Keystone has earned a reputation as "all things to all skiers," with differing terrain across 3 mountains. A system of interconnected high-speed lifts and gondolas make it easy to move around. There are plenty of beginner slopes, so don't worry if you're not an expert! You'll be particularly thrilled with the largest single-mountain night skiing venue in North America and the only such place in Colorado! Formerly a "Skiers Only" destination, Keystone now welcomes snowboarders and offers a variety of winter sports, including tubing, and ice skating on 5 acres of frozen lake. Li ... More
Keystone has earned a reputation as "all things to all skiers," with differing terrain across 3 mountains. A system of interconnected high-speed lifts and gondolas make it easy to move around. There are plenty of beginner slopes, so don't worry if you're not an expert! You'll be particularly thrilled with the largest single-mountain night skiing venue in North America and the only such place in Colorado! Formerly a "Skiers Only" destination, Keystone now welcomes snowboarders and offers a variety of winter sports, including tubing, and ice skating on 5 acres of frozen lake.
Luxury resort adjacent to Keystone Lake and the resort village, with a spa – This eco- and family-friendly year-round lodge is the world's longest-honored resort member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. It's surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains and thousands of acres of the White River National Forest. The resort offers easy access to Keystone's 3 snow-covered playgrounds: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback.
Year-round 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom condos, convenient to Keystone skiing – Enjoy ski-in/ski-out access to the River Run Gondola and Summit Express Chairlift at this condominium resort at the base of Dercum Mountain. The many attractions of River Run Village, including galleries, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, street parties, and lively annual festivals, are just a short stroll over the Snake River Bridge.
Condominium resort located a mere half-mile from great Keystone skiing – This family- and group-friendly condo property is in Keystone's original village, where shops, galleries, restaurants, and year-round events and activities keep the atmosphere festive. Walk to Keystone Lake and the Keystone Conference Center. The Keystone Ski Resort has slopes for every skill level and is known for its fabulous night skiing.
Residential-style accommodations set in a charming ski resort village – This appealing, comfortable, and popular condominium resort is in River Run Village in Keystone, near dining, nightlife, shops, and lively festivals. You can easily walk or take complimentary transportation to the River Run Gondola. Experience a taste of the spirit and the culture of the American West.
Conveniently located condo resort, a mile from Mountain House Ski Village – This serene year-round mountain getaway at the base of Dercum Mountain is a budget-conscious choice for singles, couples, and small families. It's a mere 50 yards from the Peru Express Chairlift, making winter skiing and snowboarding adventures easily accessible. The resort provides elevator access to its heated underground garage.
Affordable condominium resort on the west end of Keystone Resort – Set in a secluded area within a forest of tall lodgepole pines and near the Snake River, this value condo resort is located less than 2 miles from the Keystone Resort slopes and less than 3 miles from the Keystone Ranch Golf Course. Free shuttles go to ski lifts and villages.
Value condo resort with a quiet ambience, in the wooded area of West Keystone – Feel close to nature at this affordable condominium resort on the banks of the Snake River and bordering the White River National Forest. Enjoy easy access to the Keystone Bike Path, the River Golf Course, and Keystone Lakeside Village. Three ski areas are nearby: Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Breckenridge. A complimentary shuttle runs year-round.
Contemporary value hotel between Lakeside Village and River Run Village – Set in the Keystone Ski Resort in the Rocky Mountains, this economical 6-story hotel is just 300 yards from the Mountain House Base Area and a half-mile from the River Run Gondola, both offering access to Dercum Mountain. A complimentary resort shuttle goes to River Run Gondola, among other places.
Lift tickets from Keystone are also valid at Breckenridge and at Vail/Beaver Creek (on specified days), via the Mountain Passport that helps maximize your vacation. You can also take a cross-country ski trek through the wilderness of the Arapaho National Forest, zoom down the 2,000-foot drop of the mountains, or capitalize on the different family and children's activities in charming Keystone Village. River Run is the newest, most convenient village and the most popular. It is within walking distance of the gondola, shopping, and restaurants. When the snow melts, Keystone offers an entirely new array of outdoor activities, including mountain biking and river rafting. No matter the season, Keystone is a play-all-day utopia!
