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Ski Resort Keystone in Aspen: Position on map

Keystone Ski Resort

Trail Map Keystone

The Ski Resort

Skiing in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains - Keystone ski resort.
Skiing in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains - Keystone ski resort. © Jack Affleck

Welcome to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Here in Keystone, everyone in your party will be pleased with the selection of trails. The mountains feature about 14 percent of beginner terrain, 29 percent of intermediate difficulty level and incredible 57 percent are perfect for those who need real challenges. A total of 131 runs can be found here.

Keystone Resort takes their cat skiing seriously. Get comfortable in a heated snow cat and it will give you a ride up 12,000 feet. You can book a tour with a professional guide. At 11,640 feet above sea level you can hit Dercum Mountain. Summit Express or River Run gondola will take you to dreamy, super-long green and blue runs that are perfect to keep you entertained all day. It’s the perfect spot for beginner and intermediate skiers and kids who are new to the world of skiing and riding. High above the green and blue runs, you’ll find Bergman, Erikson and Independence Bowls. Plus, you can take a Mountain-Top Snowcat Tour from the top of Dercum to Independence Bowl.

At North Peak rising to 11,660 feet, this is the place for skiers and riders that appreciate super long trails with a few bumps. Santiago Express pretty much brings you everywhere you want to be. Blue intermediate and black expert runs like Ambush and Powder Cap will give you the right amount of challenges but still leave room to improve your skills.

The Outback is the highest mountain and comes to an altitude of 11,980 feet. Outback Express will take skiers to blue intermediates and advanced winter athletes will find plenty of long runs. All of them are well-groomed, pretty powdery and full of bumps. Check out some of Colorado’s best tree skiing in the North and South Bowls. You can either hike or grab The Outback shuttle to get there. You would rather want to fix your adrenaline rush? Get to the A51 Terrain Park by riding its very own A51 lift at Dercum Mountain. It’s among the top-ranked and a true eldorado for shredders and jibbers. If tree skiing is what you’re after, you can access The Windows where you’ll find legendary tree skiing.

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Interesting facts

  • Offering 1,249 ha of slopes and terrain, Keystone is among the 15 largest Ski Resorts in the USA.
  • Keystone is among the 15 best rated Ski Resorts in the USA.
  • Elevated between 2,828 m and 3,782 m, the Ski Resort is among the 10 highest elevated Ski Resorts in the USA. The vertical drop from summit to base is 954 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in the USA is 374 m. Most runs are therefore relatively long.
  • Average snow depth during the season is 58 cm at summit elevation and 33 cm at base elevation. Snow coverage is usually best during March, offering an average snow depth of 136 cm at summit elevation and 0 cm at the base.
  • Keystone features 64 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in the USA is 59 sunny days. November is the sunniest month with an average of 16 sunny days.

On Mountain Dining

Keystone is your destination for perfect family vacation fun.
Keystone is your destination for perfect family vacation fun. © Leisa Gibson

Keystone features a variety of dining options to choose from. Ride up to the top of North Peak and you‘ll already smell them. If you crave a burger, head to Timber Ridge Food Court or try the Pacific Rim noodles. The sun deck gives you enough space to relax and sit in the winter sun while having the perfect view of the Ten Mile Range. 

If you‘re into fantastic panoramas, definitely schedule a visit to Summit House at 11,640 feet. Conveniently located at the top of Dercum Mountain, it’s a great meeting place for friends and family to enjoy a cold beverage or just enjoy the outstanding mountain fare. Miner’s Cart should be your choice if you like grilled cheese, house dipped corn dogs and beef sliders. The Snack Shack is always a favorite among kids. Grab some candy, trail mix, popcorn and more on the go! 

