Central Colorado is known for its skiing and outdoor activity. The resorts in this area of the Rockies offer the perfect opportunity for visitors to sleep, eat, and relax where they want to explore. The convenience of these resorts being so close to the mountains offers an almost seamless ski and outdoor experience. If you are planning on visiting Keystone or are trying to decide which resort may be the best fit for you or your group, there is plenty of need-to-know information about Keystone, Colorado:
General Information about Keystone
State: Colorado
County: Summit County
Area: 41.435 sq mi
Land: 41.402 sq mi
Water: 0.033 sq mi
Population: 1,079
Elevation: 10, 804 ft
Density: 26/sq mi
Average Temperature in Winter: high of 35°F/ low of 12°F
Average Temperature in Summer: high of 61°F/low of 48°F
Zip Code: 80435
Area Code: 970
Keystone History
While a portion of the acreage of Keystone was originally purchased in 1941, the portion for the original ski area was not acquired until 1967. The vision of what the area would become was in the works for decades after the original purchase in the 1940s, but the ski resort did not open until 1970.
During that first year, the rookie ski resort had over 70,000 visitors who were able to purchase ski tickets for an incredibly reasonable price of $5. Most people could ski year-round if prices were still that low! With such an incredible first year, Keystone was able to quickly expand upon its original ski area and amenities. Keystone was the first resort in Colorado to install a snowmaking system! Ralston Purina, a St. Louis company best known for animal and pet food, purchased the area in 1974. They began working on a massive expansion plan. This included the Keystone Ranch Golf Course, which opened in 1980, and the first Keystone Gondola which was installed in 1984. Once mountainside lighting was incorporated in 1985, the resort was able to begin offering tickets for night skiing.
Over the last three decades, new runs, gondolas, lifts, a conference center, and much more has been added as Keystone has continued to grow. Keystone was merged with Vail, Breckenridge, and Beaver Creek to create the largest resort group in the United States, Vail Resorts. Keystone continues to expand and is considered one of the most accessible ski areas in Colorado because of its wide range of terrain appropriate for every skill level.
Keystone Map
Weather in Keystone
Winter (December-March) – The average temperature in winter in Keystone is 31 degrees Fahrenheit on the high end and 12 degrees Fahrenheit on the lower end. There are days during these months that can be both colder and warmer. Snowfall is heaviest during this time and these months are usually cloudy. There will be sunny days, but winter is dominated by clouds.
Spring (March – June) – The beginning of spring will still include a decent amount of snow with an average high of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Early spring will continue to be cloudy and will clear up as you move closer to June.
Summer (June-September) – The average high during summertime is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the low is typically around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The clouds begin dissipating during these months and will continue to do so through early Autumn. This is the warmest time of the year but is still extremely pleasant most of the time.
Autumn (September – November) – Autumn continues to be an extremely clear portion of the year and the average temperatures land around 50 degrees Fahrenheit for a high and 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a low. Just like in summer and late spring, this is the perfect time to take advantage of all of Keystone’s non-skiing activities.
How to Get to Keystone
Flying into Denver
Most visitors of ski resorts and other attractions in central Colorado fly into Denver International Airport because of its easy access to transportation that can get you to and from the areas of the state that you hope to visit. Keystone is about a 1.5-hour drive away from Denver or a little over 75 miles. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly way to get from Denver to Keystone, there is public transportation available. This bus is not a straight shot to Keystone and will typically take you around three hours. This round trip is usually around $26 and to begin, you must take the Denver Airport Rail to Denver Union Station. This trip is around 37 minutes long. Once you arrive at Union Station, the bus can take you on to Arapahoe Basin and then on to River Run. From River Run, you can choose to walk for around 15 minutes or arrange to stay at River Run, which is at the base of Keystone Resort.
