A Review of Keystone, Colorado
Keystone is a charming, quaint ski town. But even better so, it is one of the more secluded, budget-friendly ski destinations. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking to ski without the hustling and bustling of popular destinations like Breckenridge or the glamour and lavishness of Aspen and Vail.
When We Visited
My now fiancé and I traveled the week before Thanksgiving in 2021 for our first ski trip together. We went before peak season (December/January), making it less crowded.
However, I would recommend going a little later in the season to ensure there is snow.
Where We Stayed
I recommend staying in River Run Village. It is at the base of the mountain, so it is within walking distance of the ski lift. When we went, it was already decorated for Christmas with trees and lights. The village also has many cute shops and giant fire pits you can sit around.
We stayed at this VRBO with Summit County Mountain Retreats. It was seriously a 5-star experience. The condo had a gorgeous view of the mountain, a patio, a fireplace, and a full kitchen. It was also a short walk to the gondola, shops, and dining.
Further, amenities include a ski equipment locker, games, and a hot tub.
So, don’t forget to bring a swimsuit!
Skiing at Keystone Ski Resort
This was my first time skiing. I took a half-day lesson, which helped a lot. By the second day, I had mastered it.
As mentioned earlier, we went early in the season. So, on our first couple of days skiing, there was no actual snow. Therefore, many of the runs were closed and it was a bit icy (not ideal skiing conditions). However, we got lucky with powdery, real snow on the final day! I will say, though, that the first couple of days were nice because it was sunny (as shown in the photos above). It actually got hot up on the mountain, which I liked because I personally do not like wearing all the layers.
Overall, skiing in Keystone was an incredible experience and a great place for beginners. The runs were fairly easy, the weather was nice and made it comfortable to see, and it was not too crowded.
This year, we skied in Jackson, Wyoming. Read my Jackson Hole Winter Travel Guide for another ski trip destination idea. I enjoyed Jackson Hole more than Keystone, but each place offers a unique experience. I am excited to explore more ski destinations!
Thanks for reading, and happy skiing!
Madison Marie
