Pre-Arrival Information
Keystone Basecamp
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Check out the info below to finish planning your trip and helpful resources to prepare. Have more questions?
Get To Know The Resort
Preparing For Your Trip
Packing List , opens in a new window
- Protect yourself from the sun - even on cloudy days! Make sure you have your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Lots of water - At high elevation hydration is super important
- Chapstick - Make sure you're ready for the dry air out here
- Layers - Weather can change drastically up here. We recommend wearing layers and being ready for any weather, rain or shine
- Comfortable Shoes - We have lots of hiking to explore!
Arriving on Mountain
You’ve made it! Here are some resources to help with your arrival and navigating the mountain.
Plan Your Day On The Mountain
Start Your Day Off
- Park for free in the River Run Gondola Lot, arrive early as space is limited.
- Tip - Take advantage of family parking in the first two rows.
- Fuel up before your day in the River Run Village at places like Inxpot and Steep Brewing & Coffee.
- Want to get on snow faster? Head across the River Run skier bridge to Summit Express for your first run of the day!
Refuel During the Day
- Sunny Day? Grab freshly smoked BBQ at Labontes and soak up the sun and our ski up beach!
- Cold hands & feet? Head to the newly renovated Timber Ridge Lodge at the top of North Peak and warm up next to the grand fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa & fresh soup.
Ending Your Day
- Après all day - stop by Last Lift Bar in Mountain House for a locals favorite and let the kids play on our new Mountain House Snowfort!
- Award winning dining offerings at The Ranch & Ski Tip Lodge & one of a kind sleigh ride dinners.
- Glide and twirl around Keystone's 5-acre lake, North America's largest outdoor, Zamboni-maintained Lakeside Village ice rink.
- Stay up past your bedtime and ski & ride under the lights on most weekends throughout the season!
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Complete Your Trip
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FAQS
When do your resorts open for the winter?
Keystone will opening as early as possible in October, weather and conditions permitting.
Is there a height or age requirement or limit to your activities?
Yes some of our activities have various participant requirements. For specific information regarding each activity please visit our Activities page for more info.
Is childcare offered and how can I make a reservation?
Yes, childcare will be offered this season! For more information click here
Do you allow service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed.
Do you allow dogs on the gondola?
Sorry, for the safety of four legged friends, dogs are not allowed on any gondolas or chairlifts.
How do I cancel or change the date of my lift ticket?
If more than seven days before your first planned day, please call or email us; If less than seven days, please call us at 970-754-0005 to allow adequate time to make this change. If you have already arrived at your resort, or if it is the day you would like to ski, please feel free to stop by any ticket window to make your changes. All lift ticket change pricing will be for the date of request regardless of when the ticket was purchased. For example: if a ticket is purchased with advanced ticket pricing and then changed inside of 7 days of the start date, the pricing will not receive advanced ticket pricing.
Do you offer an early bird "First-Tracks" Program?
First Tracks programs are for guests staying at one of our lodging properties and run on select Fridays during the season. Check with the lodging front desk for more details, schedule, and information upon Check In. First tracks is always weather and conditions permitting.
Where can I view mountain cams?
To view our mountain cams, click here
What winter activities do you offer?
We offer mountains of fun for the whole family. We offer Mountain top tubing, ice skating in two locations (River Run base and the lake by the Keystone Lodge and Spa), Nordic skiing, sleigh rides & so much more. Check out this link below for our current offerings
Is night skiing included in my pass or lift ticket?
All Day Tickets include Night Skiing. Dedicated After 3pm Tickets offered on Sat/Sun/Holidays.
Is a lift ticket included in my ski lesson?
No, however it is available as an add-on for group lessons
Where can lessons be reviewed and booked?
Keystone offers a variety of lessons for all skill levels including private and group lessons for children and adults. To view all lesson options please visit HERE
I am not seeing availability online, is there a waiting list we can be added to?
We do not have a waitlist. Guests make changes/cancellations to their reservations, so continue to check the website for availability.
I need to change the date of my ski school, how can I do that?
Please call us at 970-496-4170
How can I cancel my ski school?
Please call us at 970-496-4170
Do I need a reservation?
Lift tickets, rentals and lessons are inventoried products that sometimes sell out. We encourage purchasing these products in advance. Reservations are not required for skiing or riding with your Epic Pass.
I bought my pass/ticket, now what?
Passes are shipped to your home address. If you receive it in the mail, you can head straight to the lift! If you didn't receive it in the mail, head to any pass office at any of our base locations. If you have an old pass on the same account, you can reactivate the card at a ticket office. For tickets that are shipped, if purchased far enough in advance, tickets can be loaded to your previous card if you have one, or can be picked up at the ELTP (Express lift ticket pick up) line. If you need rentals, please order on line in advance or visit our rental shops.