If you have a little more in your budget for transportation and are flying into Denver, there are companies that can shuttle you to and from the resorts in the Rocky Mountains. Colorado Mountain Express is one of these and round-trip tickets are around $70 depending on the time of year. Children under 12 are half the price of the adult ticket. This company runs several shuttles throughout the day and the travel time is around 2.5 hours. These shuttles can drop patrons off at their hotels, condos, and rental homes. If private transportation is what you are after and you have even more in your budget, private car and van service can help you out. This is especially convenient if you have a large group. Colorado Mountain Express offers private cars. Uber, taxis, and Lyft are other options if you are looking for private transportation, but you need to be mindful of how much gear you are bringing. Car rentals are another direct and efficient option, but parking prices, once you get to Keystone, are something to keep in mind. You do not need the car once you arrive in Keystone as they have a free bus service, so your rental will likely sit in a parking lot the entire time unless you plan on making day trips outside of the resort.
Flying into Eagle
Eagle County Regional Airport is another location that visitors have the option of flying into, but it is often more expensive and the drive from this airport to Keystone is around the same as Denver (1.5 hours). Uber and Lyft are not available at this airport, so an inexpensive method of getting to Keystone takes several steps. There is a public bus that can take you directly from Eagle Airport to the Vail transportation center in about an hour. This ticket is usually under $10. From the Vail Transportation center, you can take a bus, but that trip is usually around 2 hours. Taking a taxi or shuttle from Vail transportation center is also an option. If you are looking for something more direct, shuttles and private services are available for nonstop trips. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time. Rental cars are available for pickup, but cars are not necessary for Keystone, and parking will add up and take up a portion of your budget.
Driving
If you are driving to Keystone from Denver or the eastern part of Colorado, you will take I-70 W for the bulk of the drive and then US-6 to Keystone Gulch Rd. If you are driving towards Keystone from the western part of Colorado, you will take I-70 east the bulk of the way and then follow US-6 to Keystone Gulch Road.
Best Time to Visit Keystone
The best time to visit Keystone, CO depends on what type of adventure you are looking for. If snow quality ranks high on your list, Keystone does not receive quite as much snow as other Colorado resorts in its direct vicinity, but there is still plenty of coverage to go around. By mid to late January and through March, there is plenty of snow on the ground to accomplish all of the skiing adventures you are after. The best time to visit for snow and skiing is from around mid-February to mid-March.
If you are wanting to visit Keystone during peak season and avoid larger crowds, the best time would be during the week. Local skiers head over to the slopes on Saturdays and the crowds can get high. Keystone does not have Blackout days for local skiers, so Keystone along with Breckenridge is where locals typically find themselves on the weekends. Avoiding resorts along I-70 on Saturdays is a good idea if you are not wanting to get swallowed by large crowds.
If you are looking for the most budget-friendly time to visit Keystone that isn’t during the summer, late January and late March are typically cheaper than February. Lodging, flights, and activities will be cheaper during this time. Keystone is one of the cheaper resorts on the Colorado Epic Pass, so you are going to have a much more budget-friendly vacation if you are heading to Keystone anyways. Lodging, food, and shopping are all less pricey in Keystone than in other resorts in central Colorado.
Places to Visit in Keystone and Activities to Do in Keystone
Looking for what to do in Keystone Colorado? The most obvious activity is skiing in the winter, but there is so much more than the resort has to offer – even in summer! If you are looking for things to do near Keystone or things to do around Keystone, look no further than this list of all the most popular activities in Keystone!
Keystone Ski Resort
This is the most popular reason for someone to visit Keystone and for good reason! The resort has a variety of skill levels and even tries its best to cater to families who have a variety of ages in their group. Unlike some other resorts, Keystone even offers night skiing for those that want to carry on with the snow sport when the sun goes down!
Keystone Bike Park
If the snow is gone, but you still want to do something super active while you are in town, bike trails are always a huge hit during the spring, summer, and fall. Keystone Bike Park has different trails for different skill levels, so there is something for everyone!
