Downhill Skiing in Keystone, Colorado
One of the best Keystone experiences is downhill skiing through groomed ski runs and steep slopes. With a diverse terrain, Keystone has something to offer to skiers of all skill levels.
Keystone’s A51 terrain park (formerly Area 51) is not only one of the biggest in North America, it is also one of the best. Built to thrill and excite, A51 is bustling with raw energy. Among its many attractions is a ski run on the side where you can watch those dazzling daredevils zoom high into the air and, against all odds, land with perfect poise. For the not-so-daring, there are half pipes and rails, small and big jumps, fun boxes, and a superpipe for a diverse Keystone ski experience. At night, the A51 terrain park is alive and teeming with avid night skiers.
Meanwhile, Dercum Mountain/Keystone Mountain (at the top of the River Run Gondola) has terrain levels for beginners and offers ski training for all levels. Even if you’re new to skiing, you’ll get to experience the top of Keystone Mountain and enjoy a breathtaking glimpse of Lake Dillon, Dillon, Frisco, and a hint of Breckenridge. Beginners can either make their way down the green Schoolmarm ski run all the way to the bottom of Keystone Resort, or take advantage of River Run Gondola’s return service and return for another ski lesson the following day.
The Outback, on the other hand, is an advanced skiing terrain for experts, with large soft moguls on groomed ski runs. One of its best features is gladed tree skiing. Several ski runs are peppered with perfectly spaced trees. Even if it hasn’t snowed for weeks, expert skiers can easily find powder stashes among these tree runs. Hiking through the Outback can help uncover “secret powder stashes” for a perfect “powder run”. But if hiking isn’t your thing, a snow cat ride can also lead you to the hidden powder stash. Most noteworthy “hidden” powder stashes are in: The Windows (an easily accessible trail that runs beneath the North Peak Gondola), Timberwolf, and on top of the Outback.