Tucked away in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Keystone Resort is more than just a ski destination—it's a winter playground for all ages. With over 3,000 acres of diverse terrain, three distinct peaks, and a lively après-ski scene, Keystone delivers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
As one of the top ski resorts in the United States, Keystone offers countless experiences to make your ski holiday unforgettable. We've put together a practical guide filled with insider tips and essential information to help you plan the perfect Keystone ski holiday. Discover everything you need to know—from the unique characteristics of each mountain to the resort's snow history and vibrant après-ski scene. Plus, at the end of this guide, you’ll find a downloadable map of the resort, along with essential contact details and helpful links.
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Let’s dive into the ultimate winter escape!
Keystone Resort, Colorado
- Where is Keystone?
- Keystone the resort
- Keystone ski area
- Skiing in Keystone
- Keystone ski season dates
- Keystone snow history
- Restaurants in Keystone
- Things to do in Keystone
- Keystone après-ski, and nightlife
- Keystone resort map
- Practical information
Where is Keystone?
Keystone is located in Summit County, Colorado, within the Rocky Mountains, about 95 miles west of Denver.
For a detailed view of Keystone's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
- Eagle County Regional Airport (120 km)
Transfer time
- Eagle County Regional Airport (1hr 36 min)
Keystone the resort
Keystone itself does not function as a traditional single resort complex with all accommodations on-site. Instead, the area encompasses six main locations that offer lodging, dining, and facilities, ranging from bustling village centres to peaceful, nature-filled retreats, all with convenient access to the slopes and Keystone's extensive amenities.
- River Run Village: The bustling heart of Keystone, this pedestrian-friendly village is filled with shops, cosy restaurants, and lively après-ski venues, making it the most popular area for visitors.
- Mountain House: The original base area of Keystone, Mountain House offers a quieter atmosphere with easy access to ski rentals, ski school facilities, and a range of lodging options.
- Lakeside Village: Known for its scenic setting by the lake, this village is perfect for winter activities like ice skating and provides a variety of dining and accommodation options.
- East Keystone: A more residential area that offers a peaceful retreat with townhomes and condos, ideal for families or groups looking for a relaxed setting away from the main village buzz.
- North Keystone: This area provides a quieter lodging experience with condos and townhomes, offering easy access to the slopes via shuttle services while maintaining a laid-back, family-friendly environment.
- West Keystone: Surrounded by nature, West Keystone features larger accommodations like multi-bedroom condos and townhomes, making it a great option for groups seeking space and tranquility.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Family friendly | Limited extreme terrain |
| Efficient lift systems | Inconsistent snowfall |
| Excellent grooming & snowmaking systhem | Can get crowded, especially during peak times |
| Perfect for speed lovers | Lacks a cosy, charming vibe |
Here is how Keystone looks like
Watch Keystone on YouTube .
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Keystone ski area
- Summit elevation: 3,782 m
- Skiable terrain: 1273 ha
- Pistes: 139
- Vertical drop: 953 m
- Ski lifts: 20
Keystone's expansive ski area is a highlight, stretching across three mountains and five bowls.
- Dercum Mountain: Sitting at 11,640 feet, Dercum Mountain is perfect for beginners and families, featuring long, groomed slopes and gentle trails like the popular Schoolmarm. It’s also home to the World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort, offering plenty of family-focused fun and wide-open runs for intermediates.
- North Peak: Located just behind Dercum Mountain, North Peak caters to intermediate and advanced skiers. It offers a variety of challenging terrain, including long bump runs and steep trails like Diamond Back and Mozart, which test your skills while providing scenic mountain views.
- The Outback: As Keystone's highest and most remote peak, The Outback is a paradise for thrill-seekers. It features powder-filled bowls and exceptional tree skiing areas like The Windows, ideal for experienced skiers looking for untouched terrain and deep powder turns.
- Bergman Bowl: Newly accessible by the Bergman Express lift, this bowl features over 550 acres of terrain perfect for those looking to enjoy high alpine skiing without the steep challenges.
- Erickson Bowl: Accessible via the same lift as Bergman, Erickson Bowl offers more advanced terrain. This bowl connects back to the Outback Express and Wayback lifts, making it easy to explore its steeper runs and diverse trails.