Hiking Trails
Snowshoeing may be the way to see all that Keystone has to offer when it is cold and the ground is covered in powder, but when the trails are clear, there are so many places to hike and see the scenery. You can conveniently take the gondola at Keystone Resort up to the Dercum Mountain Trailhead, but there are plenty of spots to hike even away from the main resort area.
River Run Village
If skiing is not your thing or you need a break from the snowy slopes, the village is a great place to go. You will find plenty of spaces to eat and unique local shops to peruse through. If you need your coffee fix, you can find that here too. If you need some last-minute snow gear, you can easily find what you need in one of the shops in this walkable area.
Gondola Rides
The Gondolas aren’t just for getting you up and down the mountain during ski season! They are the perfect way to see the scenery even in the warmer months.
Keystone Spa
The spa and Keystone Lodge and Spa are not missed if you are in the mood for a relaxing afternoon. What is the perfect way to end a long day spent out in the cold or sun? Make reservations ahead of time, so that you have the time to receive all the spa services you need!
Frisco
Located just a 30 min drive outside of the Keystone Resort, Frisco is an adorable mountainside town to get away to if you are looking to get off the resort property for a day or afternoon. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails if you are looking to do that somewhere other than Keystone and there is an adventure park perfect for the whole family!
Best Hotels in Keystone
Black Bear Lodge
129 River Run Rd, Keystone, CO 80435
3 stars
These accommodations are located right next to Snake River in River Run Village. It is extremely popular because of its proximity to the slopes and the stores, coffee shops, and eateries right in sight. During the peak winter season, you will pay somewhere around $400 per night and during the off-season, the prices drop to about $200-$300 per night.
Keystone Lodge and Spa
22101 US-6, Keystone, CO 80435
4 stars
This upscale lodge offers incredible views and has the perfect location in the Lakeside Village district. It is under a mile away from the lifts and guests receive a free shuttle service during their stay. This hotel is pet friendly and has three on-site restaurants for patrons to choose from. The spa is not to be missed! During peak season, you will pay around $300-$400 per night of your stay and during the summer, you will pay around $150-$200 a night.
Ski Tip Lodge
4 stars
764 Montezuma Rd, Keystone, CO 80435
If you are looking for a cozy, upscale, and laid-back place to stay, the Ski Tip Lodge is a popular bed and breakfast type of location. It served as a stagecoach stop during the 1800s and later became the home of the family that founded Keystone Resort. Not only is it extremely close to the ski locations and lifts, but one of the best restaurants in the entire country is located right on site. Patrons have fresh cookies baked for them every single day! During the peak, winter season, you will find prices to be around $500-$600 a night and during the off-season, they drop to around $200-$300 per night.
Gateway Mountain Lodge
32100 US-6, Keystone, CO 80435
3 stars
This lodge requires only a short walk to the slopes or patrons can take the free shuttle that is offered right outside of the building. There are food options and a small grocery store located on-site. During the peak winter season, you will find rooms at around $300 per night and during the off-season, they drop to around $150 per night. Some accommodations even offer full kitchens!
3 Peaks Lodge
22859 US-6, Keystone, CO 80435
2 stars
For a budget-friendly place to stay, the 3 Peaks Lodge is a great option. The rooms are basic and clean, and you can walk or take a free shuttle to the ski lifts at Keystone Resort. During peak season, rooms will be around $150 per night and during the off-season, they fall to around $100 per night.
River Run Townhomes
Erickson Loop, Keystone, CO 80435
If you have a large group, these accommodations are the perfect fit. There is plenty of space and there are hot tubs and heated pools located on-site. These townhomes are located across from River Run Village. If you have a car of your own, they offer free public parking on-site! Most of these townhomes typically run around $800-$900 a night during peak season and during the off-season, prices fall to around $300 per night.
Hyatt Place Keystone
23044 US-6, Keystone, CO 80435
3 stars
This hotel is located right off Highway 6, so it is only a short distance from the ski lifts. There are free shuttles offered on-site from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. The shuttles also offer transportation to River Run Village and other locations. During the peak winter season, rooms will cost around $150 per night and during off-season, prices fall to around $120 per night.
