A Local’s Guide to Keystone

Welcome to Keystone, Colorado, a Summit County gem with terrain that ranges from mild to wild. Whether you’re carving corduroy or dropping into bowls, Keystone is the spot to get your ski fix with plenty of variety.

Keystone has three mountains and many family-friendly activities. It also offers one of the longest night-skiing options. Something for every snow lover exists here. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your day (and night) on the mountain.

Best Trails for Every Kind of Skier or Rider

Beginners’ Paradise

Keystone is known for being family-friendly. It has beginner terrain that is great for new skiers and riders.

Head over to Schoolmarm in the Mountain House area. This 3.5-mile green trail is a laid-back cruise from the top of Dercum Mountain down to the base. It’s perfect for beginners looking to work on their turns without any steep surprises.

Intermediate Favorites

For intermediates looking to open it up a bit, Paymaster and Wild Irishman on North Peak offer smooth, rolling terrain and great grooming. You’ll find wide, well-maintained trails that let you pick up speed and practice those edge-to-edge transitions. If you’re feeling brave, dip into the trees along Frenchman and get a taste of Keystone’s excellent glades.

For the Experts

If you’re looking for some true Colorado-style steeps, it’s time to head to The Outback. This is where you’ll find Keystone’s toughest terrain, including some tree-heavy runs like Bushwacker and Puma Bowl. For pure powder seekers, North and South Bowls are accessible via snowcat (or a good hike) and deliver some untouched, backcountry-esque turns. Keep an eye on the snow reports because these bowls can go from “good” to “epic” with a few inches of fresh snow.

Secret Powder Stashes

Let’s be real – the best powder stashes are usually hush-hush. But hey, we’ll give you a couple of local favorites. After a storm, head over to Go Devil and dip into the trees just off the trail for some hidden pow that most skiers skip. Over at The Windows, you’ll find some lesser-known glades that stay fresh for a bit longer than the main trails. And if you’re up for a bit of a hike, Independence Bowl is where you’ll find deeper, untouched powder that’s worth every step.

Night Skiing at Keystone

One thing that sets Keystone apart? Night skiing! When other resorts are shutting down, Keystone keeps the lights on.

Night skiing is available on Dercum Mountain, where you can rip down River Run and Spring Dipper under the stars. Being out on the snow after sunset feels like a different kind of magic. The mountain's quiet vibe offers a new way to enjoy the slopes. Just make sure to bundle up; it can get pretty chilly once the sun dips.

The Night Skiing schedule changes every year. For the 2024-2025 ski season, the resort will offer night skiing from 4 PM to 7 PM on specific the dates below:

• November: 28 - 30 (Thanksgiving Thursday - Saturday)
• December: 20 - 29, nightly, 31st (Holiday Period Nightly)
• January: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 - 19, 24, 25, 31 (Friday's & Saturday's + MLK Sunday)
• February: 1, 7, 8, 14 - 16, 21, 22, 28 (Friday's & Saturday's + Presidents Weekend Sunday)
• March: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 (Friday's & Saturday's through March 29)

*Night skiing ends for the season on March 29.

Keystone’s Epic Snow Fort and Family Fun

Keystone takes family-friendly skiing to a whole new level with Kidtopia. This is where kids and adults alike can explore the world’s largest snow fort, complete with towers, slides, and even an ice throne. It’s located at the top of Dercum Mountain, so the little ones can enjoy some snow magic after a few runs. And for families who want to mix it up, Keystone also offers snow tubing at Adventure Point – a high-speed tubing hill with lanes for racing and night tubing under the stars.

Après-Ski: Keystone Style

Once you’ve called it a day on the mountain, it’s time to hit up Keystone’s après scene. Kickapoo Tavern at the base of River Run Village has the perfect mountain-town vibe with a menu packed with burgers, wings, and local brews.

If you’re more into cocktails, head over to Bighorn Bistro near the Lakeside Village for a quieter, upscale après. They’ve got craft cocktails and hearty dishes that’ll warm you up after a cold day on the slopes. Plus, the view of the frozen lake and the surrounding mountains isn’t too shabby.

Coffee Shops to Start Your Day Right

Start your day strong at Inxpot in River Run Village, the go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. This cozy coffee shop serves up everything from fresh pastries to breakfast burritos, and the espresso drinks are top-notch.

Keystone Village Shopping

Whether you forgot your gloves or just want a souvenir, Keystone’s got some fun shopping options.

For a unique find, visit Rockin’ R Ranch Trading Post in Lakeside Village. They have locally-made jewelry and mountain-themed gifts. These items make great souvenirs.

Need a quick snack or essentials? Keystone Grocery & Gas has you covered with groceries, snacks, and anything you forgot to pack.

Tips for an Epic Day at Keystone

1. Get the Keystone App: Track lift line wait times, trail status, and find out what’s happening on the mountain.
2. Arrive Early: Keystone is popular, especially on weekends, so getting there early means shorter lines and fresher snow.
3. Explore the Bowls: If you’re up for a hike or cat ride, Keystone’s back bowls are where you’ll find untouched powder and fewer crowds.
4. Bundle Up for Night Skiing: It’s a unique experience, but the temperature drops fast, so be prepared with extra layers.

Whether you’re ripping down steep runs, getting your kids stoked in Kidtopia, or carving up the night-lit slopes, Keystone is the place to be. Before you head up, swing by Virgin Island Ski Rentals in Silverthorne for the perfect gear to match Keystone’s epic terrain. We’ve got everything you need to make sure you’re ready for a memorable day (and night) on the slopes. See you out there!