On The Mountain
Keystone has three Peaks Dercum is the front mountain with a variety of green and blue runs. The middle is North Peak followed by Outback these two peaks are mostly blue and black trails.
First Timers/Beginners - there is a great learning centre at the top of Dercum Mountain with wide open slopes away from busier zones.Dercum Mountain offers great terrain with lots of easy ways down a good trail to try earlier in the day and the longest is Schoolmarm.
Intermediate levels will enjoy all three mountain faces with some great trails open until 9pm on Dercum,there are some fun rollers along the way. A trail I enjoyed in the evening when there is no one on the slopes is Spring Dipper down into the Flying Dutchman which brings you back to the Montezuma Express Chairlift.
Advanced skiers/boarders can take advantage of the two Snowcats on offer that go from the top of the Outback and Out Post Gondola. The snowcat from the Out Post Gondola has two guides and you will need to book in advance as this is a guided tour.
The Outback snowcat just drops you off and is done on a first come basis for US $5 approx.Terrain in the outback is a mix of everything from trees and wide open bowls.
Ski and Board School
The Childrens Center at the Silvermill Plaza in River Run Village has Daycare for children aged (2 months - 6 years).A Nanny 1 "on" 1 programme is also available for children 2 -15 months.
It is essential to book ahead of time for childcare to guarantee a place for your child.
Childrens Group Lessons(3yrs- 15 yrs) are available daily and include lunch and snacks for all abilities. They start at 9am -3.30pm.It is recommended that your child has a helmet or these are available for rental at the resort.
A great way to help develop your childs skiing/boarding is with the Mom Dad and Me Programme where you and your child will spend our hour with their instructor reviewing your childs development and learning how to work with your child on the snow. This is available only at 4pm.
Adult Lessons (16yrs+) - Group half day and full day group lessons are a great way to learn and meet other people. These are available for all abilities from 10am - 3.30pm.
Night Lessons- Only for Never Evers is also an option from 4pm - 6pm.
Private Lessons-Great for families or friends a maximum of 6 in your group. Half day is 3hours and full day is 6 hours.
The Village
Keystone Resort is a purpose built resort so it does not appear at first glance to have the quaint charm of other Colorado resorts. But there is definitely a fun family feel to the resort with its range of outdoor activities. The buses that shuttle between the village bases allows for easy and convient access. River Run is the larger village and has a good range of eateries and shops to explore.
Attractions and Activities
Nightskiing is a very different experience and is so peaceful at night this is a unique feature to Keystone and for some families being able to ride in the park from 9am until 9pm is a welcoming option.Please however check on the times and dates on arrival at resort.
Every Monday night the outdoor skating rink has Glow Bug Skate Nights where children get free glow sticks and necklaces to glide around the lake.
Whether it is snow cat skiing/boarding,tubing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, snow biking, fly fishing, relaxing at the Keystone Lodge & Spa Rock Resorts Spa or cross country skiing there is something for everyone.
Shopping
Throughout Keystone and three villages River Run, Lakeside, and The Mountain House you will find all the shops you could ever want. From designer fashion to vacation mementos to outdoor gear and apparel. Silverthorne factory outlet stores are well worth a visit with 3 villages and over a 100 stores this is just 30 minutes away by bus.
Dining
Alpenglow Stube at the top of North Peak at 11,444 ft should be a stop for lunch or a Sunday Champagne Brunch. If you decide not to ski to the Sunday Brunch and are a foot passenger, the ticket amount you pay will be deducted off your Sunday Brunch. Ski Tip Lodge and Keystone Ranch are excellent gourmet restaurants for couples and adult groups. Worth a visit are Big Horn Steakhouse,Los Docos, The Goat and Kickapoo to name a few.
Nightlife
Not a huge resort for nightlife although River Run appears to be the livelier area.Check out Parrots Eyes which features live entertainment most nights.Snake River Saloon tends to come to life on the weekends and straight off the slopes the Kickapoo Tavern is quite lively and has an outdoor patio where you can relax after skiing.