Things to Do in Keystone in Summer
There are so many things to do in Keystone in spring and summer. If you are visiting in the fall, there are plenty of things to do in Keystone in autumn as well! The resort isn’t just for skiing and the scenery is breathtaking year-round.
Fishing
Great news for experienced fishermen: Dillon Reservoir allows fishing and there is plenty of access during the summer months. You can rent a boat yourself or take a trip with a fishing outfitter!
Boating Tour
During the summer, the lake is the perfect place to spend your time. There is so many “boat”-type activities visitors can participate in out on the water. If a traditional boat is how you like to spend your time, go on a tour! If you like to feel a little more hands-on in the water, you can also rent paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards!
Off-Roading
If you love some 4WD time, Keystone Gulch is the place to be. There are so many trails for you to speed up and around the mountains during the summer months.
Mountain Service Center Mountain Yoga
Stop by the mountainside service center during the warmer months for a group yoga class surrounded by the mountains and trees of Keystone.
HorseBack Riding
Keystone Stables offers horseback riding for ages 8 and up. You can sign up for a one or two-hour ride and even the youngest can take an on-site pony ride!
Things to Do in Keystone in Winter
If you are looking for things to do in Keystone, Colorado in winter, skiing is probably at the top of your list. However, there are so many fun and wintery activities outside of skiing that you can participate in when the weather is cold!
Ice Skating
Dercum Square and Keystone Lake both offer amazingly beautiful and spacious places for ice skating. The entrance is $15 for adults and under $15 for children and seniors! There are very few places to go ice skating in the world with a view like this.
Snow Tubing
Tubing is the perfect activity for kids who are not interested in or may be too young for skiing and snowboarding. Adults can enjoy the ride too! Be sure to make your reservation ahead of time!
Snowmobile Tour
There are so many different snow activities available in Keystone! If zooming up and down the mountains and slopes is more your speed, a snowmobile tour is such a great idea for you and your group. It can also be an awesome way to stay outside but give your body a little rest from skiing and other stand-up activities!
Snowshoeing
Hiking and trails are the massive reason for many visitors to come to Colorado. And while it may seem as though you cannot comfortably go for those long hikes when there are multiple inches of powder on the ground, snowshoes make it possible! There are plenty of tours to choose from if you would like to stick with an expert!
Snowcat
Snowcats are like a little tour bus on giant wheels that can take you around in the snow! This is an amazing way to see all that Keystone visually has to offer. Most snowcats fit around ten people, so a large group can all ride together or you can purchase just a couple of tickets if that is all you need. Most snowcat rides fall around $50.
Sleigh Ride
If snowcats are a way to rough and tumble your way through the snow, sleigh rides are the complete opposite! This is the perfect way to wind down after an exhausting day of skiing and snow sports. Cuddle up under some blankets and take in the Keystone views with a horse-drawn sleigh – you may even be able to find some hot chocolate for the ride!
Restaurants in Keystone
There is no shortage of Keystone restaurants, so when you are famished after a long day of skiing, you will have plenty to choose from – no matter what type of food you are in the mood for. The food scene in Keystone will appeal to even the pickiest of eaters and there is a wide range of prices ranges if you are looking to save some cash while you are there.
Alpenglow Stube
This Bavarian American Restaurant sits at an impressive 11,444 feet in elevation. Visitors must take multiple gondola rides to arrive at this top-notch and creative restaurant. The chefs are award-winning and the atmosphere is second-to-none. You can find dishes like rotisserie chicken or burgers for picky eaters and then more adventurous and creative dishes for the foodies in your group. There are plenty of wine and beer options and even gluten-free if that is necessary for you or someone at your party. At this location, you can expect to spend at least $50 a person if you are wanting the full experience (drinks, appetizers, dessert, and meal).
