It can be good or entirely crowded and icy. Experts will find it boring as it gets considerably less snow than its neighbors and extreme terrain is limited. However there is a good beginner area and the terrain parks are top rated.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Jul 01, 2019
Keystone ReviewsJoseph G.
intermediate skier
The only ski resort I go to. Great atmosphere , great runs the longest one being 3 1/2 miles long so definitely keeps you intrested the whole time., ICE CASTLE!!. 5 stars.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5May 03, 2019
Keystone ReviewsKeith S.
expert skier
Modern, fun, fast. Keystone really does have a lot to offer for one of the "smaller" resorts in the area. Completely modernized this is what top notch investments look like. Well marked, well lit (night skiing!) and well appointed amenities make it a great day no matter the conditions. And if you are a park type then they have one of the best in... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5May 03, 2019
Keystone ReviewsEli B.
intermediate skier
Timing is everything when traveling to Keystone from Denver! Traffic can be horrendous traveling West in the morning and back East in the evenings! I highly recommend staying as close to the resort as possible!... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Apr 29, 2019
Keystone ReviewsThomas M.
intermediate skier
Loved the slopes, so many options for all skill levels, and the long runs were great because you spent more time skiing that riding the lifts. Unfortunately wasn’t a lot of amenities at the base.... More