Keystone's Five High Alpine Bowls

Posted on March 28, 2024

Elevate Your Adventure

Perched atop three iconic peaks, Keystone’s five high alpine bowls sit dramatically above the trees, beckoning skiers and riders to explore nearly 2,000 acres of high alpine terrain. But, not every bowl is created the same. Whether you’re a high alpine veteran or its your first day above the trees, we’ve got a guide to help you take your adventure to new heights.

Bergman Bowl Express Chairlift on a Bluebird Day

Bergman Bowl

Suitable for: Experienced Beginners to Experienced Intermediates

There’s no better place to start your high alpine journey than in Keystone’s Bergman Bowl. Boasting 550+ acres of mostly intermediate terrain, Bergman Bowl pairs mellow powder fields with the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, all lappable via the brand-new Bergman Express chair. Experienced beginners should start with TenMile, the highest beginner trail in the country with stunning views of the TenMile Range and Summit County. More experienced intermediates can head straight down the middle of the Bowl, with runs like Red, Torrey’s and Gray’s. Rest and refuel in between laps at the newly renovated Timber Ridge Lodge, located just off the Ten Mile trail.

Group riding rocky zone while cat skiing at Keystone Resort

Erickson Bowl
Suitable For: Advanced and Expert Guests

Ready to take it up a notch? Some of Keystone’s steepest lift-accessed terrain can be found in Erickson Bowl. Erickson Bowl sits adjacent to Bergman- but don’t be fooled, Erickson skis nothing like its next-door neighbor. Cornices, rock drops, wide open bowls and tight trees make Erickson a choose-your-own adventure of advanced and expert terrain. The best part? No hike is necessary. Ride up Bergman Express and pass through one of the Erickson Bowl gates to start your adventure!

Winter Aerial at Keystone

North and South Bowl
Suitable For: Advanced and Expert Guests Willing to Hike

The Outback, Keystone’s furthest peak, offers two great bowls for guests willing to make a short hike. The Outback’s North Bowl offers trees and powder fields that start off mellow, but quickly get steeper as you descend. Meanwhile, The Outback’s South Bowl sits on the southern edge of Keystone looking out  over the serene White River National Forest. Skiers can cut their hike short and jump into the steep face of Bingo, or hike further up the ridgeline to drop into the picturesque Puma Bowl or Wombat Chutes.

Two Skiiers Seen on Independence Bowl

Indy Bowl
Suitable For: Experts and Experienced Advanced Guests Willing to Hike 35+ Minutes
For those diehard powder hounds willing to hike for untouched turns, Independence Bowl is for you. This steep, remote, experts-only terrain offers nearly 300 acres of open bowl skiing. Enjoy endless powder turns down If Two By Sea or Indy Face, or, take on some of Keystone’s steepest pitches by sending it down Patriot or Midnight Ride. Be warned, Indy Bowl requires a 35-minute hike back to Bergman Bowl, and is one of the most remote parts of Keystone Resort. Water and sunscreen is recommended, and seriously, experts only.  

  

To see the full layout of our 140 trails, and scope out these bowls for yourself, check out our trail map.