Keystone is comprised of three peaks (Durcum Mtn., North Peak and "The Outback") which naturally divides the terrain between the beginner / intermediate runs and the advanced runs.
The back bowls of Keystone are accessible from these peaks.
The first peak closest to the main village is Durcum Mountain and has the bulk of the beginner and intermediate runs as well as the massive terrain park, Area-51 and kids ski areas.
Also, it is here on this first peak that night skiing is available till 9:00pm.
The next peak as one travels deeper into the Keystone resort was my favorite, North Peak. This mountain has "Mine Shaft", the signature bump run and awesome tree skiing if you know where to go.
The "Outback" is the furthest peak from Keystone village and it has a $5.00 snowcat ride (check for schedule of operation) to the top of North and South Bowl.
It also has "Elk Run", a half groomed, half mogul run to keep your significant other from abandoning you while you seek some good times on the moguls.
La Bonte's Lunch cabin (base of North Peak)
This review would not be complete if we didn't mention Keystone Lake and the largest Zamboni maintained outdoor skating rink. On Monday nights Keystone resort hosts "Kids Glow Bug Skate Night" where kids skate with glow sticks and glow necklaces.
Located in Lakeside Village next to the Keystone Lodge
Keystone also has night skiing on the blue and green runs fed by the River Run Gondola to the peak of Dercum Mountain.
Keystone Terrain:
This ski resort is massive and has something for everyone. If you enjoy skiing the trees, bowls, bumps, groomers or terrain park, you will be happy here. The only terrain missing is the steep chute.
Bowls:
Independence Bowl: Hiking or $200/day snowcat
Bergman Bowl: Hike
Erickson Bowl: Hike
North and South Bowl: Hike or $5.00/ride snowcat
Note that all bowls close at 1:30 pm.
South Bowl and hike entrance -->
Moguls:
I found "Mineshaft" and the runs off of North Peak to be my favorite mogul runs on the mountain. I had the pleasure of hitting "Mineshaft" after a fresh foot of powder and found it to be heaven on earth.
Trees:
If you are an advanced skier and enjoy the trees and powder stashes they hold, you are in for a treat at Keystone. There are vast acres of tree skiing here, most of which is overlooked.
One of my favorite areas was off of the "Outback Express" lift between the trails "Elk Run", "Bighorn" and "Porcupine".
Here is a tip in finding the areas where the trees are more openly spaced.
From the chair lift it is obvious to see that some areas are densely packed with trees and other areas are more openly spaced. This is not so obvious when on a regular marked run and trying to find a good tree trail.
Once located, go for it especially on powder days.
Beginners and Intermediates:
This mountain has plenty of terrain for the beginners and
intermediates. Beginners will be happiest on Derum Mountain, the first peak closest to the village.
Intermediates can venture through the whole mountain with ease.
Kids:
There are two kids areas with colorful distractions and graphics. It gives them other things to focus on such as huts, cartoon characters, colorful ribbons, etc ...
Keystone Terrain Parks: A-51
Area 51 is probably the largest terrain park I have ever seen with an abundance of jumps and features I have only seen at Keystone. You may also enjoy watching as talented jumpers and riders take to the jumps and features.
The other terrain parks are training grounds for A-51 with smaller jumps, low rails, features and 1/4 pipes to develop one's skill level.
Extreme aerials are commonplace in Area-51:
Keystone Aprés Ski:
Kickapoo Tavern Apres ski bar and grill.
The Keystone's River Run ski village at the base of the mountain is the epicenter of apres ski activities.
Alpenglow Stube: ride the gondola to the top of North Peak where you dine in a AAA four star Bavarian style restaurant. They also have a good Sunday brunch.
800-258-9553
Der Fondue Chessel: ride the gondola to the top of North Peak eat fondue in a cozy restaurant.
800-354-4386
River Run Restaurant Group:
Inxpot: Breakfast and lunch coffee shop in Keystone's River Run Village
195 River Run Road #89, Keystone CO
970-262-3707
Kickapoo Tavern: Apres ski bar and American grill in Keystone's River Run Village
129 River Run Road, Keystone CO
970-468-0922
Luigi's Pasta House: Italian Dining in Keystone's River Run Village
140 Ida Belle Drive, Keystone CO
970-468-0300
One can stay at one of the Keystone resort's three villages, mountain houses or at the Arapahoe Inn. The local towns of Silverthorne and Dillon are also options. Frisco is just a few minutes even further West on Hwy 70.
White Mountain Snowmobile Tours 1-800-247-7238 or 1-970-668-5323
Five dollar off coupons available in many of the local area magazines.
Snowmobile tours: Trail or backcountry tours over the Continental divide above 12,000 feet. "Kiddie mobiles" available for young family members. Helmets, snowmobile suites and boots provided.
Twelve passenger enclosed cat tracked vehicle: This tour will start from a former gold mine past abandoned log cabins through forested trails.
Optional lunch, snowboard and ski tours available.
Bricks4Kids: Kids hands-on lego center
135 Dercum Square, Expedition Station Unit U4, Keystone CO
1-970-633-0031