Bighorn Bistro and Bar
If you have ever wanted to try elk or pheasant sausage, this eatery may just be the place for you! The menus at this location are seasonally inspired and everything is made from scratch. Visitors will have a panoramic view of Keystone Lake and can even sit down with some live entertainment in the lounge. The food offerings at this location fall under the American food category, but there are fun dishes with international twists. If you need something basic, the pan-roasted Colorado chicken breast is great and if you want seafood, there are plenty of options. Expect to spend around $50 a person if you include drinks, split a starter, and dessert.
Snake River Saloon and Steakhouse
Reviews say it is a good idea to set up reservations for this restaurant – even if you are visiting in the summer! This steakhouse was opened in 1975 and over the years has become a place where everyone, from small families to large groups, can enjoy the high-quality grilled fare.
The saloon portion of the restaurant makes sure there is always something delicious and satisfying to drink, no matter what you are craving after a long day of snow sports. This is a great place to go if the members of your group are craving something meaty and grilled, but there are plenty of options for those who want something a little lighter. If you want drinks, a starter, a meal, and a dessert, expect to spend around $50 a person.
Kickapoo Tavern
If you are looking for classic American fare with an occasional twist at extremely reasonable prices, this tavern will have to be added to your list. There are plenty of classic sandwiches, soups, burgers, steaks, and even fish tacos! Kickapoo is also a great place to hit up if you are looking for casual and comfortable dining. For drinks, appetizers, main course, and dessert, you are probably looking at around $30 a person, but if you want to drop one of those components it is even cheaper! A great place to stop in and get a delicious sandwich or burger for under $15.
Edgewater Cafe
This is a great spot for breakfast with a view that is hard to beat. If you are eating later in the day, they serve brunch and lunch as well. Edgewater serves up classic American fare and opens early if you are looking for something to eat before you hit the slopes. They have an extensive list of smoothie options if you are wanting something light during the day! You could easily eat here for breakfast or lunch for under $20 a person. If you are visiting during the warmer months, the outdoor seating and view of the lake are not to be missed.
Labonte’s Smokehouse BBQ
The restaurant name says it all if you are in the mood for some smoked meat and filling sides, this is the place to stop in for that. Visitors must ski down to this spot, but that only makes the food even more delicious than it already is. Labonte’s is known as a great backcountry spot without overwhelming crowds, but not because of the quality of the food! Some of the slopes you have to ski down are a little steep depending on your experience. Expect to spend around $20 a person for a platter of BBQ and expect the portions to be huge!
Keystone Ranch
This contemporary American restaurant is a great place to go if you require vegetarian options for you or someone in your group. The plates at this fine dining establishment look like works of art and are never short on flavor and quality. Your group can start off with a charcuterie or cheese board, but if those are not your style, they have plenty of small plates and salads to choose from for starters. If you are looking for a great steak or rack of lamb – this is the place to go. If you are wanting to fill it out with a nice steak or something else from the butcher’s block, expect to spend at least $70 a person – especially if you want to add in a starter, salad, or dessert.
Ski Tip Lodge
This stop is known for its high-end, delicious food and wine pairings. Plus, you can choose to stay on-site if you want to stay somewhere cozy and different from a traditional hotel while you are in Keystone. This restaurant is reservation-only and offers a four-course dining experience six days a week (W-M). Dinner starts at 5:15 and there are only nine rooms available to stay overnight, so make your reservation far in advance! Expect to spend around $80-$100 a person if you stop at this fine-dining location.
Nightlife in Keystone
If you are looking for things to do in Keystone at night, you will find plenty of bars and pubs to spend your evenings enjoying a drink or two. There are plenty of more quiet lounges as well. If you have nightclubs on your Keystone things-to-do list, you won’t really find that sort of hangout spot. Most nightlife quiets down a few hours after dinner time. If you are looking for a place to spend your evening with drinks and live music, the bars and pubs are the way to go.
