Keystone Mountain - Skiing

Review

Intro

No other ski area in Colorado balances family-friendly terrain with challenging expert runs as well as Keystone. The Outback area features long intermediate and black diamond runs with plenty of bumps and secret stashes of powder. Plenty of bumps and long runs can also be found at North Peak mixed with harder blue runs and black diamonds as well. For those who like a little less speed or are just learning, Dercum Mountain has long and short green and blue runs. The A51 Terrain Park is a world-class stage for extreme boarders and skiers who want to go big, jam on rails, or get creative on a variety of features. Top it all off with a solid ridge hike to access Keystone's impressive bowls (especially the Independence Bowl), where there is often fresh snow and daring lines through the forest below.

What Makes It Great

If you are up to the challenge, book a full day CAT Ski tour of Independence Bowl up above tree line. Keystone also features night skiing on specific days. Just down the road is the Keystone Nordic Center with tubing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Don't miss the Soup Bistro on your visit for delicious homemade soups sure to warm you up. Rentals and lessons are available at the resort as well as a wealth of shopping. Plenty of lodging options from condo rentals and motels can be found at the resort or close by. Restaurants serving quick bites and brews to Italian and Mexican are on the mountain, in the resort area or in the surrounding area. Keystone is also a great destination in the summer for lift service mountain biking, trail running and hiking.

Keystone's front side is perfect for lapping blue runs or ducking in and out of pockets of trees. Traverse over to the backside, where more varied terrain awaits. Do you have the legs to finish the entire black-diamond Cat Dancer bump line without stopping? Are you ready to scope out the high bowls? Or maybe you want to simply cruise along the peaceful terrain on the green-rated Schoolmarm, where breathtaking views of the Tenmile and Gore Range Mountains are worth the time to stop and admire.

Who is Going to Love It

Keystone has great terrain for all levels of skiers, from experts to families. The village has plenty of variety of dining and bars—not to mention the on-mountain options (many of which stay open into the night). Keystone spreads out nicely, making for a fine mix that lets you put your skills to the test or simply head out and enjoy the mountainous views and relaxed vibe. Don't let the kid-friendly moniker fool you: there's plenty of fun for kiddos, but traverse to the backside for more grown-up terrain.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Keystone is located on US 6, 7 miles from I-70 over Loveland Pass from Exit 216. It can also be reached by Frisco (7 miles) along US 6.