Keystone is the mountain that lets you have it all. By day, it’s a wide-open playground of perfectly groomed runs, playful trees, and secret powder stashes. By night, it lights up for some of the best after-dark skiing in North America. Families love it for the ease, advanced skiers love it for the terrain off Outback, and everyone loves it for that rare combination of convenience, fun, and freedom. Keystone is where serious skiing meets pure joy—and where you can ski from sunrise to starlight.
Quick Stats
- Location: Keystone, Colorado (Summit County)
- Elevation: 9,280 ft base / 12,408 ft summit
- Vertical Drop: 3,128 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 3,149 acres
- Annual Snowfall: ~235 inches
- Number of Runs: 142
- Lifts: 21
- Vibe Check: Friendly, accessible, and quietly underrated
The Vibe
Keystone feels like the resort next door that somehow has world-class everything. The three connected peaks—Dercum, North Peak, and The Outback—offer progression for every level of skier. Kids laugh their way down Schoolmarm, intermediates carve perfect turns off Outpost Gondola, and experts head for powder laps deep in The Outback. The village feels casual and easygoing, more about fireplaces and craft beer than flash. Keystone has mastered the art of approachable adventure—it’s where you can teach your kids to ski in the morning and still find untracked lines by afternoon.
Must-Ride Runs
🟢 Greens
- Schoolmarm – one of Colorado’s longest green runs, stretching over 3.5 miles
- Scout – wide and gentle, great for perfecting turns
🟦 Blues
- Paymaster – classic cruiser off Dercum with a rolling pitch
- Santa Fe – flowy, fun, and usually quieter than the main runs
- Starfire – intermediate run with playful rollers and beautiful views
♦ Blacks
- Cat Dancer – steep and fast with consistent snow all season
- The Grizz – tree-lined challenge in The Outback
- Wolverine – expert terrain with natural features that locals love
Après + Town Stays
Keystone’s village scene is small but packed with character, and nearby Dillon and Silverthorne expand the options with good food and live music.
- Kickapoo Tavern – laid-back après spot right at the River Run base with craft beer and great burgers
- Ski Tip Lodge – reservation-only hidden gem nestled in a romantic log cabin turned fine-dining restaurant just minutes from the lifts
- Inxpot Café – coffee by morning, whiskey bar by night
- The Goat Soup & Whiskey Tavern – locals’ hangout for comfort food and live music
- Steep Brewing & Coffee Co. – small-batch beer and espresso right in the village
- Keystone Lodge & Spa – slopeside luxury with a full-service spa and lakeside views
- The Springs Condominiums – family-friendly lodging steps from the gondola
Travel Tips
Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), then take I-70 west to Keystone—about a two-hour drive depending on weather. Summit Express and Colorado Mountain Express shuttles make car-free travel simple. Once you’re there, free in-resort shuttles connect the base areas and lodging. Keystone offers night skiing most weekends through March, so plan at least one evening under the lights. Arrive midweek for smaller crowds and better parking options.
Fun Facts
- Keystone offers Colorado’s longest ski day, with night skiing until 8 PM.
- The resort is home to the largest snow fort in North America for kids.
- Keystone was one of the first U.S. resorts to allow cat skiing for the public.
- It’s part of the Epic Pass, making it a perfect add-on to nearby Breckenridge and Vail trips.
- The mountain hosts frequent star-gazing and fireworks nights throughout winter.
Why It Made Our Top 50 List
Keystone earns its place for being everything to everyone—family-friendly, powder-ready, and open long after the sun goes down. It’s approachable without ever feeling small, offering world-class runs, night skiing, and a community that’s genuinely stoked to be there. If you want a Colorado trip with heart and variety, Keystone is it.