Whether you’re a family with kids or a kid at heart, this laid-back mountain playground will make you feel right at home. Keystone Resort offers a huge variety of fun outdoor activities and adventures, comfortable lodging accommodations, and award-winning dining — all nestled in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. With so much to ski and do here, making lasting memories with friends and family comes naturally.
To get the most out of your Keystone visit — in more ways than you’d imagine — here are a few tips that all Keystone pros know.
Getting to Keystone
Located just 90 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), Keystone is one of the closest all-inclusive ski resorts to Colorado’s largest airport.
River Run Parking Lot
The River Run parking lot is free and easy to access. Located right off Highway 6, you can park and walk to the River Run gondola, village restaurants, plaza events, and shops. If you’re coming on a weekend, arrive early (before 9 a.m.).
Tips for River Run Parking
- Families can look for free little red wagons to help haul skis, snowboards, and gear.
- Familes get preferred upfront spots (traveling with kids 12 & under in the car), on a first-come, first-serve basis while available. (Winter Only)
- Vehicles with 4+ occupants have access to preferred upfront spots on a first-come, first-serve basis while available. (Winter Only)
Mountain House Parking Lot
For another close option, head to the Mountain House base area. You’ll find parking on both the East and West sides of the base — the West lot is paid, and the East lot is free. Beginners should choose the West side for easy access to the Discovery learning area’s magic carpets and chair lift. For everyone else, the East side is ideal. Rates vary depending on season and day of the week.
Free North Shuttle Lot
Keep an eye out for signs on Highway 6 for the free North Shuttle lot on your way into Keystone.
Parking Tips:
- Arrive before 9 a.m. on Saturdays for free parking — River Run fills by 9–12 p.m.
- Start your ski day later and enjoy night skiing on select nights, included with lift tickets.
- Stay overnight — lodging through Keystone Resort includes complimentary parking.
- Use Keystone’s free in-resort shuttle system.
- Ride Summit County’s free Summit Stage bus system.
- Check the @KeystoneParking X account for live updates.
Know Before You Go
- Buy lift tickets early: Purchase in advance on KeystoneResort.com for the best price and to skip the ticket line. Tickets can be mailed to you or accessed in the My Epic app.
- Download the My Epic app: Get trail maps, mountain stats, friend tracking, and your lift tickets on the My Epic App, so you can go straight to the lift using your phone’s Bluetooth.
- Save on rentals with Epic Mountain Rewards: Save up to 20% on rentals with you Epic Pass. Keystone Sports offers convenient pickup locations in town and on the way, and has local delivery available.
- My Epic Gear offers maximum convenience: Reserve premium ski gear in the My Epic App and have it delivered or ready for you slopeside for a smoother, faster start to your day.
Take Advantage of the Fun and Family Conveniences
At Keystone Resort, it’s all about fun. Located in Summit County, Colorado, and just 75 miles west of Denver, the resort boasts more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across three peaks and five above-treeline bowls — plus night skiing! Home to the industry’s leading Kids Ski Free program, kids 12 and under ski and ride for free all season with two or more nights of lodging booked through the resort. Convenient perks like free parking and complimentary red wagons for hauling gear make family adventures even easier.
Progressive Terrain for Every Skill Level
Keystone’s three peaks offer terrain for everyone — from first-timers to advanced skiers. Everything is laid out intuitively with two main base areas — River Run and Mountain House — and three peaks: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback.
- Dercum Mountain: Perfect for beginners and intermediates, featuring gentle, groomed runs and learning zones at the top of the River Run Gondola.
- North Peak: Great for intermediate and advanced riders, with wide, flowing groomers that will get your legs burning.
- The Outback: A haven for advanced skiers, offering tree runs, hike-to terrain, and natural challenges.
No matter your level, Keystone’s layout and lift network make it easy to explore safely and confidently.
Lift-Served Bowl Skiing
For skiers and riders ready to explore a little more of the mountain, Keystone’s Bergman Express lift opens up a whole new world of adventure. This high-alpine lift gives easy access to more than 550 acres of beautiful bowl terrain in Bergman and Erickson Bowls — an area that was once only reachable by hiking. The wide-open slopes are friendly and approachable, with incredible views that make it easy to pause and take it all in. For those looking for a bit more challenge, the lift also connects to steeper terrain in Erickson Bowl, with routes that flow back toward the Outback and Wayback lifts. And if you still want to earn your turns, Keystone offers more than 1,300 acres of hike-to terrain in The Windows, North Bowl, South Bowl, and Independence Bowl for advanced adventurers.
Kids Ski Free at Keystone
Easy on the wallet and easy on the rules, Keystone’s long-running Kids Ski Free program has made family ski trips more affordable since 2012. Kids 12 and under ski for free with no blackout dates when families book two or more nights through Keystone Resort. Choose from cozy hotel rooms to spacious family condos — all bookable at KeystoneResort.com.
Skating, Snowshoeing & Sleigh Rides
For those seeking off-mountain fun, Keystone delivers:
- Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Dash through the snow on a scenic, storybook ride through the valley.
- Ice Skating: Glide across two ice rinks — one in River Run Village and another on Keystone Lake at Lakeside Village.
- Snowshoeing & Nordic Skiing: Explore 9 miles of groomed trails at the Keystone Nordic Center.
Many activities have limited availability and sell out quickly, so reservations are encouraged. Call 970-496-4FUN to book dining and activities, or reserve online.
Stay Connected
Visit KeystoneResort.com for terrain updates, snow reports, lodging deals, and guaranteed lowest-priced lift tickets.
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