Keystone Ski Resort review from parking, to trails, and day-to-night experiences.
*This is a review of EPIC Pass holder resorts*
One of the best parts of living in Colorado is the access to world-class ski resorts and some of the best skiing in the country. Most of the time the snow is considerably great, the sun is shining bright, and the mountains are not too bad of a trek if you are coming from Denver. I just started snowboarding when we moved out here, so this is my third season, however, my husband has been skiing/snowboarding his whole life. Naturally, I asked him for his profesh opinion on the ski resorts we frequent the most.
So, let's get to it! This review is on Keystone (not the beer). Check out my other posts for Vail, Breckenridge, and Beaver Creek!
Driving & Parking.
Look, I'm not going to lie - driving into the mountains on a Saturday morning is a B. If you haven't done so, follow @i70things (on Insta) to have yourself a laugh while looking at how ridiculous traffic can be, especially in adverse weather conditions.
My favorite part about Keystone is the accessibility. It is the closest of all the EPIC pass holder resorts, which is noiiice.
Another added bonus is the route you can take is up Loveland Pass (Route 6). This brings you up the Continental Divide and it is gorg, so so gorg. Not only do you get a fun day on the mountain, but the roads there keep you in awe. Three or four miles into the curvy mountain road is breathtaking mountain range. This drive can be a little sketchy so just make sure you are careful driving and only go when the road is open.
Pro tip: If no one else is taking this route, just go the regular way up 70 and around. If you do take Loveland Pass and you're super freaking adventurous, you can find back country skiing here.
After you come down the pass, there will be several places you can pull off and gaze at the views bestowed upon you, or even camp if you have the proper vehicle and gear. Shortly, you arrive at Keystone. To top it off - the parking is FREE 99. Yup, you heard it - free (which is nice especially when gas is 9.86/gallon).
The Mountain.
This mountain is super chill. The base area is easy to navigate with the gondola right there and the ski lift is right ahead of the gondola and it usually does not have much of a line. So if you are geared up and can brave a chilly morning ride, head on over to the lift. This mountain overall is smaller than some of the larger name resorts, but it is nice when ya want to get to the trails, shred, and get home early.
The trees are fun on the majority of runs and hiking to the bowls is fun and pretty easy to navigate. Most of the bowls aren't very steep, so newbies (like me) can often do them. The views from here are also sick and you can see Keystone's neighbor - Breckenridge. If you play the mountain right, you can head to the back early, catch the good snow, and make your way back to the front before lunch without catching many lines.
Trail Favs: Spring dipper to the left of Montezuma lift (Blue), Flying Dutchman to the right off Montezuma lift/gondola (Black), and back bowls (Black). Mozart (Blue) to the back side can get pretty choppy, icy, and crowded but as an alternative try Diamondback (black). It makes a great way to the back when it is open later on in the season.
For more experienced riders, all the trees in the back are great. The Windows (Double Black) is a really steep tree ride with lots of technical terrain.
In my husband's opinion, the hike to Bergman Bowl isn't really worth it - the hike is super long for too mellow of a bowl. Instead, the hikea off of the Outback and Wayback are more worth your time because the drop-in is steeper and the hikes are shorter.
Final Review
(drum roll plz...)
4 stars.
Keystone is easily accessible, offers free parking, and the base of the mountain offers just enough food/drink/shopping to where it is easy to find what you need without being overwhelmed. The mountain is small but mighty.
Keystone has some great terrain for all levels. It is easy to get from the front to back and experience what it has to offer without wearing yourself out. This is our top pick when we want to ski without the hassle of a big resort. We can get-in-and-get-out. Baddabing-baddaboom.
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