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!4.9 / 5Apr 29, 2019
Keystone ReviewsAndrew S.
advanced snowboarder
A little smaller than other resorts in the Summit County area but so. W of the best terrain out there. Tons of tree runs with some great deep powder bowls. Keystone is my favorite because it still has that backcountry charm.... More
Poor!1 / 5Mar 22, 2019
TAT A.
intermediate skier
Manager, Camden R. held up myself and my 2 youngest kids in keystone ticketing after our epic passes wouldn't scan for over 2 hours while I called all over trying to resolve the issue that can't be resolved until a weekday. We are day trip skiers so this major cut into our ski time. The program has no monetary value to myself or family, he... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Feb 18, 2019
Keystone ReviewsAlex W.
beginner skier
Probably the best views from the top! Amazing atmosphere from both skiers and staff alike! Keystone is my resort of choice anyday of the week! I'm a beginner and this is only my 2nd year on the mountain but the long steady runs are what makes getting better both fun and a workout!... More
Superb!5 / 5Jan 14, 2019
Keystone ReviewsIgnacio O.
advanced snowboarder
Keystone is one of the best mountains I've snowboarder down great runs from beginner to pro... area 51 is also a very awsome bnb part of the mountain lifts are fast the runs are long the staff is friendly and professional if your looking for a great time keystone and is the place to go ....... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Jan 14, 2019
Keystone ReviewsJake S.
expert skier
keystone is a great spot for groups and families as large expanses of terrain funnel to common base areas. That same attribute can make it difficult to dodge the crowds in the lift lines. There are great groomers and stashes can be found around the main runs for those willing to put in the effort. There’s plenty of apres ski options as well.... More
Good!3.8 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Keystone ReviewsPaul B.
advanced skier
Great parking and easy to get around the resort. You can also ski there under the lights, which is fun and interesting to do. There is a lot of acreage to ski there as well.... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Keystone ReviewsTurtle M.
advanced snowboarder
My favorite mountain to ride in Summit County! The backside is what riding in heaven must feel like! Even if it hasn’t snowed in weeks you can always find fresh tracks!!! A plus!!... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Keystone ReviewsEric B.
advanced snowboarder
Best resort I've been to yet. Awesome runs, nice people, enclosed gondola for the cold days, and a killer beginners area for the kids. Strongly recommend, Keystone is absolutely awesome!... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Keystone ReviewsJoe S.
intermediate skier
Keystone is the perfect family resort with small but fun village, great runs and excellent tubing. Has all a family needs to be completely wiped out by days end and ready for some cocoa by the fires. As a dad having the kids unable to move at the days end is the goal which is met by keystone.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 20, 2018
Keystone ReviewsAnthony B.
beginner snowboarder
Awesome family oriented resort. I love their green runs as Im still new to snowboarding but they are wide and smooth. One big downfall is how long the snow lasts but with their partnership at Abasin its a great value!... More