Quick Info
Hours: Until 8pm (check schedule). Terrain: 100+ lit acres on Dercum Mountain. Season: Mid-December through early April. Unique to Colorado: Largest night skiing operation in the state.
Keystone operates Colorado's most extensive night skiing. While other resorts offer a few lit runs, Keystone lights up over 100 acres across multiple lifts. The experience transforms evening skiing from a novelty into a legitimate way to extend your day.
What's Lit
Night skiing operates on Dercum Mountain's front side. The terrain spans beginner to advanced runs:
- River Run Gondola: Main access to night terrain
- Montezuma Express: High-speed quad serving most lit runs
- Schoolmarm: Long green run, fully lit
- Flying Dutchman, Last Alamo: Intermediate options
- A51 Terrain Park: Lit features for park skiing
North Peak and The Outback close at regular daytime hours—night skiing is Dercum only.
Schedule
Night skiing typically runs from mid-December through early April. Standard hours extend until 8pm, though schedules vary. Check Keystone's website for current hours before planning an evening session.
Best nights: Fridays and Saturdays have the most energy. Weeknights are quieter—often significantly so.
Tickets
Night skiing requires a ticket. Options include:
- Full-day ticket (includes night skiing)
- Night-only ticket (starts at 4pm or 5pm)
- Epic Pass (includes night skiing)
Night-only tickets offer good value for locals or those arriving late from Denver.
The Experience
Fewer crowds. Many day skiers head home by 4pm. The mountain empties out, and lift lines shrink. Fresh corduroy appears on groomed runs.
Different atmosphere. The lights create a unique ambiance. Stars appear overhead while you ski. Temperature drops—dress warmer than you would during the day.
Good for practice. Empty slopes mean more room to work on technique. Beginners especially benefit from the reduced traffic.
Tips
Bring goggles with clear or yellow lenses. Dark lenses don't work well under lights. Many night skiers switch goggles for the evening session.
Layer up. Temperatures drop significantly after sunset. What felt comfortable at 2pm will feel cold by 7pm.
Eat dinner on the mountain. Several restaurants at River Run offer dinner with views of the lit slopes. Ski, eat, ski more.
Consider staying slopeside. River Run lodging lets you ski until close and walk home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is night skiing included with a day ticket?
Yes. Full-day tickets and Epic Pass include night skiing. You can also buy night-only tickets at a reduced price.
How cold does it get?
Cold. Expect temperatures 15-20 degrees colder than daytime. Single digits and below zero are common in January and February.
Is it good for beginners?
Excellent. Schoolmarm and other beginner terrain are fully lit, and the empty slopes make learning easier. Lessons aren't offered at night, though.
Which nights are least crowded?
Weeknights, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Weekends are busier but still less crowded than daytime skiing.