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 / 5Nov 28, 2017
JSJaron S.
advanced snowboarder
I ride keystone all year last even though I had a epic local pass! Couldn't stop, had so much fun in the back country and the park was outrageous! I'm a little tight on cash this year so I was able to get the epic local but would be so happy if Iwon!! ... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 27, 2017
CMChristian M.
advanced snowboarder
Keystone is perfect for new and skilled riders of all ages. Great environment for everyone in the family to enjoy. The village is awesome with amazing beet, food and people. It's one of the best reports in Colorado no doubt!... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Nov 26, 2017
NCNicholas C.
expert snowboarder
Keystone has amazing hidden little secrets when you cut off the beaten slopes and start exploring the tree line. The lifts are quick and employees and super friendly. Be sure to check it out!... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Nov 26, 2017
RHRyan H.
intermediate snowboarder
Keystone was my second resort I've been to in Colorado. Breckinridge was my first. I went to keystone at least 12 times last season. I went during the week, it was a blast. Getting around with the resort with the buses was super easy. All the staff was super helpful any time I had a question or needed help. My family came out the visit and they... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 24, 2017
CJCollin J.
advanced snowboarder
Keystone is consistently fun. If there hasn't been fresh snow in a while then the terrain park is fun to lap through all day. On powder days there is plenty of side country to hike out and find the freshies.... More
Superb!5 / 5Nov 24, 2017
THTobias H.
advanced snowboarder
Last season I worked at Keystone and I've ridden at a lot of other mountains before and I have to say nothing was better than going to Keystone. It's one of the largest mountains around with some of the greatest views once you get to the top. If you're looking to keep out of the wind for the ride up, Keystone has Gondolas that would keep the harsh... More
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 24, 2017
ATJAustin T J.
advanced snowboarder
This is one of my favorite resorts I spend almost every season here and it is affordable. The only thing I don't like when going here is that they are constantly trying to slow down more advanced snowboarders. They always think that just because you are going fast on the runs that you are not in control and that is not the case. This mountain has... More
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 24, 2017
MMark
advanced skier
First, I like to say there are lots of great help here at Keystone. Lots of volunteers (nice old people)! Parking is great and it allows for family cars to get closer to the slopes (cars of 4 and more). Parking is close and also free is wonderful (we wish Breckenridge would do this - why charge for parking when you already pay so much to ski).... More
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 24, 2017
DJDaniel J.
expert snowboarder
Keystone can get crowded but deservingly. It is also easy to avoid most of those people in the back bowl areas. Keystone is HUGE and there is a lot of places some people just don't know about. Also, it seems that not a whole ton of people are in the trees, so if you're looking to have a day to you and your buds, that's where I would suggest. IF YOU... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Nov 23, 2017
LRLeonardo R.
beginner skier
The keystone resort is a great place to create great memories while enjoying the cool things you can do in the winter. Keystone is now my home away from home.... More