Snake River Saloon
This bar and restaurant have been around since 1975 and is a classic Keystone establishment. The restaurant is heavy on grilled fare and seafood, but you will be able to track down some other American classics as well. They have amazing cocktails and plenty of happy hour specials if you plan on starting your evening a little early. You could stay from happy hour, through dinner and after for the live music!
Goat Soup and Whiskey
This is a local hot spot. If you want to feel at home in Keystone, this is the restaurant and bar to head over to. They offer plenty of meal options, from burgers to other yummy American classics. They are known for their fun events, so if you aren’t too exhausted after your day of skiing, this is a place to keep the fun going. The food is great, and their appetizers are very popular, so you could order an appetizer along with a local beer if you have already been to dinner. They have live music as well!
Kickapoo Tavern
Another Keystone institution, Kickapoo Tavern has something for everyone on their menu, no matter what time in the evening it is. Everything is made in-house with local and seasonal ingredients. They have space for parties and can even cater events! This may be a great place to stop at and make a reservation if you have a larger group traveling with you. This tavern is pretty popular during the day as well, so if you have children with you or need a place to stop for lunch during your ski day, it also works great for that!
Last Lift
If you are looking for a classic acres-ski environment, this is the place to go. They have plenty of live music to enjoy and if you love trying local brews, this is the perfect place to stop at for that. They also offer plenty of delicious food options and if you are looking for a fun and boozy drink, the spiked hot chocolate is not to be missed.
9280 Tap House
This bar is in the base village. They offer an extensive list of beers and a diverse, but traditional pub and bar menu. They have the perfect deck for spending your evening outside with a beer or cocktail. If you are wanting to spend your evening in a pub or bar, but want a slightly lighter snack, meal, or appetizer option, 9280 Tap House is a perfect spot.
Dos Locos Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
This spot offers amazing happy hour deals from 2:30-6 p.m. – on both food and drinks! If you are into ending your night with amazing margaritas and endless chips and salsa, this is the place to be!
Skiing in Keystone
If you are looking for outdoor activities in Keystone, skiing is usually the top pick if you are visiting during the winter season. Here is some quick-fire information that can help you out with your skiing adventures:
Top Elevation: 12,408 ft
Base Elevation: 9,280 ft
Longest Track: Schoolmarm (3.5 miles)
Number of Tracks: 135
Number of Slopes by Type: 26 beginners, 43 intermediate, 66 advanced
Average Snowfall: 230 in/year
Best Month to Ski: February
Number of Lifts/Gondolas: 2 gondolas, 10 chair lifts, and 6 surface lifts
Night Skiing: Yes! There are fifteen trails available for night skiing.
Keystone Ski Peaks
Keystone has three distinct mountain peaks. They are named Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and the Outback. These, plus the five bowls (Independence, Erickson, Bergman, North, and South) give visitors a variety of skiing terrain and difficulty to choose from.
Ski Map of Keystone
Keystone Shuttle Schedule
Visitors of Keystone have access to the town’s free-of-charge transportation system. The shuttle can take you to and from ski areas, restaurants, your hotel accommodations, and other locations in the Keystone area. The stops are located within a reasonable distance of one another, and buses arrive at each stop every 40 minutes. Typical rides to locations within the area are around 10-15 minutes long depending on where you are headed. The hours that the shuttle is available are adjusted throughout the season based on how busy the resort is, so if you are unsure of what the current shuttle availability and schedule is you can call (970) 496-4200 for an update. During shoulder season, you can call the shuttle service for rides, but only to and from Keystone bus stops.
Snow Reports
Keystone Lift Tickets and Ski Passes
The Epic Day Pass is the most common method of accessing Keystone resort and other resorts in the Rocky Mountains. The great thing about this is you can move from one resort to another with the same pass if you purchase multiple days. With the Epic Day pass, you can choose from 1 day to 7 days. If you decide to purchase the pass for a single day, it comes up to around $100 for the day of skiing and lifts. The price per day goes down the more days you purchase with a 7-day pass coming out to around $83 per day. With the Epic Day pass, you get access to multiple North American and European resorts and 20% off food, lodging, and rentals.