How to check if my pass has access to specific resort?
Please go to EpicPass.com, and then to “Passes” (top left) on the Epic Pass homepage. Then click on your specific pass and scroll down to “Resort Access.” Please read carefully, as all passes provide specific access, and can have restrictions involving both resorts and active dates.
Where can Lift tickets be reviewed and purchased?
Tickets can be purchased by visiting our resort websites and selecting the dates you would like to ski. Be aware that lift-ticket sales are limited this season to enhance the on-mountain guest experience, so lift tickets (or days) do sell out. We highly recommend purchasing lift tickets in advance.
We will mail all tickets that are ordered more than 9 days prior to arrival. Please go to any of our ticket offices, present a photo ID, where you can also pick up your ticket. Please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 with any questions prior to your arrival, or contact a ticket agent via Live Chat at EpicPass.com.
What are the Passes that have access to Keystone?
A variety of Passes include access to Vail Resort. Be aware that passes can have restrictions on the number of days or the dates of access. For detailed information, please go to www.EpicPass.com, go to Passes (found on the menu bar at the top of the page), and click on the specific pass you would like more information on.
Where do I buy buddy tickets/ski with a friend tickets?
The ability to purchase discounted Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets are included with certain passes, if purchased in the spring. If you have Buddy or SWAF tickets included with your pass, you can purchase the discounted lift tickets at www.EpicPass.com or at a ticket window. To avoid delays, we encourage you to purchase online. To purchase online, a Pass Holder must sign into “My Epic Account” (top right) at EpicPass.com, click on the “Passes” tab and navigate to the “Benefit Tickets” section. You can select the specific day and resort after you click on “Buy For A Buddy” or “Buy For A Friend.” Once purchased, the lift tickets must be picked by the Pass Holder at the Resort by displaying their pass. For more information, please go to www.EpicPass.com, Benefits (top, center) then Ski With A Friend and Buddy Tickets.
Do you offer discounts for military personnel?
Yes. There are two different options and the most economical is the Epic Military Season Passes. We provide options for Active, Retired, and Veteran military members and eligible Dependents. U.S., Canadian, and Australian personnel and their eligible dependents qualify. Military Passes require verification of current military status and verification CAN NOT be completed in the resort. For more information, please refer to this link: https://www.epicpass.com/pass-results/military.aspx Please Note: Partner resort access and Buddy Tickets are NOT included with any Military Passes. Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets ARE included. For more information, please go to EpicPass.com, Need Help? (Top center) and then Military Passes. The second option is Military Lift Tickets. We offer discounted Military Lift Tickets for Active and Retired military members and eligible dependents. Guests can purchase Military Lift Tickets at the ticket window or by phone at 970-754-8245. Military Lift Tickets require verification of current military status at the ticket window or at the time of purchase by phone. Please Note: Veterans and their Dependents do NOT qualify for Military Lift Tickets.
Do you offer professional discounts for non-Vail Resorts Ski Patrol?
Yes, we offer professional discounts for National Ski Patrol (NSP) members, along with other professional organizations, such as PSIA, CSIA, and others. NSP members can purchase one discount lift ticket per day. Discounted Tickets can be purchased at the ticket window or by calling the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449. You also can contact an agent via Live Chat at EpicPass.com. A current NSP ID must be presented at the time of purchase.
How do I cancel or change the date of my lift ticket?
To change or cancel a lift ticket date, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449 or go to the resort ticket window by 5 pm on the expiration date of the lift ticket. In addition, be aware that two or more day lift tickets have a range of dates of use, depending on the number of days of the ticket. For example, a two-day ticket can be used anytime within a three-day range. A three-day ticket has a five-day range of use, etc. Stop by a ticket window for more details. Also be aware that lift-ticket sales are limited this season to enhance the on-mountain guest experience, so lift tickets could sell out. We highly recommend purchasing lift tickets in advance. If a resort is not sold out, lift tickets can be purchased online or at the resort, but not by phone. For more information, please go to Snow.com, Tickets (top, center), and then scroll down to FAQs.
Is my pass or lift ticket transferable to my friend or family member?
No. Season Passes and Lift Tickets are non-transferable and they are assigned to an individual person. Anyone caught using another person’s Lift Ticket or Season Pass will be removed from the mountain and could face other additional penalties.
What discounts are include with my pass or lift ticket?
There are many season-long discounts attached to your Season Pass. Benefits include Epic Mountain Rewards of discounts up to 20 percent on food and beverages, lodging, group lessons, and gear rentals, among other benefits. Other Season Pass benefits include discount Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets, and Summer Access. For more information, please go to EpicPass.com, Benefits (top, left) then View All Benefits.
