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Only about 35 minutes from Breckenridge, Keystone Ski Resort is one of Summit County’s premier ski and snowboard destinations. Known for its extensive terrain, family-friendly atmosphere, and diverse recreational offerings, Keystone attracts visitors seeking a memorable mountain experience. Keystone boasts three distinct peaks: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback. Each peak offers a range of terrain suitable for all skill levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging runs for experts.
The resort spans over 3,000 acres, making it one of the largest ski areas in Colorado. This vast terrain includes groomed slopes, glades, bowls, and challenging steeps.
Keystone Ski Resort, also located in Summit County, Colorado, is only about 15 miles from Breckenridge, making it easy to visit both resorts in one trip. Keystone is approximately 75 miles west of downtown Denver, with a drive of around 1.5 hours, making it easily accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.
Keystone is Summit County’s largest ski resort, and with three interconnected mountain peaks, the ski area caters to skiers and riders of all skill levels:
Dercum Mountain — This is the front-side mountain and is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers and riders. It features well-groomed slopes, and beginners can find excellent learning terrain here. The front-side also includes the Schoolmarm trail, one of the longest green runs in Colorado.
North Peak — Geared toward intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders, North Peak offers a mix of groomed runs and challenging terrain. The new Bergman Express lift provides access to the Bergman Bowl on Keystone Peak.
The Outback — Known for its expansive, ungroomed terrain, The Outback is a haven for advanced and expert skiers seeking powder and challenging runs. It is also where you’ll find some of Keystone’s famous tree skiing.
The history of Keystone resort harkens back to 1970 and its conception by Max Dercum, an Austrian immigrant and ski enthusiast, along with his wife Edna. Supported by a group of investors, they purchased a large tract of land in the Snake River Valley of the White River National Forest. Chosen for its abundant snowfall, Keystone Resort officially opened for skiing on November 21, 1970 when a lift ticket cost $5.
Keystone soon also gained recognition for pioneering night skiing in Colorado. In 1985, the resort introduced lighting systems on a portion of its slopes, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy skiing and snowboarding even after sunset. Today, Keystone is renowned for being one of the few resorts in Colorado that offers night skiing.
The resort changed hands through several owners, with the resort eventually becoming part of Vail Resorts, a major player in the ski industry, known for its portfolio of world-class mountain resorts.
Keystone is also well known for its A51 terrain park. This park includes 60 acres with a plethora of unique and exciting features, so beginners have the chance to advance, while more skilled skiers and riders can send it to the fullest.
In the 2023/24 season, Keystone will also be debuting the Bergman Express lift, a 6 person lift providing access to the Bergan and Erickson Bowls for some of the highest alpine runs available at the resort. This will allow access to 16 new trails and over 500 acres of terrain, including areas that had previously only been open for hike-to-bowl access; this opens up skiing and riding at both intermediate and advanced high alpine areas.
With five different lifts, Copper Mountain officially opened to the public in 1972. Over the years, the resort underwent significant expansion and development, including the addition of new ski terrain, lodging, and recreational facilities.
12% of Keystone ski resort’s 139 trails represents beginner terrain, with two specific learning areas at the the top of Dercum Mountain and at the mountain base. These areas are designated as “slow skiing” areas and are well suited for beginners. The short Ranger lift at the top of Dercum Mountain carries skiers and riders to the top of the learning area, and the Discover Lift at the base near Mountain house does the same. Beginners can also access green trails from the Montezuma Express and Ruby Express.
Intermediate terrain at Keystone makes up 39% of Keystone’s trail system. Keystone’s blue runs are spread out across the resort and its three mountains. On Dercum mountain, the River Run Gondola and Ruby Express lift provide access to blue runs, with Outback Mountain offering a more advanced intermediate experience and Bergman Bowl showcasing fun trails to explore Keystone’s high alpine terrain.