If you plan on skiing more than a week out of the year, the Epic Pass may be a better option. This pass gives you unlimited access to many resorts in the Rockies, Canada, Europe, and more. With this pass, you also receive 20% off food, lodging, rentals, lessons, and much more. This pass starts at $879 for an adult, and $448 for children, and includes access to discounted tickets for friends and family. These passes and lift tickets are limited. If you are planning to visit during the peak season, be sure to buy your pass in advance.
Ski Rentals
The great thing about going somewhere like Keystone is that you can rent all that you need right on the resort! If you are an Epic Pass holder, you even get 20% off of your rentals from Keystone resort. It is recommended that you reserve the gear that you need in the weeks before your trip so that you have everything you need. You can either pick up your gear or have it delivered to you at the slopes or your hotel.
If you are wanting to rent skis or a snowboard, you are looking at about $89 per day for your rentals. Rentals for kids are $51 a day. Boots are included in both adult and child rental packages. If you do not have a helmet, adults and kids can add one for $12 per day.
Average Budget for Skiing in Keystone
The average budget for skiing in Keystone varies by what type of pass you are holding and how long you plan to stay. If you purchase a single-day pass, it comes out to around $100 per day. The more days you purchase and add on to your ski and lift pass, the cheaper each day becomes. If you plan on staying for a week, it is around $83 per day to ski.
Ski and snowboard rentals are another $89 per day if you have a helmet. If you do not have a helmet, it will cost you $101 for equipment each day. So, with passes and equipment rentals in mind, it costs just under $200 per day, per person to ski in Keystone during peak season.
Summary
You can’t really go wrong with any of the resorts in central Colorado, but each one is slightly different. Odds are the skiing and outdoor activities will be amazing no matter where you go, but the lodging, prices, food, and shopping will vary depending on what resort you go to. Everyone is different, so different resorts appeal to different people!
Comfort: 4/5 – Keystone is not known for being as luxurious as other resorts in Colorado, but there are still plenty of high-quality, comfortable places to stay.
Price: 5/5 – As far as skiing in the Rockies goes, Keystone gives you a great bang for your buck. The lift tickets and rentals are comparable to other resorts in the area, but lodging, food, parking, and other activities are cheaper here than in other resorts.
Distance from Denver International Airport: 4/5 – Keystone is around a two-hour drive from Denver International Airport.
Kid Friendly: 4/5 – Keystone has plenty of activities and amenities that make trips here more kid-friendly than in other areas.
Parking Access: 5/5 – Parking here is much cheaper than at other resorts.
Keystone FAQ
Why is Keystone so popular?
It has amazing skiing and the most skiable terrain in all of Summit County. It is also a bit cheaper than other resorts in central Colorado.
Is Keystone a walkable town?
If you stay in River Run village you are easily within walking distance of ski lifts, restaurants, and shops.
Is skiing better in Aspen or Keystone?
It depends on what you want out of your trip. Keystone is less expensive and a smaller resort than Aspen. If you want more of a local vibe, Keystone may be a better fit for you.
How many days do you need in Keystone?
You want at least 3 days if you are not from the area. This is to help you fully enjoy your trip as some may experience slight altitude sickness at the beginning.
Do you need a car to get around Keystone?
No, there is a free bus service offered around the resort.
Is there downtown in Keystone?
River Run Village is known as the heart of Keystone or the “downtown” area.
Where do you fly in to get to Keystone?
It is most convenient to fly into Denver International Airport, but you can also fly into Eagle Regional Airport if you prefer.
Will I get altitude sickness in Keystone?
Almost half of new visitors will feel some sort of altitude sickness symptoms. For most, they are very mild.
Is Keystone ski resort expensive?
Keystone is cheaper than other resorts in central Colorado.