Are you craving a weekend on the slopes this winter? Look no further than Keystone Ski Resort. Keystone features three peaks, over 3,100 acres of skiable area, and the longest ski day in Colorado, all within an easy driving distance from Denver.
Keystone offers plenty of tasty restaurants, cozy après spots, and fun activities both on and off the mountain. Explore Keystone with this 36-hour itinerary from The Lodging Company.
Friday Evening
Slip out of work a little early to beat the traffic, grab your gear, and drive the one hour, thirty minutes from Denver to Keystone on I-70. With The Lodging Company, the property you book is locally managed at the resort level, so you’ll experience a professional, full-service check-in at your hotel, condo, or chalet.
Get settled in quickly, because there are slopes to be skied! Keystone has the “longest ski day in Colorado,” with multiple lighted trails open until 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Watch the sun go down as you warm up your legs on the Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon trails, then ski under the night sky on Frenchman, Flying Dutchman, and Spring Dipper.
Stop at the Summit House between laps to warm up with hot cocoa, and then grab dinner at the 9280’ Sake House at the base of River Run before heading to bed.
Saturday Morning
Up and at ‘em, skiers and boarders! Eat breakfast at the slope side Mountain House Food Court then get geared up for a morning on the mountain.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, Keystone has something for everyone. Beginners will want to spend their morning on Dercum Mountain, where green-rated slopes start at over 11,000 feet. This means you get great views while you’re pizza-pieing your way down the groomed runs. Intermediate skiers will find plenty of fun and varied terrain serviced by the River Run Gondola.
If you’re an advanced skier, hold onto your helmet and make your way to the narrow glades of the Windows for tree-skiing and steep pitches. If you’re willing to put your feet to work, you won’t regret hiking to the powder-filled upper bowls of Wapiti Peak and Keystone Peak.
Park-lovers can get their fill at the 60-acre A51 Terrain Park, which features different zones for beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert tricksters.
Saturday Afternoon
Enjoy some great eats either on-mountain or in Keystone Village, then decide what you want to do with your afternoon. If you’re still craving time on the slopes, head back out and ski until you’ve had your fill.
Those looking for relaxation can check in at the Keystone Spa & Salon for an Ashiatsu massage or a yoga class at Studio K. If a massage isn’t your style, the Spa also offers facial treatments, manicures, pedicures, and a full-service unisex salon.
Squeeze in one more outdoor adventure with an ice skate at Keystone Lake. Glide across the 5-acre lake (rentals available on-site) or take advantage of the hockey board setups for a quick pick-up game with family and friends. When you want a break, there is a full bar and snacks available at the adjacent Adventure Center.
Saturday Evening
After such a full day, you deserve a little après fun. Make your way to the locals-favorite happy hour at the New Moon Café in River Run Village. During happy hour, the Café pours 30 local, craft beers for just $4 a glass, and serves a plate of chili con queso with chips for $6. They also claim to have Keystone’s only Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary bar, which is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
For dinner, slip into the well-loved Café Profusion. Known as a “gourmet hole-in-the-wall,” Café Profusion serves Asian fusion curries, braises, soups, and stews at their intimate space in Dillon. Grab a table if you can or order your meal for take-out and relax in your room or condo while you nosh.
Did you get a burst of energy from dinner? If so, head to the Snake River Saloon for live music, drinks, and late-night pub fare. If chilling out is more your style, and you’ve booked your weekend at a Keystone hotel, condo, or chalet with a hot tub, soak your evening away under the stars.
Sunday Morning
Start your day off right with coffee and an Independence Bowl (filled with potatoes, scrambled egg, melted cheese, and sausage gravy or chili) at inxpot coffeehouse. Fully fueled, you can either get in another morning on the slopes or enjoy a Nordic ski or snowshoe at the Keystone Nordic Center. Lessons and rentals are available!
About Sarah Sheehy
Sara Sheehy is a writer who travels the world seeking wild places and great stories. She loves discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, starting conversations with strangers, and road trips. When she's not traveling, Sara spends her time exploring the mountains around her home base of Sun Valley, Idaho.