Quick Info
Terrain: 3,000+ acres across three mountains. Vertical: 3,128 feet. Pass: Epic Pass. Best for: Families, night skiers, intermediates seeking variety.
Keystone spreads across three interconnected mountains, each with its own personality. The front side of Dercum Mountain welcomes beginners and intermediates. North Peak adds steeper terrain and glades. The Outback delivers expert-level bowls and chutes. Together, they create one of Summit County's most varied ski experiences.
Dercum Mountain
The main mountain and what most visitors see first. The front side offers long, groomed runs perfect for cruising and learning. This is where night skiing happens—over 100 acres lit until 8pm.
Key terrain:
- Schoolmarm: One of Colorado's longest green runs
- Frenchman: Popular intermediate cruiser
- Mozart and Bach: Steeper blues with good pitch
- A51 Terrain Park: One of Colorado's best terrain parks
North Peak
Accessed from the top of Dercum via the Outpost Gondola. North Peak offers steeper terrain, gladed skiing, and fewer crowds. The trees here are excellent when snow is fresh.
Notable runs:
- The Windows: Classic intermediate glades
- Anticipation: Long blue with consistent pitch
- Cat Dancer: Expert bump run
The Outback
Keystone's expert zone. Hike-to bowls, steep chutes, and sustained expert terrain. When conditions are good, The Outback rivals anything in Summit County for challenge.
Expert highlights:
- North and South Bowl: Hike-to alpine terrain
- Erikson Bowl: More accessible expert skiing
- Black Forest: Deep glades for powder days
Tips
Arrive early for Outback access. The terrain requires specific conditions to open. Check the snow report and get there when gates open.
Take advantage of night skiing. Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and a different mountain experience. Full night skiing guide here.
Use the gondola connection. The Outpost Gondola between Dercum and North Peak is covered and warm—good for cold days.
Explore the trees. Keystone's glades are extensive and often less tracked than at neighboring resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Keystone compare to Breckenridge?
Breckenridge is larger and has more high-alpine terrain. Keystone offers night skiing, better family programs, and often shorter lift lines. Both are on Epic Pass.
Is Keystone good for beginners?
Excellent. The front side of Dercum has extensive green terrain, and the ski school is well-regarded. Night skiing lets beginners get extra practice.
What about advanced skiers?
The Outback delivers when conditions allow. North Peak has good trees. It's not Vail-scale expert terrain, but there's enough for a satisfying day.
When is the best time to visit?
January through March for best snow. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Night skiing is particularly uncrowded.