The majority of Keystone’s terrain is advanced, with 49% of trails falling into this category. North Peak hosts several steep moguls, while the most advanced runs can be found on The Outback mountain, accessed by the Outback-Express lift. The Independence Bowl, Erickson Bowl, North Bowl, and South Bowl also offer expert skiing and riding options, with access often limited to hiking.
A51, Keystone’s terrain park, is recognized as one of North America’s best terrain parks. Located on Dercum Mountain and including 96 acres, the terrain park is easily accessible and offers progressive terrain for beginner through advanced skiers and riders. Incubator, the beginner section, hosts smaller jumps and wider box, while Park Lane, The Alley, and I-70 increase the excitement with progressively more difficult jumps. The most difficult section, Main Street, has been utilized by professional skiers and riders to hone their skills.
For individuals eager to develop their skills or for beginners new to their snow sports journey, Keystone ski resort provides both private and group lessons suitable for kids, adults, and entire families.
Keystone Resort offers a diverse range of lodging options to suit the preferences and needs of different visitors.
Slope-side condos and townhomes at Keystone provide a convenient and immersive mountain experience for visitors seeking easy access to the slopes. These units vary in size, from cozy one-bedroom condos to spacious townhomes that can accommodate larger groups. The Springs, for example, is a family-friendly slope-side condos with a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, located in River Run Village with direct access to the slopes.
Keystone features a variety of hotels ranging from luxury options to more budget-friendly choices. These hotels often provide convenient amenities, such as on-site dining, fitness centers, and easy access to the resort’s activities. Keystone Lodge & Spa offers a luxurious hotel experience, where guests can enjoy a spa and on-site dining.
Condominiums and vacation rentals are popular choices for families and larger groups. These accommodations typically offer more space, kitchens, and living areas, providing a home-away-from-home experience. Situated in the heart of the resort, River Run Condominiums offer convenient access to the slopes and the lively village.
For the ultimate convenience, visitors can choose ski-in/ski-out lodging options, allowing direct access to the slopes. Timber Trail Lodge, near the River Run Gondola, provides ski-in/ski-out townhomes. These spacious and modern townhomes offer direct access to the slopes, making it convenient for those looking to maximize their time on the mountain.
Breckenridge Ski & Sport stands out as Summit County’s preferred ski and board rental shop. With rentals for beginner through advanced skiers and riders, our shop offers gear rentals suitable for the entire family, with all winter packages including poles and a helmet. Secure a 30% discount by booking your rentals online and enjoy quick gear pickup on your way to Keystone ski resort.
Surefoot, located in the River Run Village, offers customized ski boot fitting, so you can send it comfortably all day long. This shop specializes in assuring alignment and fit are tailored to each customer, with a focus on warmth, comfort, and style.
As its name suggests, Cures ‘n Curiosities hosts a little bit of everything for those looking to pick up trinkets or gifts during their time in Keystone. Visitors can pick up souvenirs, t-shirts, snacks, and even some groceries during their time in River Run Village.
In nearby Dillon, Sun & Ski Sports provides snow sport, cycling, skating, running, watersport, and camping gear, specializing in quality outdoor gear for every sport enthusiasts. Here, you can purchase ski and snowboards, along with other gear and winter apparel.
Keystone Restaurants and Apres-Ski Spots.
At the base of North Peak, Labonte’s Cabin hosts a ski up beach, perfect for taking a break during a long day of skiing or riding. This restaurant and apres spot specializes in barbeque, chili, and other sides.
The Ranch offers a rustic style, fine dining experience with opportunities for fireside seating. The steakhouse’s menu includes hearty soups and salads, alongside meat dishes.
The Last Lift Bar is located at Keystone ski resort’s Mountain House base area and specializes in all day apres. This bar offers drinks and music, with unique cocktail options.
Located within Mountain House Lodge, Coffee Corner provides an early morning boost for your slopeside adventure. Grab your coffee and a to-go breakfast, and beat the crowds to the lifts.
Also within Mountain House Lodge, Go Big Burger offers classic burgers, alongside more specialty options. Fuel up before your ski day or recover after with a delicious burger, fries, onion rings, and other sides.
