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Skiing in Keystone
Keystone, situated in Summit County in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is a large modern purpose-built resort, catering particularly to families, with its’ well groomed slopes, family go-slow zones and child-friendly atmosphere. The resort is always one of the first to open, due to its’ altitude and extensive snowmaking facilities, so has a very long season spanning October to April. Keystone also boasts the largest night skiing programme in Colorado, with 10 floodlit runs open every evening until 10pm. A multi-pass is available for skiers wishing to ski neighbouring Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge
Skiing in Keystone – The Mountains
Keystone has three mountains, Dercum, North Peak and The Outback, which trail out behind the resort instead of standing side by side, offering a combined skiable terrain of 2227 acres, and reaching a peak elevation of 3631m. All three are accessible from the Keystone Village Base, and a fourth, Arapahoe Basin is a short shuttle bus ride away. Beginners will want to stay on Dercum, or Keystone Mountain, where nearly one-third of the beginners runs are, with groomed wide trails and slow skiing areas, including the Discovery Learning Area for kids, and then progress to slightly more interesting terrain, such as the longest run in Keystone, the 5km Schoolmarm. Intermediate skiers will be spoilt for choice on any of the mountains in Keystone, although the North Peak, particularly, is home to some mogul runs and long cruising trails. The majority of the runs in Keystone are rated advanced and expert skiers will find the most challenging terrain on The Outback, with tree-skiing, some huge moguls and intense powder, and will definitely want to make the short trip to Arapahoe Basin, where some of the most exciting skiing in the area can be found.
Skiing in Keystone – The Après-ski
Keystone, although lacking in some of the characteristic charm and glitz of some its’ neighbours in Colorado, is a down to earth, friendly ski resort with two mountain villages offering a good choice of entertainment. The resorts’ facilities are constantly improving, due to the fact that the resort has recently been bought by Vail Resorts Inc. Being home to a Culinary Institute, the general standard of dining here is high, and River Run, the pedestrian village, has a wide variety of conveniently placed restaurants and shops, including the very popular Kickapoo Tavern. Keystone is also home to the largest ice rink in North America, and the resort offers snowmobiling, snowshoeing, swimming, sleigh rides and spas.
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