Superb!5 / 5May 07, 2018
Erik I. expert skier
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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!
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Keystone Reviews
Erik I. Superb!5 / 5Dec 06, 2017
KDKrisjanis D.
Amazing mountain, amazing staff, amazing snow! totally worth the money and the trip!
I was lucky enough to get a room with my friends for one night and spent all friday and satuday just riding the slope, amazing experience!
Will come again!... Morebeginner skier
Very Good!4.2 / 5Dec 05, 2017
CMCorbin M.
Keystone is a great resort, with terrain to satisfy any level of skiing. I have had over 400 days here and still can find new lines all the time. When the snow is good the days are great!... Moreexpert skier
Superb!4.5 / 5Dec 05, 2017
ARAshton R.
Keystone is a really fun place to go lot of good terain to board on the giant snow castle they do is amazing to see and play in... defibetly need to shred here if u havent yet already...... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Average!2.7 / 5Dec 03, 2017
RPRobbie P.
Keystone is a really great place when there is a lot of snow and you can access all 3 mtn like keystone, North peak & a basin all on one pass but that doesn't happen now because Vail resorts didn't obtain all 3 mtn like any normal person would do to keep things in the norm for the locals on there every weekend getaways throughout the season ... Moreexpert skier
Superb!5 / 5Dec 03, 2017
COCharlie O.
Keystone is one of my favorite resorts to ski at. The people are friendly, the snow is great and it's so large that you always feel like it's just you and the run in front of you! ... Moreintermediate skier
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Dec 02, 2017
NLNathan L.
I think keystone is a great place to ski or board. The staff is always nice and friendly, just the way I want it on my day tearing that mountain up.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 29, 2017
APAvidan P.
I learned how to snowboard on this mountain. It took me from beginner to expert within a year. I feel there are so many opportunities on this mountain to grow as a rider that it's great for any level ... Moreexpert snowboarder
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 28, 2017
APAlec P.
Favorite resort; staff at bars are all friendly and recognize you. Always kind and take care of you at a reasonable time. The staff on the mountain are all top notch!... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Good!3.8 / 5Nov 28, 2017
GPGreg P.
We love Keystone, my wife and I head there usually once or twice a year. It has one of the earliest opening dates which helps as I usually get time off in late November. I just wish there were more restaurants and facilities in the village.... Moreexpert skier