Please note that times reflect flights to Denver. Driving time from Denver to Keystone is 1.5 hours.
New York City 4.5 hours
Miami 4.5 hours
Philadelphia 4.25 hours
Boston 4.5 hours
Los Angeles 2.25 hours
Chicago 2.75 hours
Dallas-Fort Worth 2 hours
San Francisco 2.5 hours
Dercum Mountain: This flagship mountain offers slopes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiiers. The wide, groomed trails make for smooth sailing, and there are designated slow skiing areas. Keystone Mountain is accessible from the Keystone Village Base.
North Peak: Also accessible from the Keystone Village Base, North Peak is popular with powerful skiers for its steep, mogul-covered plunges. Advanced skiers will also enjoy the smooth cruisers. If you're already an expert on the slopes, this mountain offers challenging courses to accompany the fantastic scenery.
The Outback: Just beyond North Peak lies the Outback, Keystone's secluded and thrilling back bowls. Daredevil intermediate and advanced skiers will love the tree-filled glades, usually featuring well-protected stashes of powder after snow is packed on other runs. This is the third mountain that can be reached from the Keystone Village Base.
Arapahoe Basin: There is nothing fancy here — the Basin is known as "the steep and deep" with 40% of the mountain classified as advanced and expert and 60% is for intermediates and novices to enjoy. Runs on this mountain are considered some of the most challenging skiing in the state, an admirable distinction in Colorado. This is the only mountain not accessible from Keystone Village. To take advantage of the excitement of the Basin, skiers need to take a ten-minute shuttle ride up Loveland Pass.
Located 75 miles west of Denver, Keystone is set high in the Rocky Mountains. The area is composed of three different mountains, each with a unique terrain. The Outback is known for its tree-covered glades, while North Peak features steep mogul-covered plunges. The highest summit reaches12,200 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,900 feet.
The extreme altitude and alpine climate cycle through the four distinct seasons, each with its own beauty and related activities. Snowfall averages 230 inches each year and summer is known for its mild temperatures, cool evenings, and low precipitation.
Spring 51°
Summer 70°
Fall 56°
Winter 24°
The famous "champagne powder" covers the slopes from November to April, but summers are a wonderful and little-known secret. The mountains are blanketed with wildflowers and festivals fill the valley, creating a whole new playground for outdoor folks. Temperatures are warmest and wildflowers are at their peak in July and August, when resorts are amazingly uncrowded. Also, many locals say their favorite month is September, when autumn sets the aspen leaves ablaze in gold and scarlet hues.
Skiing And Snowboarding: The Keystone ski area encompasses 3 mountains (Dercum, North Peak, and The Outback), a vertical rise of 2,900 feet, 116 trails, and Colorado's only night skiing. The trails vary for all skill levels, and boarders can look forward to their own terrain park and high-speed quad. Your lift ticket is also valid at Breckenridge, and select days at Vail/Beaver Creek. "Champagne powder" covers the slopes from November to April, when ski season is at its peak. The Rocky Mountains provide acres of accessible ski terrain, including above timberline bowls, moguls, chutes, groomed runs, glades, and a snowboard park. Snowfall averages 300 inches a year.
Gorgeous Countryside: The sight of the Rockies scraping the sky is truly stunning. A number of villages around the area accommodate visitors and provide a small selection of restaurants, taverns, shops, and scenic walks. River Run is the newest and most convenient village, and also the most popular. It is within walking distance of the gondola, shopping, and restaurants. When the snow melts, Keystone offers an entirely new array of outdoor activities, including mountain biking and river rafting. No matter the season, Keystone is a play-all-day utopia!
Active Pursuits: Many, many people come to Keystone in the winter to ski and snowboard, but there are loads of other things to do, both during winter and the rest of the year. Sleigh rides and dog sledding are competitive activities, and many people like to snowshoe or ride snowmobiles through the woods. In the spring and summer, fly fishermen descend on the lakes and streams around Keystone. Rainbows and browns in excess of 20 inches can be caught on dry flies. This area of scenic wilderness is also perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. You can even find a golf course in this mountainous environment!
