MOUNTAIN INFO

DERCUM MOUNTAIN

Sitting at 11,640 feet, Dercum Mountain greets guests as they enter the resort from the River Run or Mountain House base areas. Its trails offer skiers and riders long groomed beginner runs, including Schoolmarm, the resort's Family Ski Trail, as well as a variety of wide, rolling intermediate runs great for cruising. Dercum Mountain is also home to Keystone’s award-winning A51 terrain park, featuring a 60-acre collection of progressive terrain park features including boxes, rails and jumps.

NORTH PEAK
Rising to 11,660 feet, North Peak sits directly behind Dercum Mountain and offers a variety of intermediate and advanced terrain, including long bump runs. It is home to Labonte's Smokehouse BBQ as well as The Outpost, where hungry skiers and snowboarders can grab a bite for lunch at the Timber Ridge food court or return later that evening for a gondola-accessed dinner at the Alpenglow Stube or Der Fondue Chessel.


THE OUTBACK
The Outback, Keystone’s furthest and tallest peak at 11,980 feet, is an oasis for skiers and riders looking to enjoy powder turns and tree skiing. Take a short hike off the top of the Outback Express Lift for access to North and South Bowls where skiers and riders will often find wide-open turns and powder stashes.

THE BOWLS
In addition to Keystone’s three main peaks, Independence, Bergman, Erickson, North and South bowls offer skiers and riders incredible hike-to terrain and access to secret stashes, tree runs and powder laps across more than 1,000 acres. Terrain in North and South Bowl is easily accessible via a short hike off the top of the Outback Express Lift. Don't feel like hiking? A $20 shuttle ride on The North Peak snowcat (pick up at the Outpost building on North Peak) provides easy and convenient access to terrain in Erickson and Bergman bowls, which provide easy access back to lift-serviced terrain, or to Independence Bowl, which requires a hike out.. Want more? Participate in a day of guided cat skiing with Keystone Adventure Tours for access to spectacular terrain with expert guiding. 

Contact Keystone Ski Patrol at 970-496-6911

Keystone is committed to promoting skier safety. Always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

Know your ability level and stay within it. Observe the “Your Responsibility Code” listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing and riding experience.

Your Responsibility Code:

1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee. 

It is part of your responsibility under the "Your Responsibility Code" and the Colorado Ski Safety Act to avoid all obstacles and hazards.

Learn more about safety through the National Ski Area Association.

Your friends with Mountain Safety want you to experience Keystone like a local. Here are 10 things to know before you hit the slopes to make your mountain experience even more magical.

1. Hydration. It’s easy to get dehydrated while playing in the mountains. We suggest beginning to up your water intake before you even arrive at Keystone, which has a base elevation of 9000’. Once here, be sure to hydrate often. You’ll find free water fountains at all on-mountain restaurants for a quick refill. Bringing a collapsible water bottle or hydration pack can ensure you stay hydrated, and save a bit of money. Of course bottled water is also available for purchase at locations throughout the resort. Insider’s Tip: Caffeine and alcohol can both exacerbate the symptoms of altitude sickness, so limit consumption, particularly if you’re feeling the effects of playing in the mountains.
2. Make a plan. Similar to emergency plans at home, designated and discuss a meeting location with family members, particularly young children, in the event you are separated on the mountain or throughout the resort. Ski Patrollers are everyone’s friend and are here to assist! Feel free to bring children by Patrol HQ on the mountain to say hi so they know who they can look to for assistance in the event they need it.
3. Check the Weather. Sun? Snow? Cold? As they say, if you don’t like the weather in Colorado, just wait an hour. Check the forecast to ensure you pack for the elements; bring a facemask or other covering for those cold, snowy and sometimes windy days, and be sure to pack the sunscreen for those renowned 300 days of sunshine. Like on water, sun reflects off snow, and is actually more powerful at 9000+ feet, so be sure to bring appropriate eyewear, too! Plan your layers based on temperatures to keep yourself comfortable, with the ability to add or shed layers as necessary. We always suggest non-cotton base layers (including socks), with wicking materials keeping you most comfortable. We suggest all skiers and riders wear a helmet; not only will they keep you safe, they’re some of the warmest wear gear available!
4. Share In Case of Emergency Numbers. We hope everyone stays safe—and together!—while enjoying the mountain, but accidents do happen and occasionally a member of you crew could get lost. Be sure everyone has appropriate contact info, preferably written down, as cell phones can be affected by cold temperatures—and batteries die quickly when you’re taking so many amazing pictures! Particularly for children, we suggest printing ICE numbers inside a jacket or other article of clothing in which they’re remember the location, and that’s not easily misplaced.
5. Consider a Lesson. New to Keystone? Haven’t been back on skis in a few years? Want to tackle some more challenging terrain? Lessons aren’t just for beginners! Our snow pros are amazing mountain guides and can help progress your skills, regardless of age or ability. Consider a Family Private Lesson for a new way to share your time together and progress skills!
6. Know Before You Go. Consult the daily grooming report, available online, to ensure you know the condition of terrain you’re about to tackle. Always remember the Skier Responsibility Code.
7. Download EpicMix. Curious how many vertical feet you tackled? Want to know if there’s a wait at the lift you’re headed to? Need some suggested itineraries for your day on the mountain? EpicMix is your one-stop shop for planning your day on the mountain, and knowing—and maybe bragging about—your accomplishments for the day! Skiers and riders can earn pins, compare times and learn more about Keystone all from the palm of their hand.
8. Carpooling Pays Off.  Keystone is one of the few major ski resorts to offer free on-site parking. Better yet, if you have 4 or more occupants, you’ll enjoy front of the lot preference at the Montezuma Lot by River Run Village (first come, first served, based on availability). If you’re lodging within the resort, don’t mess with the hassle of packing up the car, finding a spot and hauling gear. Utilize Keystone’s free in-resort transportation system to get where you’re going.
9. Explore On and Off the Mountain. With three peaks and more than 3,000 skiable acres to explore, you could spend all your time skiing and snowboarding—and we wouldn’t blame you! But Keystone offers so much more! From free daily Kidtopia activities to mountaintop tubing, horse drawn sleigh rides and ice skating to snow cat tours and dining options to spoil any appetite, adventure awaits around every turn. Browse the website, pick up a Play Guide, or call our Play Experts at 970-496-4386 for more information and to book your activities! Insider’s Tip: Keystone’s dining outlets are on OpenTable.com, making reservations easier than ever! 
10. Aerial Drones. Recreational drone use by any guest or member of the public, for any reason, is not permitted on or over any Vail Resorts property.