All Epic Day passes include season-long Epic Mountain Rewards discounts. Other benefits and access are determined by the type of Epic Day Pass purchased. For more information, please refer to this link: https://www.epicpass.com/passes/epic-day-pass.aspx Please Note: Epic Day Passes do NOT include Buddy Tickets, Ski-With-A-Friend tickets, or Summer Lift Access.
For discounts and benefits attached to Whistler Blackcomb Passes, please refer HERE
Lift ticket benefits include the ability to change the date and also refund all unused days.
Can I buy lunch with my pass?
Yes! You just need to make sure you have resort charge set up. Learn more on how to set up resort charge here
Do I get my Epic Mountain Rewards at your restaurants?
For the most part - absolutely! All of our cafeteria style restaurants on mountain offer the EMR discount (20%!) on food. Alcohol is excluded at all locations and there is limited participation among our fine dining and full service restaurants. Be sure to look HERE to see everywhere you can use this awesome pass holder discount
Do I need a reservation to have lunch on mountain?
No! No reservations required to enjoy our convenient on-mountain cafeterias this year. Just ride until you're hungry, and then pop in.
I want to have lunch with a big group, is it okay if I save a bunch of tables?
It depends, but we, and a lot of the other guests on the mountain, would really prefer you do not save tables so that those who are looking to sit can find a place to enjoy their lunch. If you want to eat with a big group all together, we recommend trying before noon or after 1:30 PM.
Last year you told me I had to leave after 45 minutes, is that still true?
Thankfully we are in a different place than last year and required table time limits are no longer in effect. However, out of respect for other guests, we do ask you to be thoughtful and limit your time at the table, especially during peak times and holidays. Go ride!
When is the best time to eat lunch?
When you're hungry! But also, to get the most out of your day, consider dining outside of our peak hours of 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. We always recommend an early start, an early lunch (11:00 is awesome), and an early apres.
Where can I get my skis or board tuned?
Stop by Keystone Sports located in both Mountain House and River Run Villages.
Where do I search and book online or call to review my vacation plans?
Check out our lodging options across our resort portfolio here.
How do I find ski in/ski out lodging?
You can filter for ski in/ski out properties on many of our search and book pages. Select which resort you'd like to visit to search properties
Where's the best place to stay in-resort?
Check out our recommended signature properties across our resort portfolio here
Can I bring my pet?
Some of our properties are pet friendly. You can review the detailed information on property amenities on our resort search and book pages.
How do I get to the resort?
Directions for our different base areas, parking locations and transportation options can be found on our website here:
Does the resort offer lockers? Do I need to purchase in advance? How much is a locker pass for the season?
Lockers are located at the both the River Run and Mountain House base areas. Lockers are first come first serve.
Where can I park? How much does it cost?
Directions for our different base areas, parking locations and transportation options can be found on our website here:
What time do I need to arrive for ski school?
Please check-in at least 30 minutes before the start of your group lesson. For more tips and information, check out our Know Before You Go page:
Where to meet for Ski school?
Check in location varies by lesson product and base location, more info available here
What transportation options exist from the airport?
For directions to Keystone, parking information and transportation options, click here
What is the weather like when I arrive?
For the latest snow and weather conditions, click here
Where do I find the daily morning snow conditions report?
For the latest snow and weather conditions, click here
Where are the ticket window locations?
River Run Village - at the base of the River Run Gondola, Mountain House Village - on the East side of the village, near the base of the Peru Chairlift
How do I activate the card I have?
When purchasing online, you can select "have a card" while logged into your epicpass.com account, select pass number of the card you have to continue to use the card you have in your possession.
I never got my pass in the mail. Can I still go skiing?
Absolutely. All Season Passes provide access as determined by that particular pass, even if you don’t have the physical pass in hand. Please go to any Vail Resorts ticket office, present a photo ID, and a new pass will be issued. If time permits, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 and a new pass will be mailed. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449. Or contact a pass agent via Live Chat at www.EpicPass.com to have a new pass issued.
Where do I pick up my pass?
Please go to any Vail Resorts ticket office, present a photo ID, and you’ll be able to pick up your pass. If time permits, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 and a new pass will be mailed. Whistler-Blackcomb guest call 800-766-0449. Or contact a pass agent via Live Chat at www.EpicPass.com to have a new pass issued.
Where do I pick up rentals?
Rentals can be picked up in both River Run Village & Mountain House Base area at Keystone Sports.
What food and beverage options are open, and what are hours of operation?
We have a variety of dining options available at Keystone. For the most up to date information on locations and hours of operations click here
What are our options for on-mountain dining for lunch?
