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
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:
The Keystone ski village at the base of the mountain is the epicenter of apres ski activities.
Wolfrock Brewing Co.
Parrot Eyes
Shopping:
Your answer here too is the village at the base of the mountain.
There is an abundance of clothing shops.
Keystone Nightlife:
Its mellow and the kind of place where you may have to bring your own crowd:
The Goat Soup and Whiskey (Hwy 6): Live Bands
Snake River Saloon (Hwy 6) - also a fine restaurant.
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.
La Bonte's Lunch cabin
