Everything You Need to Know about Keystone
Keystone
Fast Facts about Keystone, Colorado
About Keystone
Local Resort
Keystone Ski Resort
Elevation
9,600 feet / 2,926 meters
Drive time from Denver
~1 1/2 hours
Airport of Choice
Denver International Airport
Closest 14er
Torreys Peak, 14,267 feet
About Keystone Ski Resort
Year Established
1970
Summit Elevation
12,408 feet / 3,782 meters
Vertical Rise
3,128 feet / 953 meters
Skiable Terrain
3,148 acres
Chair Lifts
20
Number of Trails
128
Longest Run
Schoolmarm – 3.5 miles / 5.6 kilometers
How to Get to Keystone, Colorado
Airports Near Keystone
Denver Airport
Just about 67 miles west of the Denver Airport you’ll find the mountain town of Keystone. While these destinations don’t have their own airport, there are a number of options for getting from Denver Airport to Keystone, including Keystone airport shuttle, taxi services, Bustang, car rentals and more. The trip from Denver Airport to Keystone takes you west on I-70 through downtown Denver, under the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne.
Eagle Airport
Eagle County Regional Airport is located west of Vail in Gypsum. Just about an hour from Keystone, EGE is a great option to cut your drive time down, but there are a few downfalls. Flights often get delayed or cancelled during the winter because of the weather. There are also much fewer transportation options between EGE airport and Keystone. To get from Eagle County Airport to Keystone, you’ll head east on I-70 past Beaver Creek, Vail, Copper and Frisco to the Silverthorne exit, where you’ll exit and head south to Keystone.
Colorado Springs Airport
About 2 1/2 hours southeast of Keystone is Colorado Springs and the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport. To get from the airport to Keystone, take I-25 N to Denver, where you’ll head west once you reach I-70. Follow I-70 through Denver, up to the Eisenhower tunnels, and back down toward the Dillon / Silverthorne exit. We do not operate shared shuttles between Keystone and the Colorado Springs Airport, however, private shuttles are available.
Keystone Airport Shuttles
Peak 1 Express offers safe and affordable Summit County Airport Shuttles from Denver International Airport to Keystone. Our Mercedes Sprinters provide you a safe vehicle with loads of extra legroom and headroom, and our service-focused drivers will provide you the best ride. We offer our daily, shared, mountain shuttle schedule and daily airport charter service between DEN and Keystone at the custom time of your choice if the listed times do not suit your needs.
Our Keystone Airport Shuttle runs at various times throughout the year to ensure we’re available when you need us most! Check the schedules below to determine the best departure and arrival options for the time you’ll be spending in Colorado.
Find the Best Lodging in Keystone, CO
Keystone, Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful mountain vistas in Colorado. Nestled in a Summit County valley, Keystone is a popular ski and snowboard destination for many winter vacations. While you are in Keystone, there are many different types of Keystone Lodging to choose from. There are Keystone hotels that include ski-in ski-out accommodations for easy access to the slopes. Keystone lodging options also include condo rentals for larger groups and people who are planning a longer stay.
Dining in Keystone
While you are visiting you will want to go to the Keystone restaurants that have the best local ambiance to get a true feel for the mountain town. Once you have your Keystone vacation planned, take a look at the different Keystone dining options for to try while there. Whether you are looking for a fancy mountainside restaurant or the best local hang out, check out this list of Keystone restaurants to find what you’re looking for. A visit to the mountains in Colorado isn’t complete until you have a proper Keystone dining experience.
Keystone Event Calendar
Though Keystone’s town isn’t as built out as some other areas in Summit County, there’s still a great amount of happenings in the summer and winter.
Winter Events
November
The Lighting of River Run: Hit the ski slopes during the day, then start your holiday season with this gorgeous display of decor!
February
Keystone Mardi Gras Party: Free live music and some of the “best gumbo in the county” await you at Keystone’s Mardi Gras Party.
Summer Events
June
Keystone’s Annual Bacon and Bourbon Festival: The perfect combo of whiskey and pork to commence the warmer season.
July
4th of July River Run Bike Parade: Start by decorating your choice of non-motorized two wheel transportation and join in on the festive bike parade celebrating America!
Keystone Wine and Jazz Festival: This classic mixture of fermented grapes and saxophone will fill this July weekend with good vibes and beautiful art of all forms.
September
Oktoberfest: No surprise here, another high country town celebrating the endless German tradition!
Things to Do in Keystone | Summer
AVA Rafting & Zipline is your full service adventure outfitter for the Rockies! With whitewater rafting on 8 rivers across Colorado, 2 thrilling and unique zipline tours, cabins, rock climbing, horseback riding and more, you are sure to make your favorite memory with AVA Rafting & Zipline.
- Fly fishing
- Horseback riding
- Rock climbing
- Golf
- Whitewater rafting
- Hot air balloon rides
- Mine tours
- Dog sledding
- Summer Zipline Tours
Quandary Peak
Breckenridge’s favorite 14er, this peak is a popular hike during the summer season. Start off your morning with a hike to the summit, then hit the town for some well-deserved local brews. Keep an eye out for the mountain goats!
Babysitting and Child Care
Kids can’t tag along on your activity? Want a night out for a fine-dining date or a day on the slopes without the kids? We recommend Resort Sitters for childcare. They are great!
