Keystone Skiing & Snowboarding
Resort Guide
Keystone, which is a quick 90 minute drive from Denver, is one of the best family ski and snowboard areas in Colorado, and also has some of the best terrain parks in the world. Families will love the great beginner access on the mountain and its multiple learning areas. Located in Summit County, skiers and snowboarders can stay in nearby Dillon and Silverthorne have great access to Keystone, as well as neighboring Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin. This makes Keystone a great destination for longer skiing and snowboarding trips.
The front side of the mountain has a great selection of terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers. The runs directly off of the River Run Gondola and Summit Express chair are all intermediate runs, many of which are groomed often. Beginners have many options at Keystone as well. There are two learning areas, one at the base off of the Discovery Chair, and one at the summit off of the Ranger Chair. The Schoolmarm family ski trail is a nice spot to bring children, who will love the fun obstacles like “Tornado Alley” and the “Rockin’ Rollers.”
Keystone’s world famous Terrain parks are found on the mountain’s front side as well. There are three main parks, served by their own lift, the A-51 chairlift. From smallest features to largest the parks are I-70, Park Lane, and Mainstreet. I-70 has small boxes and jibs, Park Lane has a bunch of bigger creative jib setups, and Mainstreet has multiple jump lines. The biggest of these jumps are usually 65’-75’. On any given day in these terrain parks there will be professional skiers and snowboarders lapping the parks. With some of the best parks in the world, many of these pros call Keystone home.
For advanced skiers and snowboarders looking to shred the mountain, Keystone’s backside and Outback area is the place to be. This area is accessed by dropping into The Windows, or taking the Outpost Gondola over. The three lifts in The Outback have a ton of fun skiing and snowboarding to explore. Higher up, Keystone shuttles riders along the high ridge that is the backdrop to the resort. The cat runs depending on conditions, and costs $10. All of this terrain can be accessed by hiking as well. The terrain
Keystone is a quick 90 minute drive from Denver. This makes Keystone one of the closer ski resorts to the front range and the Denver International Airport. Ski traffic along I-70 can more than double travel times, however, so make sure to plan ahead and stay up to date with current road conditions. For skiers and snowboarders coming from the airport, the Colorado Mountain Express Shuttle is a great option. Once in Summit County, the Summit Stage busses can also be used to get to the slopes of Keystone.
Travel Resources:
Travel Directions to Keystone
Summit Stage Bus
Road Conditions
Keystone is a quick 90 minute drive from Denver. This makes Keystone one of the closer ski resorts to the front range and the Denver International Airport. Ski traffic along I-70 can more than double travel times, however, so make sure to plan ahead and stay up to date with current road conditions. For skiers and snowboarders coming from the airport, the Colorado Mountain Express Shuttle is a great option. Once in Summit County, the Summit Stage busses can also be used to get to the slopes of Keystone.
Travel Directions to Keystone
Summit Stage Bus
Road Conditions
There is a variety of lodging at the base of Keystone resort. While skiers and snowboarders can stay here, the village is a smaller collection of shops and restaurants, as opposed to the full towns like Breckenridge and Vail. Nearby, Dillon and Frisco are 10 and 20 minute drives or bus rides respectively. Staying in Dillon or Frisco is a great choice for skiers and snowboarders who are looking to ride at multiple resorts in one trip.
Keystone Lodging
Our Favorite Snowboards Keystone
Local Food Picks
Keystone has some solid dining options on the mountain, where there are multiple restaurants and cafes. The Alpenglow Stube is a fine dining establishment on Keystone’s backside, accessed by the two gondolas. This is one of the most upscale on mountain experiences in the area. Blue Moon Bakery is a killer spot to stop for breakfast on the way to Keystone, the bagel sandwiches are a top choice to keep you going all day long. The Dam Brewery in Dillon is a great spot for dinner after long days on the slopes. They have beers brewed in-house and tasty pub food.On Mountain Dining
Blue Moon Bakery
Dillon Dam Brewery
Our Favorite Skis For Keystone
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Keystone?
Keystone ski and snowboard lift tickets are among the more expensive in Colorado. As a part of Vail Resorts, however, deals can be found by combining with lodging, rentals, buying online, and buying multiple day tickets. Buying lift tickets online at least seven days ahead is the best way to save money. Depending on the length of a ski and snowboard vacation, buying Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass may also help to save some money. Children and seniors receive discounted Keystone lift tickets, as well.Epic Pass
Keystone Weather Information
Keystone sits in a unique location that causes the ski and snowboard area to see less snow than neighboring mountains, however, the natural snowfall is bolstered by a robust system of snowmaking. Keystone receives 230” of average annual snowfall, which is still plenty to keep the slopes covered and for some fun powder days in the outback. When the winds are howling over at Breckenridge, Keystone is a great option, too because more of its advanced terrain is protected by the trees.Keystone Ski Report
For a great family experience and best in the world terrain parks, Keystone is an awesome Colorado ski and snowboard destination. Families will find something for everyone from the great groomers, to the fun and challenging trees in The Outback.For those looking to add variety to a longer Colorado ski trip, keystone may not receive quite as much snow as its neighbors, but it’s worth a visit.
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Discover Seasonal Kids Ski & Snowboard Rentals
Bringing the kids out to Keystone and don’t want to spend time getting fitted up for rentals? Here at evo we know how much better time spent on the slopes is than time spent picking up rental gear. That's why we've created our seasonal kid's ski and snowboard rental program. They offer kids full season use of skis, boots, and poles or a snowboard, boots, and bindings. Put the era of long gear rental lines every weekend behind you! Learn more:
