Skiing at Colorado's Keystone Resort: 21 Do's & Don't's

Picturesque views await around every turn at Keystone Resort

Skiing in the Rockies — is there anything like it? Well sure, haven’t you ever heard of the Swiss Alps? Those majestic rock formations that comprise the Alpine region of Switzerland? You know, with all the sharp slopes and babbling brooks and all that? Wait a second, what were we talking about again?

Oh, the Rockies! Right, right. Skiing in Colorado — there is absolutely, without-a-doubt, no-buts-about-it nothing anywhere else in the world that compares. And you can take that one to the bank. With world-class slopes, seemingly endless ski resorts and all the fresh pow (that is, snow) one could ever dream of come wintertime, the Centennial State is an unparalleled cold-weather destination.

And while there are many, one of the prime ski resorts out that way is Keystone, which can be found less than an hour and a half west of Denver. Spread out over three mountains — Dercum Mountain, North Peak and the Outback — as well as five bowls, the resort offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities for all skill levels, regardless if you’re strapping those sticks on your feet for the first time or if you could literally shred in your sleep.

No matter your skill level, here are some helpful do’s and don’t’s to keep in mind if you ever head out to Keystone:

Do… buy your lift tickets ahead of time online. This wouldn’t normally be an absolute must, but in the age of COVID, spots at the resort are limited. Buying ahead of time is typically cheaper, anyway, and, should your plans change, all lift tickets are currently refundable.

Don’t… wait until the last minute to finalize plans. This would be true under regular circumstances but is especially true now because, again, COVID. Wouldn’t you just hate to have all these visions of sugar plum fairies dancing in your head, only to be left out in the cold because you didn’t act fast enough? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Do… nab yourself an Airbnb with a hot tub. Mountainside cabins abound in and around Keystone, so you’ll hardly be wanting for options. A very solid choice, however, is Mike & Gail’s Buffalo Mountain Retreat in nearby Silverthorne.

Don’t… freak out when you see the cost per night of the aforementioned Airbnb. This is what getting a good group of friends together and splitting costs is for.

Always gotta mask up, even on the slopes

Do… grab your rental equipment from Snowdance Sports near the base of the mountain. They have great rates on both ski and snowboard rentals, with daily rental packages for adults starting at $29. The price per day drops as you string more of them together (e.g. a two- to four-day adult rental starts at $27 per day).

Don’t… feel forced to try something new if you aren’t comfortable, or put yourself in a situation that could potentially get you hurt. If everyone else in your group is skiing but you’re regularly a snowboarder, don’t be afraid to be the odd man out. You do you.

Do… download the handy-dandy EpicMix app, which gives you access to a digital map of all the runs at Keystone (as well as 16 other resorts owned by Vail Resorts). The app itself is not the most seamless thing in the world — it doesn’t even muster a two-star rating on the Apple App Store — but you’ll be thankful to have the trail map at your fingertips at all times.

Don’t… get separated from your group. Cell service is not your friend on the mountain, so unless you planned on splitting up, try not to.

Do… drink a lot of fluids (see: water) before hitting the slopes. These are the Rocky Mountains, for Pete’s sake, don’t you know what higher altitudes do to your body? No? You can find a longer explanation right here, but essentially you’ve got less oxygen to work with, so you tucker out more quickly and lose water at a faster rate, putting you at greater risk of dehydration. So drink up!

Don’t… forget to zip your jacket pocket and lose your phone in a snow bank in the woods in the middle of a Black Diamond run, and subsequently spend an hour or so trying to locate it (even if you do miraculously manage to find it).

Do… get in a stretch or two (or twenty) in the days leading up to your time on the slopes. That higher altitude we were just talking about a minute ago is rather adept at decreasing your physical capabilities, so making sure your muscles are as primed as they can be is definitely in your best interest.

Don’t… tear your ACL, MCL and/or your meniscus on your third or fourth run. I can guarantee the rest of your trip won’t be nearly as enjoyable.

The Gondola to take you to the top of the mountain awaits

Do… have a killer Spotify playlist lined up both for your ride into the mountains and while you’re shredding the gnar.

Don’t… brag about how you’re going to totally shred the gnar, bruh (unless said in a mocking tone, of course).

Do… bring an adult beverage or two in your backpack or drawstring bag — or fanny pack, perhaps? — to enjoy while riding up the chair lift or taking a break halfway down a run. But don’t overdo it: alcohol is not going to help with that dehydration situation, ya feel? You may also want to bring a few snacks, such as granola bars or trail mix.

Don’t… force a staff member to tackle you off the chair lift platform because you were about to be taken out by the chair lift itself.

Do… stop in at one of the on-mountain dining establishments if you need more than just a snack. Options include Summit House, Mountain House and Timber Ridge, but as long as COVID protocols are still in place, a reservation is required to dine indoors. Getting a to-go order and eating outside is also perfectly acceptable.

Don’t… starve yourself because food on the mountain is extremely overpriced. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet.

Do… take the necessary time you need to unwind and relax after a long day on the mountain. Know your body’s limits and when it’s time to call it a day. The hot tub will be waiting at the Airbnb.

Don’t… soak for hours on end in that aforementioned hot tub. It may feel great in the moment, but your prune-like, dried-out skin will NOT thank you in the days to follow. All good things in moderation, am I right?

Do… make your way out to Colorado sometime. You don’t need to go skiing or snowboarding at Keystone or any other resort, but the state has so much to offer nature lovers, no matter what time of year it is, you’ve got to go and pay them a visit.

-LTH