Keystone is consistently rated as one of the best all-around ski resorts in the world. Keystone is perfectly catered to families and groups of intermediate to advanced skiing ability. The resort boasts diverse terrain, reliable snow conditions, and a charming village filled with bars and restaurants—all just under a two-hour drive from Denver Airport.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about this rock-solid resort from terrain, lodging, dining, and insider tips. By the end you’ll see why Keystone is among the best ski resorts in Colorado.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- 3,128 feet vertical drop
- 12,408 ft Summit elevation
- 3149 Acres
- Best for Groups and Families at Intermediate-Advanced Skill Level
- 235 inches of snow annually
- EPIC Pass
- Great Tree Runs and Hike to Terrain
Keystone is the classic rock-solid Colorado ski resort with progressive terrain and enough après to satisfy.
Why it’s awesome
Keystone spans three impressive peaks—Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback—offering a diverse range of terrain to suit all skill levels. While there are options for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders, Keystone really shines for solid intermediates and advanced skiers or snowboarders. The resort has limited terrain specifically tailored to true beginners or true experts, making it best suited for those in the middle to upper skill ranges.
This is an excellent destination for families and groups, offering a vibrant village filled with restaurants and bars. The mountain is also easy to navigate, making it simple for groups to stay connected and regroup without hassle. Its lively atmosphere and accessibility make Keystone an ideal spot for shared adventures.
For Beginners
Most of the beginner terrain is concentrated on Dercum Mountain, particularly the scenic 3.5-mile Schoolmarm run, which doubles as a designated family zone. Schoolmarm often becomes extremely crowded, and the heavy traffic can make it challenging for beginners to fully utilize the trail’s width and navigate comfortably. While weekdays are generally less busy, true beginners might find nearby resorts like Breckenridge or Ski Cooper to be better options.
Intermediate Terrain
Keystone offers exceptional terrain for intermediate skiers, with standout runs across the mountain. Here are my top recommendations.
- Spring Dipper and Paymaster are immaculately groomed blue runs that offer an exciting challenge without being overwhelming.
- Head to the North Peak area and loop the Santiago Express running Prospector and Starfire for a mix of groomed and ungroomed runs.
Advanced Terrain
- Test your skills in the trees at the Cat South Glades and Cat Dancer off the Santiago Express lift. These runs are a ton of fun.
- The Outback has you covered with a variety of ungroomed steeps and glades.
- Frenchman’s Run is a fast, groomed black diamond for those who love speed.
- Keystone also offers plenty of moguls and powder stashes for advanced skiers.
Pro Tip: Stay away from Mozart on icy days. Instead, explore The Outback and enjoy less-crowded trails.
Expert Terrain
- While Keystone isn’t known for extreme terrain, it does have some extremely fun expert level runs if you’re willing to hike.
- South Bowl, North Bowl, and Black Forest are thrilling advanced options, with rewarding powder and cliff drops.
- The Independence Bowl offers steep double-black terrain with some of Keystone’s best powder.
Terrain Parks of All Sizes
Keystone has five solid terrain parks with small, medium, and large features. Take the Peru Express lift up to the top of the park area. Once on top you can loop any of the parks and come back up the Area 51 lift.
On-Mountain Experience and Après-Ski
Dining Highlights
- If you’re on the mountain, I would eat Timber Ridge Lodge for good food and shorter lines.
- Labonte’s Smokehouse always smells delicious and is hard to resist if you’re riding up the Santiago or Ruby Express.
- For après-ski, visit Goat Soup & Whiskey Tavern a hotspot for live music, great atmosphere, and comforting bar food.
- For quick grab-and-go options, don’t miss The Crepe Stand or Argentos Empanadas—perfect for morning energy or an end-of-day treat.
Family Activities
- Tubing & Ice Skating: The tubing hill at Adventure Point and the massive outdoor ice rink at Keystone Village is easily accessible.
- World’s Largest Snow Fort: Find the world’s largest Snow Fort at the top of Dercum Mountain. The nearby Summit House has hot chocolate and food to fuel you up before riding back down the mountain.
- Scenic Sleigh Ride Dinners: Ride a sleigh through stunning landscapes on your way to a gourmet dinner, perfect for a family-friendly Western adventure.
Best Keystone Hotels
There are some great lodging options in the Keystone Village and within shuttle distance to the lifts. The ski in/ski out accommodations here tend to be more affordable than others in the area.
Don’t be overwhelmed with options, Contact Skizi to get your hassle-free custom itinerary and expert advice.
The Springs Condos by Keystone Resort
Walk to the lifts and enjoy comfortable condos which sleep from 4 to 8 with full kitchens and a game room. These are perfect for large groups and families who want to be walking distance from the slopes and have a fun at home experience.
These are in the village and walking distance to a variety of shops and restaurants.
River Run Village by Keystone Resort
The River Run Village is a condominium complex within walking distance to the River Run Gondola.
The community has a pool and hot tub as well as different sized condos from studio up to 3 bedroom that sleep up to 8. Great place to stay with full kitchens and close proximity to the town of Keystone.
The Keystone Lodge and Spa by Keystone Resort
For a more upscale experience check out the Keystone Lodge and Spa. The lodge has a state-of-the-art spa including a couple’s treatment room, hydro-therapy, and relaxation lounge. You will also find hot tubs, ski and snowboard storage, and loft rooms which sleep up to 4.
Getting There
Fastest Route
- Fly into Denver International Airport(DEN), then drive approx. 1 hour40 minutes to Keystone
- Transfer from the Airport
- The Summit County area has a free shuttle bus that runs between the metropolitan areas and the various ski resorts.
- Pro Tip: To save money you can transfer to the Frisco Station then take the Shuttle to where you need to go.
- Check the Winter Schedule Here
- Transfer Companies
Contact Skizi
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