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
Average!3.5 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Keystone ReviewsTravis H.
intermediate skier
This resort is great for the beginner skier. It contains a nice selection of easy trails including a 3.5 mile green circle. Place doesn’t get too crowded and offers night skiing.... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Oct 15, 2021
AIAlex I.
intermediate snowboarder
Overall great resort. Not beginner friendly, but a blast of you’re a more experienced rider. Mostly blue trails and the snow was in great shape. Would definitely go to Keystone again.... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Oct 15, 2021
PSPeter S.
intermediate skier
The resort was great! no complaints whatsoever. the runs were hard enough for me yet easy enough for my S/O. The snow was good, the views were great, and the staff was helpful and friendly.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Oct 15, 2021
GRGrant R.
intermediate snowboarder
Great if no crowds the resort is a nice place for family fun and easily accessible compared to other slopes in the mountain. I would recommend getting your lift tickets and rentals day prior.... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Oct 15, 2021
RRRobert R.
beginner snowboarder
Keystone is a great place for beginners to advance skiers and snowboarders. The town could use a few more dining options. The staff were very helpful and attentive. The rental areas were very helpful.... More
Average!3 / 5Sep 07, 2020
Keystone ReviewsBrian T.
advanced skier
Keystone is a very versitile resort. Long and mellow beginner runs. Steep groomers. Trees, cliffs and back bowls. World class terrain park. If you are willing to explore the mountain, you will find untouched powder on even the busiest of days. I have always met friendly people to ride with on the chair.... More
Good!3.7 / 5Aug 19, 2020
Keystone ReviewsCole A.
advanced snowboarder
Love this place. Great options for all sorts of terrain and skill levels. Love the tree runs here. Not a fan of how crowded it is on the weekends, but what do you expect when it's one of the most affordable resorts around?... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Apr 20, 2020
Keystone ReviewsChristian B.
intermediate snowboarder
Keystone is another one of my favorite resorts but with some catches. It is an amazing and huge mountain with runs to keep you busy all day. You can spend years exploring this mountain and not find all it has to offer. Staff could take lessons on being friendlier, it's also crowded and I'm not too impressed that they increased season prices this... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Apr 20, 2020
Keystone ReviewsAllie H.
intermediate skier
Keystone is one of my favorite places to ski because it’s not crazy crowded and there’s a lot to do outside of just skiing. I love the gondola ride up but also wish it moved faster. Night skiing is fantastic there as well!... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Mar 22, 2020
Keystone ReviewsKyler A.
intermediate snowboarder
Great resort with the right amount on terrain. Great early season riding as well. Lifts are always staffed and meadical team is frequent and affective. Recommended for all ski levels.... More