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
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 21, 2017
ARAlain R.
advanced skier
Keystone is an excellent mountain for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. My family and I always have a great time there. It is pricey but most large ski resorts are. Love the terrain, facilities and the people.... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 21, 2017
JDJames D.
advanced snowboarder
Keystone is my favorite place to go for the terrain parks. It has the best beginners terrain park to polish your skills and get caught up from lazy season before moving on to the bigger jumps and trails. Great place to learn! ... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 21, 2017
DPDan P.
expert skier
The resort is very well accommodating to family outings. It has a good balance of beginner and advanced terrain to ski, but nothing amazingly difficult. The snow quality was pretty good and well maintained on groomers, very few patches of ice. The village itself has plenty of shopping and dining options for all your on-mountain needs. ... More
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 20, 2017
JJoe
intermediate snowboarder
Fun resort. Great backcountry. Good restaurants and great family resort. Plenty of terrain for all levels. Great terrain park also. Great for both skiers and for snowboarders. Very few catwalks which is a plus for boarders!!... More
Good!3.6 / 5Nov 20, 2017
RWRichard W.
advanced skier
Great family resort, kids love it here. Lots of Greens and Blues, some more challenging terrain out back. The night skiing is a real plus, allows a nice break before getting in a few more runs.... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Nov 20, 2017
JWJarrod W.
advanced skier
Keystone is the best all around Resort in the United States. While it is smaller than most of the Resorts located around it, Keystone boosts the widest range of terrain of them. A phenomenal Restort for beginners to learn how to both ski and snowboard, while catering most of its piste (groomed terrain) to the intermediate to advance skier and... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Nov 20, 2017
AAdam
advanced skier
Keystone is big enough for anyone to have a good time. There's enough terrain for a good skier to have fun exploring for a full week easily. On a powder day, Keystone will have fresh tracks in the steep trees for a full day after.. something you don't get at Breck or A Basin... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 20, 2017
DHDerek H.
advanced snowboarder
Keystone was definitely one of the best resorts I have ever been to the mountain was great the lift lines were short and the whole experience was all around amazing. Just wish I had more time to explore the mountain.... More
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 19, 2017
ZGZach G.
intermediate skier
A large number of reckless snowboarders and drunks can make the resort dangerous at times. Keystone needs to do a better job enforcing safety rules, especially on the green runs.... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Nov 18, 2017
BSBrian S.
advanced snowboarder
Amazing place to ride. Nothing I love more in the winter than going up there and enjoying some pow with great friends in a great environment. I wait all summer to ride here. I love you keystone!!... More