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Resort Guide

Suitability	Resort height: 2834m
Families:		[Yes]
Glacier:		[No]
Beginners:		[3]
Intermediates:		[5]
Advanced:		[4]
Snowboarding:		[4]

Keystone is located 75 miles (120km) west of Denver and is the closest major resort to Denver’s International airport. The resort stretches for seven miles (11km) east to west along the scenic Snake River and Keystone has three villages; River Run, Lakeside Village and The Mountain House,with skiing on three mountains.

Now owned by Vail resorts, it’s one of the world’s newer ski areas, yet to turn 40. It’s also one of the highest, and thanks to that is amongst the first in the US to open each season. An area pass is available that can be used to ski at other Vail resorts in the area – Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Vail itself.

Beginners

Beginners have special classes and a low cost lift ticket to use on beginner only lifts with an instructor. An unusual opportunity is the chance to learn to ski at night and there are also women-only learn to snowboard sessions.

Almost a third of Keystone's beginner terrain is on Dercum Mountain which was renamed in honor of Max Dercum, one of the founders of Keystone Resort. In 1943, Max and Edna Dercum moved into the historic Ski Tip Ranch and 27 years later (in 1970) eventually opened Keystone Ski Resort (lift tickets were ).

Intermediates

There are more than 100 groomed runs at Keystone and more than half of Keystone's North Peak is rated difficult to advanced, with fast, well-groomed cruisers like Starfire and Prospector as well as some of the best bump runs like Ambush and Powdercap. If you can’t get enough turns in during the daytime, Keystone boasts one of the largest night skiing/riding operations in the US, with 17 trails illuminated. This helps in its annual season opener, the 36 Hours of Keystone event, when there’s 36 hours non-stop skiing available.

Advanced

For advanced skiers some of the best gladed terrain is located in Keystone’s Outback, or for even more adventure, you can hike to the steeps and glades of the Windows and find your powder stashes in tree runs like Black Jack, Roulette or Wild Card. Keystone's wide-open glades are tree skiing at its best, or get on board for a guided snowcat tour to Bergman and Erickson bowls for untouched powder. In winter 2006-7, Keystone Resort expanded its terrain into the steep, north-facing powder runs of Independence Bowl. Keystone Adventure Tours can take you along for a guided tour of this expert terrain.

Snowboarding

Keystone’s recently expanded A51 terrain park, floodlit for night operations, and the A51 Incubator beginner park each have innovative rails and features. The resort added improved jump lines and new snow features last season and the parks continue to evolve.

Other Activities and Facilities

Keystone provides a selection of free activities for guests staying in its accommodations including ice skating on a giant ice rink, snowshoeing, wine tasting and yoga classes. There’s also other activities like tubing, sleigh rides, winter fishing and snow biking.

The Keystone Lodge recently completed its spa renovation with five new treatment rooms including aromatherapy tub, a Vichy shower room, a wet room, couples room, manicure/pedicure area, and a beautifully designed relaxation room.

Keystone has added approximately 300 acres of new hike-to and snowcat-accessed terrain (above treeline, north-facing, steeper terrain) in Upper Independence Bowl.

Après Ski and Dining Out

Keystone has a selection of welcoming après ski venues. The Wolf Rock Brewing Company creates handcrafted microbrews with daily beer specials. Another choice, the Kickapoo Tavern, is a completely Colorado bar and grill serving Colorado microbrews and boasting no less than seven big screen TVs and a great deck for après ski drinks and dinner. Inxpot is part coffeehouse, part bar, part bookshop. You can get a quick nip, a classic novel or a recent bestseller here.

Keystone has a good range of places to eat from fast food to gourmet. Pizza on the Plaza serves homemade pizza at the village over a view of Keystone Lake whilst the Summit Seafood Company specialises in the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat two miles above sea level, including Mahi Mahi, swordfish and freshly caught local trout from the Rockies. Keystone has also built a reputation for fine dining at the Keystone Ranch, the Alpenglow Stube and the Ski Tip. Located on Keystone's North Peak, The Alpenglow Stube is the highest AAA four-diamond restaurant in North America which you can reach by gondola for dinner.

Families

Keystone is a great choice for families with its family friendly terrain and base villages, wide ranging activities and programmes for all ages. Day care is available for babies from two months old in the Mountain House Base Area.

Besides normal ski school for children from age three, for the brave, Keystone offers ‘Learn with the family’ classes at the Ski and Ride School called ‘ The Mom, Dad and Me’ lesson.

Piste Map for Keystone

Accommodation in Keystone

• Inn At Keystone - 4 star, room only
• Keystone Condos - 4 star, self catering
• Mountain House Condo - 3 star, room only

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