Swing by the Mountain House Lodge, that is one of the most traditional houses at the Mountain House village. Enjoy the several lunch options with Black Diamond Pizzeria and the Last Lift Bar. Spoon Cafe boasts best slope views of River Run and fuels skiers with breakfast and lunch. It’s also a great place to come for après ski. The Lakeside Deli has tasty sandwiches, panini and other snacks on their menu. On the second floor of Keystone Lodge and Spa you‘ll definitely find what you were looking for.

Must-Ski Runs

Schoolmarm is 3,5 miles long and descends into the base. You’ll have a blast skiing down.

Longest Runs

Schoolmarm
Length: 5.6 km
Vertical Drop: 718 m

Most Difficult Runs

The Grizz
Length: 1.5 km
Vertical Drop: 250 m
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Nightskiing

Nightskiing possible
Lighted runs: 15 km

Activities

A journey back to your childhood? Snow Tubes do make this possible.
A journey back to your childhood? Snow Tubes do make this possible. © Bob Winsett

Take a horse sleigh ride through the winter wonderland and combine it with an awesome dinner experience. This is the Dinner Sleigh Ride in Keystone. The 7,200-square-foot Dercum Square Ice Rink in River Run is great for day and night skating. A Snowcat ride is another fun winter activity that takes you through the backside of the mountains. Here you’ll get a total new perspective.

You will feel like you just traveled back to your childhood while you speed down with Snow Tubes. You can either come here during day time or at night. The conveyor lift will make your way up a lot easier. If this is too wild you can check out Keystone’s Nordic Center's offer of the ‘old fashioned’ tubing hill. This is a great place for families with younger kids or grandparents.

Being the only Colorado ski resort that hast two high-speed gondolas you can ride up to the top of Dercum Mountain or North Peak to just go hiking or visit the comfy mountain huts. If you feel more adventurous, rent snowbikes and speed across the mountain.

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Après-Ski and Nightlife

At the Last Lift Bar après ski starts every afternoon and rarely ends before sunrise. Drink specials and loads of cool people make it the perfect hangout! Tap House is also a favorite - equally among locals and visitors. Come here for the daily Happy Hour from 3-6 pm. The Sun Deck is the perfect scenery for an outstanding lunch or dinner experience. Bighorn Bistro & Bar convinces with great drink specials that go great with their appetizers and entrées.

Dining and Restaurants

Fondue lovers will find their happiness at the Fondue Chessel.
Fondue lovers will find their happiness at the Fondue Chessel. © Chris McLennan

The Ski Tip Lodge invites for ever-changing four-course dinner menus and super friendly service. The desserts are to die for, even more so if enjoyed in front of the fireplace. If you like European cuisine, reserve a table at Alpenglow Stube: Award-winning chefs prepare the most creative dishes.

The Keystone Ranch is pretty outstanding with their 1930s ranch home. You will feel the old charm the second you walk through the door. Everyone will find something on the menu since it features game dishes as well as salads, soups and entrees. The Fondue Chessel is for every fondue lover out there. Foodies will appreciate the cozy atmosphere, mixed with best ingredients to create a great dining experience.

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Getting here

Denver International Airport is the closest larger airport and you’ll find flights from almost everywhere. It’s 90 miles outside of Keystone and driving directions are super easy: you just follow Interstate 70 for the majority of the time. Shuttles and rental cars are available. The Vail/Eagle County Airport is just 65 miles outside, but most mostly serves domestic flights. Same here, rental cars and shuttles are available to make your way to Keystone really uncomplicated.

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last update on 14 Feb 2024
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Mountain Stats

Elevation2,828 m - 3,782 m
Opening Day1 Nov 2023
Closing Day7 Apr 2024
Capacity 36700 Persons/Hr.
Hours08:30 - 16:00

Lifts

21
8
11
2
Total 21

Skiable Terrain

1,249 ha
Easy
Green Circle
Moderate
Blue Squared
Advanced
Black Diamond
Extreme
Double Diamond
Overall Slope Area 1,249 ha
Number of Slopes 140

Weather (3,782 m)

Rates

$269
1 day adult $269
1 day child $156
All rates & fees