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!5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
DTDaniel T.
advanced skier
We visited Keystone last year in January. I can not say enough positive things about our trip. Everything from the lodging, check in, equipment delivery, lifts, lack of crowds, and it snowed off and on from Monday evening until Thursday evening. The staff at Keystone were fabulous. That fine blend of helpful but not overly present. I would... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 17, 2017
GCGregory C.
advanced skier
I lived up in Summit and Keystone grew to become my favorite resort! The mountain has plenty of room and offers a diverse array of runs. The night skiing is great too! You can ski morning till night!... More
Average!3.2 / 5Nov 17, 2017
PPeter
expert snowboarder
I've been riding keystones for many years, and it definitely became one of my favorites. The area 51 terrain park is one of the best I've ridden and the town is very close to my heart. Unfortunately in the last few years, vail resorts has become ridiculously crowded, however if you don't mind crowds or a lot of beginners, keystone is definitely... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 17, 2017
KDKyle D.
intermediate snowboarder
Was a great mountain to visit. Can find passes that make it some of the cheapest Colorado mega resorts around. Went a few years ago and am going back again because of price and closeness to Denver airport... More
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 17, 2017
JIMCJavier Ignacio Morales C.
beginner snowboarder
The front side of the mountain is usually icy and that may be a problem for beginners as that's where greens are at. As you progress and start enjoying blue runs, the back side is way better when it comes to snow quality ... More
Superb!5 / 5Nov 17, 2017
SMSam M.
intermediate skier
Keystone is one of the best resorts in Summit County, CO and one of my favorite Vail resorts. The actual town of keystone is amazing and a short drive from Dillon (lake Dillon), as well as silverthorne. The actual ski resort is prime with so much mountain area to cover. You will not be dissapointed in your trip to keystone ski resort. I highly... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 17, 2017
LDLam D.
intermediate snowboarder
Family friendly ski resort. Enjoying skiing there with family. The lifting is sometimes slow but manageable. Foods and dining are not great but understandable for ski resort. Overall, the kids are having a great times there. Hope to go to other resorts to see the difference. Never been to beaver creek before... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Nov 17, 2017
ADAdam D.
advanced snowboarder
I love keystone. Their park caters to everyone from beginners to professional level terrain. The back bowls are a peaceful escape from what can be a crowded main part of the resort. Although the snow can get icy during night skiing, the lighting, lifts and views are fantastic both before and after dark. The village, lodging and resorts are always... More
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 13, 2017
CSChase S.
advanced skier
Think Keystone is just for kids? Not even close. The family brand works great for the mountain, but the place does a tremendous job of keeping everyone happy and skiing in their own area. Head to the outback for some great trees and varied terrain. And a tip, when you get off the lift and see the hike-only area, don't be intimidated by the steep... More
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 13, 2017
EBEric B.
intermediate skier
I love keystone and the run school marm ive skied there for many years. I feel the ski lift tix are alittle pricey but the village and nite skiing is great.... More