Category: Misc.

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A Beginner's Expert Guide to Keystone, Colorado

By devinreams
updated 5 months ago

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Yes, you read that title correctly. If you're looking to make a trip--be it a day, weekend, or longer--to Keystone, Colorado then this guide is for you. I've included a few lesser-known tips and tricks that even the seasoned Colorado skier may find useful. Anyone new to the resort should find this a worthwhile guide. Thumbs up if you agree!

Keystone, Colorado

It’s a lovely ski resort, known best for it’s night skiing and family-friendly environment. If you’re a beginner, you’ll enjoy the slopes. If you’re an expert, you’ll easily find snow that nobody has touched for days. Keystone has an excellent apres-ski and night life where anyone could stay and have a good time.

Montezuma Express

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If you’re looking for a challenge just head down the blue bumps under the Montezuma. Half-way down you can cruise down a groomed blue or stick it out and ski under the lift (unmarked obstacles may exist!).

36 Hours at Keystone

Every season Keystone hosts a relay race where teams ski non-stop for 36 hours. It’s a fun weekend and everyone has a blast. This is an awesome time to go up skiing. If you’re really looking to “rough it” you can do what I did one season: drive up Friday night, ski, sleep in your car (because there are tons parked in the lot all weekend), and then ski again. Heck, drive to Vail—it’s only a half hour away at this point!

Keystone's Independence Bowl

Great heli-skiing footage.Credit: rexreator.

River Run

River Run base area

Credit: Josh (gatordawg.com)—River Run is a fun town at the bottom of the gondola. This is where all the action happens at night. With plenty of bars and restaurants happy to serve your needs you shouldn’t have a hard time having fun.

Keystone | Colorado Snow

Keystone Resort

Colorado Season Pass

 

Irishman Cliffs

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It’s a black diamond (not on any maps). To get to it: head down Schoolmarm (near the Montezuma Express) and stick to the right side. As the trail starts to curve left you’ll see an opening on the right. Ski through the trees and, bam, cliffs. It’s extremely steep and a worthy challenge. You’ll get down it just as quickly as your beginner friends will be able to navigate the bunny slopes.

Fiesta Jalisco

269 Summit Dr, Dillon, CO 80435

On your way in (or out) to Keystone, as you pass through Silverthorne and Dillon be sure to take the chance to eat at Fiesta Jalisco. Authentic mexican food at a great value. Que bueno!

On your way in (or out) to Keystone, as you pass through Silverthorne and Dillon be sure to take the chance to eat at Fiesta Jalisco. Authentic mexican food at a great value. Que bueno!

Make it a weekend

I recommend going up Friday after work, night skiing (until 9), finding a
(cheap) hotel in Silverthorne/Dillon and driving back up before anyone else on
Saturday morning. Its only a 15 minute drive and you’ll get so much more out of the weekend.

Fresh Snow

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Taken in “The Outback”. Snow hadn’t fallen for three days. But, all you experts should head over to any of the outback bowls and you’ll soon find yourself alone and at peace. Bring a friend and be safe, though—the trees can be a bit steep and deep!

Night skiing

For most people, the ski day ends around 2 or 3 (or even earlier if you’re really worried about traffic). But, if you’re up for the challenge, stick around even later. Night skiing is offered on nearly a dozen trails through 9pm. Call ahead or check online, though, night skiing is limited to certain days of the week depending on the time of the season.

Outdoor ice rink

If you’re up for an extended stay be sure to stop by Lakeside (there are buses everywhere that will get you there). You, too, can say you skated on North America’s largest, outdoor, Zamboni-maintained, skating rink!

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