Things to Do in Keystone | WINTER
Would you like to bring your family on a vacation that will provide you with endless memories and laughs? Looking to escape on a mountain getaway with some friends? Keystone is the perfect escape from day-to-day life. With activities for a variety of ages and skill levels, you won’t have worry about filling your vacation. There are plenty of things to do in Keystone, and riding the slopes is just one of the Keystone activities you can enjoy while you are there. From ice skating, and tubing to spending a day recuperating with a massage, Keystone has it all. Enjoy all the endless mountain activities, but consider yourself warned – you may find it incredibly difficult to leave! Take a look at just a few of the possible Keystone activities you can get into while you are there.
Keystone Skiing & Snowboarding Resorts Nearby
Keystone Ski Resort
Distance from Keystone: <5 mi
Best For: Beginner to Advanced
Summit Elevation: 12,408 feet
Skiiable Terrain: 3,148 acres
# of Lifts: 20
Terrain Parks: 6 (all within Area 51)
Average Annual Snowfall: 235 inches
Arapahoe Basin
Distance from Keystone: 7 mi
Best For: Intermediate to Advanced
Summit Elevation: 13,050 feet
Skiiable Terrain: 1,331 acres
# of Lifts: 9
Terrain Parks: 3
Average Annual Snowfall: 350 inches
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Distance from Keystone: 15 miles
Best For: Beginner to Advanced
Summit Elevation: 12,998 feet
Skiiable Terrain: 2,908 acres
# of Lifts: 34
Terrain Parks: 4
Average Annual Snowfall: 300 inches
Copper Mountain
Distance from Keystone: 18 mi
Best For: Beginner to Advanced
Summit Elevation: 12,313 feet
Skiiable Terrain: 2,490 acres
# of Lifts: 23
Terrain Parks: 6
Average Annual Snowfall: 305 inches
Other Winter Activities near Keystone
Ice Rink
ICE SKATING
970-262-7370
Silverthorne Recreation Center
FITNESS & RECREATION
970-453-6855
Outlets at Silverthorne
SHOPPING
866-746-7686
Good Times Adventures
DOGSLEDDING & SNOWMOBILING
970-453-7604
Keystone Nordic Center
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
970-496-4275
Frequently Asked Questions about Keystone
What is there to do in Keystone?
Keystone is a great ski town located in Summit County Colorado. The number 1 activity would be skiing but there is also great golfing, biking, shopping, dining, ice skating and more!
Is Keystone better than Breckenridge?
Keystone is a small convenient town located at the base of the mountain. It has great restaurants and world class skiing. It is different than Breckenridge, which has a larger downtown area not quite as close to the ski resort.
What is there to do in Keystone Colorado in the winter?
There is great skiing, ice skating, sledding, and more family friendly activities such as the kidtopia snow fort on top of the mountains.
How long does Keystone stay open?
Keystone has a long ski season typically ranging from October until April.
Is Keystone gondola free?
You need to purchase a ticket to ride the Keystone gondola. Tickets typically range from $20 – $40.
Is Keystone good for beginners?
Keystone has great beginner terrain. You can get beginner lessons as Keystone or take the long green runs down the mountain.
What should I pack for Keystone Colorado?
When visiting Keystone, it is always great to pack lots of layers. Cold temperatures accompanied by sun can make you warm enough to be comfortable in just a jacket. Make sure to pack a hat, gloves, and warm socks for any winter travel to Keystone.
Is Keystone good for snowboarding?
Keystone is a great mountain for snowboarding. There is a lot of terrain geared towards snowboarders and a large terrain park for those looking for more extreme snowboarding.
Is Keystone Colorado a city?
Keystone is considered a town in Colorado and more specifically is it a resort town as it is centered around the Keystone Ski Resort. In the Keystone village there are lots of shops, and restaurants.
When to Visit Keystone
Winter
Keystone is truly a spectacular place to enjoy a winter excursion at. The Keystone Ski resort is typically open from November through April and with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, it is a must visit for any winter sports enthusiast. The resort is unique in that it offers night skiing and even puts on a firework display every Saturday night. A snow tubing hill, scenic sleigh rides, and ice skating on Keystone lake all await you when you’re ready to take a break from the slopes.
Summer
As the winter snow melts from the ski slopes, a summer playground with endless possibilities emerges. Keystone truly has something for everyone no matter what their dream summer activity might be. With 55 miles of mountain biking terrain that can be accessed by chairlifts, horseback riding, mountain top yoga, and a variety of hiking; it is safe to say that Keystone is as lively in the summer as any other time of year. For those looking to veer away from the summer slopes, activities like fly fishing and paddleboat rentals are there for those in search of nearby waters to explore. Swing a club, pedal down the slopes, or get your zen on up in the clouds with a mountain top yoga class, Keystone in the summer is a truly unforgettable experience.
Spring & Fall
Spring and fall offer both incredible views and exciting activities for visitors of Keystone. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm afternoon of spring skiing amongst the smaller spring crowds at Keystone Resort or soaking in the incredible colors of fall while on an early October hike. Saddling up for a horseback ride, lacing up the hiking boots, or getting in that last round of golf before the winter arrives are just a few of the many opportunities awaiting those who choose to visit Keystone in the spring and fall.