Fuel up for during lunch at our favorite spots-Summit House - Located at the top of Dercum Mountain
- -Labonte's - located at the bottom of North Peak offering fresh smoked BBQ and our large outdoor ski up beach
- -Timber Ridge Lodge - Newly expanded and located at the top of North Peak
- -Mountain House & Last Lift Bar - Apres all day at the bottom of the Peru Chair
- -9280 - Located in the heart of River Run Village
Someone in my family has a food allergy or sensitivity, are your lodges able to accommodate them?
We strive to offer meals that suite a variety of modern lifestyle and dietary preferences, due to the nature of our menus, please ask locally during your visit.
Do you take cash in your restaurants?
At this time, Vail Resorts does not accept cash in it's restaurants. All major cards, ApplePay, and resort-charge are accepted.
I just want to keep skiing, do you have grab & go options?
Yes, most lodges offer snacks, protein bars, and to go sandwiches and salads to keep you fueled and on the go!
What time do lifts close?
For the most up to date information on lift and terrain hours please click here
When do different sections of the mountain close?
We want to get you skiing our mountain playground as soon as possible. Check out the Epic Mix app for the most up to date information on what's open, groomed, and more or click here
Why are some trails groomed and other not?
We offer mountains of fun with a variety of terrain for all ability levels, this includes groomed terrain on select runs to provide a great skiing and riding experience for everyone
How to contact safety/ ski patrol
To connect with ski patrol, please contact us at (970) 496-6911 during lift operating hours. Outside of these hours, please contact 911.
*PLEASE NOTE: This email is not for lodging information, reservations, or cancellations
Which runs are open?
For the latest trail and lift status, click here
Which base areas are open?
For the latest trail and lift status, click here
What transportation options exist within the resort?
Directions for our different base areas, parking locations and transportation options can be found on our website here
Where to get a refund?
To request a refund for lift tickets, Buddy/SWAF tickets, or on-mountain activities, please call us or visit the resort ticket window before the lifts close on the expiration date for which your lift ticket provides access. Be advised, your product is not refundable except as set forth in this policy.
If you are inquiring about a refund on an Epic Pass, Epic Day Pass, or any other pass products, please visit our Epic Coverage page. Any Ski & Ride School product cancelled more than 48 hours before the lesson start time will be refunded in full. Cancellations of Ski & Ride School Products made within 48 hours of the class start time will be assessed a Cancellation Fee. The Cancellation Fee for Ski & Ride School Products is 50% of the lesson price. If you purchased multi-day lessons and the first day of lessons is less than 48 hours, the first day will be refunded 50% and the following days will be reimbursed in full. Refunds can take up to 5 business days to appear on the guests' bank account.
Why didn't Epic Mountain Rewards apply?
The Epic Mountain Rewards discount is available at eligible Vail Resorts restaurants, lodges, rental shops, golf courses, and other businesses and activities. The discount applies to all food and non-alcoholic beverages. The pass holder must present their eligible pass to receive the discount. For more details, Please go to www.EpicPass.com, Benefits, then Epic Mountain Rewards to learn more, or click here
Where can I charge my phone?
Our lodges and restaurants are great places to charge your phone. In addition, we have free and secure mobile phone- specific charging stations on the mountain that are easy to use. Just enter a custom pin number when you place the phone in the locker and use that same pin to unlock the locker to grab your phone.
Where can I locate the mobile phone charging stations?
The locations are shown on the trail map, and are available at the following locations: TimberRidge, Summit House and Mountain House.
Where are the restrooms?
Washrooms are located inside our Food & Beverage restaurant locations as well as River Run and Mountain House base areas.
Where to return rentals?
Return your rentals at Keystone Sports in River Run Village or Mountain House Base Area.
Where is the closest retail outlet?
River Run Village has a wide offering of retail stores like Oakley, Keystone Sports, The North Face & more! Each of our on mountain & base area lodges have limited retail offerings while you are on the go.
Do you sell skis/snowboards?
Yes check out Keystone Sports in River Run Village.
I forgot my boots, where can I rent additional gear?
At Keystone Sports in River Run Village & Mountain House
Where can I book dinner?
Keystone offers award winning fine dining at The Keystone Ranch Restaurant & the historic Ski Tip Lodge. For more information and to make reservations click here
Please note reservations are required for both locations
Where can I take my family for a quick dinner for tired kids?
River Run Village offers various options for Dinner for the whole family.
Where can I go for apres ski?
Apres all day at Last Lift Bar located in the Mountain House Base Area.
Check out 9280 located in the River Run Village for great beer offerings and food.
Do you provide over-night ski storage?
Yes, we have a ski check available in both of our base areas near the lifts.
View Live Resort Conditions
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River Run
Top of River Run Village, facing south.
Elevation: 9,280 ft