- North Bowl, South Bowl, and Independence Bowl: These bowls provide a more rugged experience for expert skiers. They are accessible via hike-to routes, offering deep powder and tree skiing that remains relatively untouched.
Skiing in Keystone
Beginners
Keystone is a fantastic destination for beginners, thanks to its well-groomed slopes and excellent ski school. The gentle runs on Dercum Mountain, such as the Schoolmarm trail, provide a comfortable environment for learning and building confidence on the snow.
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers will enjoy the varied terrain at North Peak and The Outback, with plenty of blue runs like Paymaster that offer a mix of rolling cruisers and steeper slopes.
Advanced
Advanced skiers will find their challenge at Keystone's renowned expert trails, including Diamond Back, Go Devil, and the tree-lined Windows area. These runs offer a range of steep, mogul-filled descents and deep powder bowls, perfect for pushing your limits.
Off-piste
For those seeking off-piste adventures, the resort's hike-to terrain, including The Windows, North Bowl, South Bowl, and Independence Bowl, provides deep powder and tree skiing that remains relatively untouched.
Snowboarding
The A51 Terrain Park is a highlight, offering a mix of jumps, rails, boxes, and half-pipes suitable for all ability levels. With over 100 features spread across six distinct areas, A51 has something for everyone, from beginners learning to ride their first box to seasoned pros perfecting their tricks.
Keystone ski season dates
The ski season in Keystone for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 4th and run until April 12th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Keystone next winter, be sure to explore our Keystone ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Keystone snow history
Keystone Resort offers optimal snow conditions from December through April. December and January consistently bring about 15 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.2 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 21 cm and occurs more frequently, averaging 4.0 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the third week of April, traditionally the snowiest week in Keystone, with an impressive 31 cm of snow over 4.2 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 23 cm of snow over 3.7 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|
| December | 15 cm | 3.1 days |
| January | 15 cm | 3.3 days |
| February | 21 cm | 4.0 days |
| March | 22 cm | 3.6 days |
| April | 23 cm | 3.7 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
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Restaurants in Keystone
Mountain restaurants
- Alpenglow Stube: Dine at 11,444 feet with an incredible view, enjoying gourmet dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients.
- Timber Ridge Lodge: Rest and refuel at the newly expanded Timber Ridge Lodge, where you can enjoy beautiful mountain views and a warm plate of nachos.
- Labonte’s Cabin: Located at the base of the Ruby and Santiago chairlifts, this outdoor ski beach offers freshly smoked BBQ, brews, and fun in the sun.
- Summit House: Situated at the top of Dercum Mountain, Summit House is a great spot for a mountaintop lunch with options to satisfy all tastes, available Thursday through Monday during the season.
Resort restaurants
- Ski Tip Lodge: A historic dining destination that was once an 1800s stagecoach stop. It now offers a cosy atmosphere and an acclaimed menu, featuring creative American dishes that change with the seasons.
- Montezuma Roadhouse: Located in River Run Village, this spot is known for its fresh ingredients and gluten-free options.
- Go Big Burger: Located in the Mountain House Day Lodge, Go Big Burger serves up gourmet burgers, fries, and onion rings.
- Bighorn Bistro & Lounge: Gather friends and family for a full dinner menu in a casual setting, featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonally inspired dishes.
Things to do in Keystone
- Snow Fort (World's Largest Snow Fort atop Dercum Mountain)
- Mountaintop snow tubing
- Stables sleigh ride
- Ice skating
- Cross-country skiing
- Spa & salon
- Fitness & yoga
- Scenic gondola ride
Keystone après-ski and nightlife
- Kickapoo Tavern: Known for its lively atmosphere and spacious patio, this is the perfect spot for unwinding with a cold beer after a day on the slopes.
- 9280' Tap House: A popular bar in River Run Village with a great selection of craft cocktails and local brews.
- Snake River Saloon: A long-time favourite in Keystone, offering live music, dancing, and a laid-back vibe.
- The Goat Tavern: Featuring live bands and a casual atmosphere, The Goat is a great spot for those looking to enjoy some local tunes and good company.
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Keystone resort map
Download Keystone resort map here
