With its vast terrain and multiple base areas, Keystone Ski Resort is a beloved destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Spanning 3,149 acres and 139 trails, it offers something for everyone, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert. This guide aims to make your experience at Keystone as seamless and enjoyable as possible, offering practical information on how to get around, where to find key services, and the best routes to access lifts and trails.
Base Areas: River Run Village and Mountain House
Keystone has two primary base areas: River Run Village and Mountain House. Each base offers distinct services, and knowing which one to start from can help streamline your trip.
1. River Run Village
River Run is the heart of the resort, offering a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to the River Run Gondola and Summit Express lifts, which whisk you to the top of Dercum Mountain. This base area also features a variety of restaurants, gear rentals, and the iconic Keystone Snow Fort on Dercum Mountain, making it ideal for families. You’ll also find plenty of parking options, although some require payment.
- Key Amenities: Food & Beverage (F&B), lift tickets, rentals, lockers, and bathrooms.
- Convenient Access Points: The River Run Gondola is the primary lift, taking you directly to the summit. If you’re a beginner or want to stay close to the base, the Summit Express is another good option.
- Restroom Locations: Restrooms are located near the gondola base and within the lodges.
2. Mountain House Base Area
Mountain House, a family-friendly hub provides quick access to beginner terrain via the Peru Express and Argentine lifts. This is an excellent starting point if you’re looking for a more relaxed entry to the slopes.
- Key Amenities: Lift tickets, bathrooms, rental shops, and F&B options like Mountain House Cafe.
- Convenient Access Points: Peru Express lift gives you access to intermediate and advanced terrain, while the Argentine lift serves beginners. Mountain House also provides access to several magic carpet surface lifts in the Discovery Learning Area.
- Guest Services Support: Guest support, including ticket offices and ski and ride school services, is available here.
Getting Between Base Areas
If you need to move between River Run and Mountain House, there are free shuttle buses available at each base area, or you can ski or ride between the two areas by following Schoolmarm to the base of Mountain House or taking Schoolmarm to Ina’s Way to access River Run Base Area. The trip by shuttle can take 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Skiing or riding between the two can be faster, but make sure you’re familiar with the terrain, as the route can be challenging for beginners.
Restrooms on the Mountain
Restrooms are scattered throughout the mountain for convenience. On Dercum Mountain, you’ll find restrooms at the Summit House near the top of the River Run Gondola and Outpost Gondola. On North Peak, head to Timber Ridge Lodge, and in the Outback, restrooms are available near LaBonte’s Smokehouse BBQ.
On-Mountain Dining & Points of Interest
Keystone is known for its excellent on-mountain dining and points of interest that cater to different levels of skiers and riders.
1. Summit House (Dercum Mountain)
Located at the top of the River Run Gondola and Summit Express, this is the largest on-mountain dining spot. You’ll find everything from hot cocoa to hearty meals here. The Summit House is also home to Keystone’s famous Snow Fort, a must-see attraction for families.
- Lifts to Access: Head to the right after getting off River Run Gondola or Summit Express.
- Terrain: The area around Summit House offers a mix of beginner and intermediate runs, including the popular Schoolmarm, an excellent choice for beginners. Advanced skiers and riders can easily access Go Devil or Spring Dipper runs from here.
- Special Notes: This location is the most convenient for families and beginners due to its proximity to the Snow Fort and easier terrain.
2. Labonte’s Smokehouse BBQ (The Outback)
If you’re venturing toward The Outback, this BBQ joint is the perfect spot for a mid-day break. With outdoor seating and views of the surrounding peaks, it’s a great place to recharge.
- Lifts to Access: Outback Express, Wayback Lift. Labonte’s is located at the bottom area of Santiago Express and Ruby Express lifts.
- Terrain: This area offers primarily advanced and expert terrain, so it’s best suited for experienced skiers. Intermediate skiers and riders can enjoy runs like Anticipation.
- Special Notes: This is the last stop for food here before heading into expert and advanced terrain, so plan accordingly.
3. Timber Ridge Lodge (North Peak)
Timber Ridge has a slightly quieter atmosphere than the Summit House and features a selection of hot meals and snacks.
- Lifts to Access: Outpost Gondola, Santiago Express.
- Terrain: This is mostly intermediate terrain, with runs like Frenchman and Wild Irishman accessible from here. Advanced skiers can take the Starfire or Blackhawk runs.
- Special Notes: Timber Ridge is a convenient spot to grab a quick meal before exploring the more challenging terrain of North Peak and The Outback.
Beginner-Friendly Terrain
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, Keystone offers several areas designed to make your experience enjoyable and safe.
1. Schoolmarm Run (Dercum Mountain)
Keystone’s signature green run, Schoolmarm, winds down Dercum Mountain for over 3.5 miles, offering gentle slopes and scenic views. It’s an idea beginner trail with wide-open spaces for practicing turns.
- Lifts to Access: River Run Gondola, Summit Express.
- Nearby Services: Bathrooms and F&B options are located at the top of the gondola at Summit House.
2. Silver Spoon Run (Dercum Mountain)
Another fantastic beginner run is Silver Spoon, accessible from the Montezuma Express. It offers more gradual terrain with fewer skiers, perfect for building confidence.
Intermediate and Advanced Terrain
Keystone’s layout provides various blue and black diamond runs across the mountain for intermediate and advanced skiers.
1. Intermediate Terrain
- Frenchman and Wild Irishman (Dercum Mountain): These runs are great for intermediates looking for more of a challenge. They’re groomed regularly and offer stunning views. These runs can be accessed from River Run Gondola or Summit Express. Guests can also ski or ride down Schoolmarm to access both Frenchman and Wild Irishman.
- Anticipation (The Outback): This run takes you through The Outback’s peaceful forested slopes, providing a serene experience away from the crowds. Anticipation is on North Peak and can be accessed by taking the Outpost Gondola or riding down to Santiago Express from Dercum Mountain.
2. Advanced and Expert Terrain
- The Windows (North Peak): If you’re looking for a thrill, this advanced run offers tree skiing and steep drops, but it closes early, so plan accordingly. The windows are accessed by entering the trees below the Outpost Gondola on North Peak.
- Independence Bowl (Accessed via Bergman Bowl): For those willing to hike, this expert-only bowl provides deep powder and challenging terrain. This terrain offers endless soft turns as well as a chance to test your uphill skills. Non-hikers beware, you must hike back out of this terrain into Bergman Bowl.
Intermediate and Advanced Terrain
Keystone’s lifts generally close between 3:30 and 4:00 PM, depending on the area of the mountain. For example, Outback Express closes at 3:30 PM, while the River Run Gondola stays open until 4:00 PM. It’s essential to plan your last runs accordingly to avoid getting stuck far from your base area.
Final Thoughts
Keystone Ski Resort offers an incredible variety of terrain and services for all levels of skiers and riders. Whether you want to enjoy the wide-open spaces of Schoolmarm, tackle expert runs in The Outback, or save good BBQ at Labonte’s Smokehouse, this guide will help you make the most of your time on the mountain. Happy skiing and riding!