Skiing & Snowboarding: Of course, it's the #1 reason people visit, and with 3 separate mountains, a vertical rise of 2,900 feet, 116 trails, and Colorado's only night skiing, it's no wonder! The trails vary for all skill levels, and boarders can look forward to their own terrain park and high-speed quad. Your lift ticket is also valid at Breckenridge, and select days at Vail/Beaver Creek!
Ice-Skating: Keystone Ice Rink is the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor skating lake in North America. The rink is open from November to March, with weekly fireworks shows. Try the skating lessons and hockey clinics, and bring the kids on Mondays for "Glow Bug Night."
Snowmobiling: Buzz through abandoned mining sites or take in the awesome sight of the Continental Divide from the backcountry. Drive or hitch a ride!
Arkansas River Rafting: Both adventurers and families enjoy this float through Brown's Canyon. Surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, rafters are likely to see bighorn sheep, deer, hawks, and eagles in their natural environment.
Colorado River Rafting: The calm waters of this river are ideal for beginners and families. Guides float you through gorgeous scenery and entertain you with local lore.
Blue River Rafting: Opt for the Blue River if you want high-speed thrills. It's a high-country whitewater ride, with calmer spots for breaks.
Fly-Fishing: The Snake and Blue Rivers offer some of the best gold-medal fly fishing in the nation. Local guides are known as the best in the business, and offer clinics all year.
Llama Lunch Hikes: Have a llama carry your gear as you hike along the Mountain Top trail. Guides lead you to a scenic lunch spot atop Keystone Mountain, and entertain you with stories along the way.
Tubing: Dubbed the "rambunctious sibling" of snowboarding in the home of one of the country's longest and steepest tubing hills. It has a 42-degree pitch and over 1,000 feet of groomed tracks atop Keystone Mountain. Adventure Point is accessible via the gondolas or from the summit-express lift at the River Run base area.
Historic Bus Tour: If your legs are crying for mercy but you still want to explore the area, hop on one of the local tour buses with an entertaining guide telling local folklore and ghost stories while you explore the old mining towns. There are historic cabins and other Old West relics scattered throughout the Snake River Valley.
There aren't many restaurants in Keystone, a couple dozen about covers it, but the choices are surprisingly good and varied. Four- and five-star dining, family fare, and some down-home western eateries do the trick for most everyone.
Gourmet
Keystone Ranch: This AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant serves an extraordinary fusion of Colorado cuisine, wild game specialties, and a tasty selection of traditional entrees. Meander through a luxurious six-course dinner, and you'll see why the Keystone Ranch is recognized as one of Colorado's best restaurants by the prestigious Zagat Survey. Keystone Ranch Golf Course
Alpenglow Stube: For a dinner you will never forget, visit the Alpenglow Stube. This fabulous old-world restaurant sits high in the mountains, where guests are greeted by the charm of an old lodge and fuzzy slippers. The fireplace roars as diners tuck into their roast duck breast, wood-grilled filet mignon, and other exciting menu items. The wine list, which includes port and cognac, is reputed to be the longest for miles around. The Outpost, atop North Peak
Highly Recommended
Edgewater Cafe & Express: Stop here for breakfast before hitting the slopes, where a hot plate of sausages, waffles, and home fries will keep you going all day. Come back in the afternoon and recuperate with a deli sandwich, turkey panini, or buffalo chicken wrap on the lakeside patio. There are always a number of warming homemade soups ready. Lakeside Village
Kickapoo Tavern: Hearty portions of home-style American food fly out the kitchen into hungry mouths. A fine selection of Colorado microbrews washes it all down, and countless television sets let you know that this is a place to just relax and warm up before heading back outside. River Run Village
Local Flair
Summit Seafood Company: Although they serve an assortment of seafood imported from the Pacific and Atlantic, the Summit Seafood Company also specializes in freshly caught trout from the nearby rivers and streams. The menu includes mahi mahi, swordfish, and more, but be sure to ask about the catch of the day. Remember, you're 2 miles above sea level! Lakeside Village
Great Northern Tavern: There might not be a better way to end the day than with a hot dinner and a refreshing handcrafted microbrew. There is a beer for every meal on the menu, be it grilled steak, lamb chops, seafood, or what have you. Come on in and join in the cheer. River Run Village
Romantic
Ski Tip Lodge: This former 1800s stagecoach depot has been transformed into a cozy little bed & breakfast that serves up some of the best comfort food on the divide. Sit down with the one you love to a four-course dinner and experience food and service that's always receiving rave reviews. Top off the night with a cuddle by the fireplace and acoffee and slice of rich tiramisu from the famed dessert menu. Keystone
Champeaux: Enjoy the finest French cuisine of the Rockies and be treated to vast panoramic views of Keystone Lake and the sweeping Snake River Valley in this most romantic of mountain settings. Try the steak au poivre, classic Provencal bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and more, all expertly prepared and served in a beautiful French garden setting. Keystone
Skiing is the main attraction even after the sun goes down, although you do have other options. Keystone boasts the only night skiing in Colorado, and it is an extremely popular activity. If you prefer a change of pace after dark, try some of the western entertainment that recalls the region's Wild West roots.
