Superb!4.9 / 5Apr 29, 2019
Andrew S. advanced snowboarder
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
Andrew S. Poor!1 / 5Mar 22, 2019
TAT A.
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... Moreintermediate skier
Superb!4.7 / 5Feb 18, 2019
Alex W. beginner skier
Superb!5 / 5Jan 14, 2019
Ignacio O. advanced snowboarder
Very Good!4.2 / 5Jan 14, 2019
Jake S. expert skier
Good!3.8 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Paul B. advanced skier
Superb!4.9 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Turtle M. advanced snowboarder
Superb!4.8 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Eric B. advanced snowboarder
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 04, 2018
Joe S. intermediate skier
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 20, 2018
Anthony B. beginner snowboarder