Keystone Is Bigger, and skis much, much better than you might imagine.

Another surprise directly ahead …




On our drive to the west from Denver we have already passed the historic town of Georgetown and the landmark skiing of Arapaho Basin. Now we descend from over 12,000 feet to the relatively low elevation of about 9,600 feet, when on the left you see impressive, yet not glitzy, Keystone Resort.



This place has a lot to offer a lot of different types of skiers. The reason can be found in the three mountains that comprise the skiing portion of this multifaceted resort.



Durcum, the “front mountain”, the only one you see from the highway, looks pretty gentle. It’s about 2,400 vertical, and much of this peak is designated as Green and Blue terrain. So warm up here – and take advantage of the night skiing, Wednesday – Saturday. It’s included on your daily lift ticket



You can have a blast at night, with almost no one around, skiing in a tuck from the summit down a groomer called Schoolmarm. Take it non stop to the Gondola (just don’t miss the Durcum Dash cutoff – or you end up at Peru Express. Time yourself. Hop the Gondola for a quick, out of the wind dash back to the top. Try it again, set your line and carve the turn. Or … take the Peru Express back up the mountain - and in two minutes you are cruising along under the stars in total, and I mean total, darkness. It’s a unique experience – at least in the west where night skiing if rare and the sky is generally clear. Try it.








Next morning, take that same gondola. But this time ski down the back side of Dercum to the Santiago Express – and on up to the top of North Peak, elevation 11, 660. OK, this is a different world – all stronger pitch blue and black terrain here. There are over a dozen challenging descents – and when you are done with this frolic, ski down Anticipation to the base of the Outback. Mountain number three, who would have guessed.



Take the Outback Express to the summit of the third and final Keystone peak, elevation 12,200 feet. Now it’s almost all Black terrain, with glades, and bumps and a notable lack of grooming! Is this Keystone? You bet. This resort can be gentle, yet fun, challenging but not intimidating if that’s what you seek – or downright difficult, particularly for those willing to hike a bit.



Did you say hike? Yup, Keystone has “above and beyond the lifts” terrain as well. In bounds, but out of sight. The Bergman and Erickson Bowls above North Peak, also the North and South Bowls - and the Wombat Chutes all above the Outback. All black terrain as you might imagine. But not Double Black, so try it.



There is so much more to Keystone than meets the eye. And the skiing is just the start.



Next time, lets take a look at the lodging and dining options. That’s an eye opener too.