Keystone Resort in Colorado Keystone Resort in Colorado and Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 3128ft/953m, total trails 128, closest airport 73mi/118km, lifts 20, and more.

The Resort is located in the White River National Forest along the Snake River surrounded by land with a rich logging and mining history. In the 1940s, Max Dercum decided to leave his position at Penn State University, where he taught forestry and ski racing, to move to Colorado’s mountains. He and his wife Edna, both ski enthusiasts, first settled in Georgetown and then moved to a ranch with a view of the mountains and their vision for the future.

Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Max would hike the mountain that would eventually become Keystone Resort. Max made the acquaintance of Bill Bergman, a lawyer from Iowa, who shared Max’s vision of creating a four-season resort. On November 21, 1970, they realized their dream when Keystone Resort opened to the public on Dercum Mountain with several trails and lifts.

Ralston Purina acquired the ski resort in 1974 with a plan for future development and terrain expansion. In 1984 the ski resort added new chairlifts, trails and installed a Gondola. Night skiing was introduced to the ski resort the following year. The North Peak Mountain opened in 1989 along with the Outback Mountain section in 1990 with new trails and lifts. The largest transformation came in 1994 when the River Run Village Base Area was developed.

Another significant change came to Keystone Resort in 1997; when Vail Resorts acquired the ski resort. Keystone Resort has earned a reputation throughout the skiing and snowboarding community as a year-round resort and a place for family, friends and fun.

Today, Keystone Resort has grown to become a leading ski resort and offers skiing and snowboarding on three mountains, Dercum Mountain (Front-side Mountain), North Peak, and The Outback. The mountain has five bowls, Independence, Erickson, Bergman, North and South, plus hike-to terrain and Cat-Skiing. There are three vibrant villages River Run Village, Mountain House, and Lakeside Village and two base areas at the bottom of Dercum Mountain.

On the Slopes

• As you ski Keystone, you'll see that many of the lift and trail names such as Lower Gassy, Jackwhacker, and Saw Whiskers reflect the area's rich logging and mining history, and are named after the people who lived there long ago.
• Dercum Mountain, the main mountain area, leads into the River Run Village and offers a vast selection of intermediate terrain that includes runs such as the Flying Dutchman, Wild Irishman, Paymaster, and Frenchman.
• North Peak has a variety of intermediate and expert runs and features the ultimate dining experience at The Outpost. On Outback Mountain, you will find great fall line advanced terrain that will test your ability.
• Even as the daylight gives way to the evening, Keystone is the only ski resort in the area to offer night skiing and snowboarding on 15 trails.
• Keystone Resort is home to the amazing A51 collection of terrain parks complete with lift service from the Peru Express and A51 Double located inside this impressive terrain area. The terrain park features over 100 rails, boxes, and jump lines.
• The Keystone Ski and Snowboard School employs dedicated instructors to help everyone gain the skill set required to enjoy each visit to the slopes. Programs range from various children’s programs for ages ranging from 3 to 14. Also offered are adaptive programs, women’s clinics, and private and group lessons.
• Keystone Resort shows its diversity by providing further access to the mountain with Cat-Skiing on Independence, Erickson, and Bergman Bowls. The guided tours are suited for Advanced/Expert skiers and snowboarders. Reservations are required.
• Keystone Resort offers a family-friendly environment both on and off the slopes. On the slopes, there is a dedicated area known as The Schoolyard that is a Family Ski and Snowboard zone where the family can enjoy making turns on the terrain together.

Off the Slopes

• Keystone Resort has an extensive list of lodging options at any of the three village areas on the mountain. River Run Village, the main village, plus Mountain House and Lakeside Village, has lodging that will fit most budgets and lifestyles, everything from hotel rooms to condos and townhouses.
• The family has the option to make their way to Adventure Point for Snowtubing or outdoor ice-skating on the rinks at Dercum Square and Lakeside Village. Also, check out Kidtopia, the World’s Largest Snow Fort.
• Other off-mountain activities include Keystone Nordic, an extensive cross-country skiing network covering over 35mi/57km through the White River National Forest area. There are also the always-popular sleigh rides, which are a great way to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of nature.
• There are numerous places at the River Run Village to buy logo wear, souvenirs, pants, jackets, new equipment, and other items. There are also more shops in the Mountain House and Lakeside Village, including clothing stores and general merchandise.
• There is also the option of staying in Summit County and taking advantage of the “free” transit system to get you to the ski resort. Also, in Summit County, you’ll find retail options, including outlets malls.
• One of the many amenities featured at Keystone Resort and Summit County are the Summit Stage transit and the “Keystone In-Resort Shuttle” systems that are free of charge.
• The “In-Resort Shuttle” system services the Keystone Resort and will get you to the slopes and around the resort from the many lodging options.
• Airport transportation to Keystone is available from Denver Intl Airport or Eagle County Regional Airport near Vail with Epic Mountain Express. They offer Shared Ride or Private Car Service with the convenience of door-to-door service.