Horse Drawn Wagon Dinner Rides: Get a feel for the mountaineer life as Belgian draft horses pull you by wagon to the Soda Creek Homestead under the setting sun. Feast on home-cooked chicken, ribs, cornbread, baked beans, corn on the cob, and apple pie a la mode. A cowboy entertainer performs around the campfire and throughout dinner. The sleigh-ride then takes you back under the stars, making a romantic end to your evening!
Full Moon Tours: Cross-country skiers and snowshoers depart from North Peak and head to the summit of Keystone Mountain. Catch spectacular views by moonlight from the "top of the world." Guides plan refreshment breaks.
North Peak Bump Bonanza: This contest is not for the faint of heart! The amateur bump competition takes place at North Peak's "Ambush" and is a great time for spectators as much as for participants! February
4th Annual Luna Chase Snowshoe Race: Bring your aloha attire to the top of Keystone Mountain for this awesome nightime snowshoe event and Hawaiian party. There will be prizes for the top three men & women finishers and raffle prizes. February
River Run Mardi Gras Street Party & Parade: Celebrate with a Gumbo cook-off, a Cajun DJ, and an outlandish parade on "Fat Tuesday." This party is reputedly the rowdiest Mardi Gras outside New Orleans! February/March
St. Patrick's Day Celebration: Irish or not, come enjoy St. Patrick’s day in River Run! Party with us after a great day of skiing at Keystone Mountain. Enjoy music, hot and cold beverages, delicious food, and zany games. Visit with Mr. and Mrs. St. Patrick while roaming the streets of River Run. March
River Run Blues and BBQ: When Spring fever hits, Keystone parties. The sweet blues tunes mellow you out while you feast on the barbecue treats. It's the truest "apres-ski" party, commemorating the end of the season. April
Easter Celebrations: Celebrate Easter and springtime on the streets of River Run. Live music, ice-cold brews, food booths, and more. Meet the Easter Bunny on Sunday, participate in an Easter Egg Hunt, and, if you feel the heavenly urge, you can attend Catholic Church services. March/April
Christmas in Keystone: The mountain holiday season brings old-fashioned celebrations like children's craft nights and caroling with Elisabeth Von Trapp, granddaughter of Maria Von Trapp from the "Sound of Music." She also performs a free concert, there's a torchlight ski parade, and, of course, Santa visits with the kids. December
Casual clothes are appropriate pretty much everywhere year round, with the occasional need for "smart casual" in a few upscale restaurants. Layered clothing and a medium-gauge jacket are the best choice for spring and autumn, and loose, natural fibers in summer. Wear heavy, layered, waterproof clothing and boots in winter.
We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.
Altitude: At 8,750 feet, "the air is rare" with an oxygen pressure 40% lower than at sea level. This thin atmosphere makes "low landers" a little sluggish at first, and preventative measures are recommended, like avoiding alcohol and caffeine for a few days, drinking lots of fluids, and avoiding overexertion for 2-3 days.
Sunburn: The combination of bright sun and reflective snow can cause skiers to burn more easily than at lower elevations. Wear sunblock and sunglasses with UV protection.
Colorado Travel and Tourism Authority: 1625 Broadway, Suite 1700, Denver, CO 80202, Phone, 303-892-3885 or toll-free 800-265-6723
Colorado Ski Country USA: 1560 Broadway, Suite 2000, Denver, CO 80202, Phone 303-837-0793