2009 Powder Resort Guide - keystone
Current Conditions : 36.1F / 2.3C, Clear - 12:04 PM MDT Mar. 16
Temperature: 36.1°F / 2.3°C | Humidity: 38% | Pressure: 30.40in / 1029.3hPa (Falling) | Conditions: Clear | Wind Direction: WNW | Wind Speed: 3.0mph / 4.8km/h
Today as of Mar. 16 3:39 AM MDT
Today - Sunny. Highs 37 to 47.
Tonight as of Mar. 16 3:39 AM MDT
Tonight - Mostly clear. Lows 16 to 24.
Nestled in Summit County along the Snake River, Keystone is one of the most popular destination resorts in Colorado. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, and three vibrant villages, Keystone is an attractive option for both Front Rangers and vacationers seeking to experience a slice of the mountain life.
Free parking at the resort is close and convenient. Park in the Montezuma lot and stroll into the gondola area. Hop on either the River Run Gondola, or the Summit Express, whichever is less crowded. The lifts run parallel to each other, and take you both to the top. From there, you’ll have access to most of the terrain the mountain provides.
From the top, you can either hop on the Outpost Gondola, hike, or pay $5 for the snowcat to Independence Bowl, or ski down to Santiago Express. Each option will provide some great skiing, but for the best snow, take Santiago to the top and head right, down to the Outback Express. Once at the top of Outback, there is a cat service. You can either opt to hike the route, which is not very steep and takes about a half hour, or try to make friends with the cat operator and hopefully score a free ride. The North and South bowls provide some of the better terrain at Keystone, and because of the hike/$5 cat ride, they rarely get tracked out. You can bet on finding stashes a few days after a storm. The traverse out of the North Bowl isn’t fun, but the great skiing easily makes up for that.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of steeps and pow, head into Area 51, Keystone’s renowned terrain park. Consistently ranked in the top 10 of best terrain park polls across the country, the park features a variety of hits, walls, and rails. With over 30 rails being added this year alone, it’s clear that Keystone is committed to continuing the success of Area 51.
What’s New:
The icebox that is the River Run Gondola is getting a much-needed facelift. Construction began in April on the new and improved eight-passenger River Run Gondola. The base terminal is being moved farther into the village, and the new gondola will also have a mid-mountain terminal, while the top terminal will remain the same. Designed for better comfort, the new gondola will surely make those subzero morning rides up more bearable.
Inside Line:
Continue your day of skiing at Keystone into the night, as the resort offers the largest night operation in Colorado. Tickets are good until 9 p.m., and the park is open until 7 p.m. With a little bit of night skiing to top off your busy day, you’ll be ready for that beer in the village.
DETAILS
- keystone.snow.com; 877.625.1556
- Lift Ticket: $89 (multi-day rate, discounted if purchased online)
- Summit: 12,408 feet
- Skiable Acres: 3,148
- Vertical: 3,128 feet
- Annual Snowfall: 230 inches
