Nestled in the breathtaking Rockies, Keystone Ski Resort stands out as a top choice for best ski resort for kids and families seeking an unforgettable winter adventure. From its proximity to Denver to family-focused amenities, Keystone caters to both the skiing enthusiast and those new to the slopes.
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We just returned from a day trip to Keystone to kick off our ski season. We had a blast. Our kids are growing fast and so are their skills and each season we are able to conquer more and more of the mountain!
Our kids are all skiers ages 3, 5, and 7. I’m a skier too but Jamie is the only one that rocks a snowboard. The boys, ages 5 and 7 are getting pretty good, pretty fast. They are both great ice skaters because of hockey so this helps a lot! Brynn, is really turning a corner. I have her on the ski harness because she can’t stop, but other than that, she can pretty much ski on her own!
Why did we chose to go to Keystone this time?
We are Denver area residents and Keystone is an easy drive for us, especially on a weekday. As Epic Local Pass holders, Jamie and I have unlimited access to these Colorado resorts: Keystone, Breckenridge, and Crested Butte with 10 days total at Vail or Beaver Creek. The pass also provides access to numerous resorts across the country and some perks internationally as well.
One of the biggest draws for us is the Epic School Kids pass which is free if you register in time. Kids get 4 free days at 5 Colorado ski resorts. This was a major factor for us when we chose to get the Epic Local Pass this year as some other Colorado passes do not offer such discounts.
Are you locals to Denver too? Or looking for more to do while you visit? Check out our 5 Adventures Near Denver For Kids.
Our Ski Day Itinerary
Our ski days are always a little different, but here’s how this one in particular panned out:
Drive
Arvada (our home) to Keystone is about a 1 hour and 25 minute drive. That is, if there is no traffic. It was a Monday so we didn’t have much trouble.
Google Maps: Keystone Resort
*Advice! Your experience will greatly depend on the traffic to the resort as well as the crowds at the resort. If you have the capability and flexibility, try your best to go on a weekday. I-70 traffic, especially on weekends or holidays can be a literal nightmare. We’ve been stuck in traffic for hours on I-70. Plan accordingly, especially if you are going on weekend. Leave really early! Additionally, because of the proximity to Denver, Keystone tends to get crowded faster than other resorts. Be prepared for large crowds on weekends!
Park and Walk to the River Run Gondola
The family parking is awesome at Keystone. If you are early enough, you’ll practically get a spot in the front row closest to River Run. The walk is pretty short to the gondola but depending on how young your kids are this may seem a bit far so be prepared to take some breaks. At one point they had wagons that you could borrow from the parking lot to lug gear and kids to the slopes. I don’t know if we were too early in the season for these to be available because they were nowhere to be found. If they bring them back these are super helpful!
Ride the River Run Gondola
The River Run Gondola is really convenient and a great way to start your day on the slopes. We prefer riding the gondola first instead of a chair because it allows us to get situated with our gear, tighten the boots and bundle up all the kids. If it’s a cold day, the gondola warmth is an added benefit!
Schoolmarm to Silverspoon to Montezuma Express Lift
The long green beginner runs are perfect for our family, especially to start the day. From the Gondola, we took the trail Schoolmarm to get a good warm up. The trail leads to Silverspoon which is another nice green trail. This run took us to Montezuma Express which is a mid-mountain lift that took us back to the top where we started. It’s worth noting that this was very early in the season and only a handful of runs and lifts were open. However, even if the full resort was open our day wouldn’t have been much different since only a few runs and lifts are necessary for our family skill levels.
Lunch at Summit House
We did Schoolmarm to Silverspoon one more time and by then most of us were already exhausted. I took our youngest two to the Summit House on top of Dercum Mountain to grab some food. Jamie and Grayson (our 7 year old) did one more run before meeting us for lunch. The Summit House has standard cafe style food – burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries etc. If you want something a little more interesting, I’d suggest going back down to one of the many restaurants in River Run.
Quick Warm Up at The Learning Area
To let the food digest and get a quick warm up in we decided to do a few runs at the Learning Area adjacent to the Summit House on Dercum Mountain. They have a “magic carpet” lift there which our kids are big fans of.
Schoolmarm to Peru Express Lift
Our next run, we skied all the way to the base ending at the Peru Express Lift. This was a long 3.5 mile trail and by then we had one more run in us before ending our day.
Acapulco Road to Schoolmarm to Dercum’s Dash to River Run
Our last run was another big one. Taking Schoolmarm to Dercum’s Dash – our only blue run of the day, which took us back to River Run. It was a nice one to end on as the kids were ready and had practiced all day long.
Miners Playground
The playground can’t be missed as you walk right past it in River Run. If your kids have enough energy, this is a nice pit stop before the drive home.
Drive Home
It was another simple drive, thanks to it being a Monday. Consider leaving the slopes early to beat traffic if you are skiing on a weekend.
Full disclosure here, we think a lot of resorts are great for kids, especially in Colorado, but it’s not a coincidence that Keystone consistently gets ranked as one of the top ski resorts for kids. We don’t claim to be experts but the other Colorado resorts we’ve taken the kids to are: Echo, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Winter Park, and Aspen Snowmass. They ALL have great perks for kids. As for me personally, I’ve checked off 20 of the 28 ski resorts in Colorado.
Here’s why we believe Keystone one of the best resorts for families…
Why is Keystone One of The Best Ski Resorts For kids?
Convenient Location:
- Keystone is one of the closest major ski resorts to Denver, minimizing travel time with restless kids in tow.
Family Parking:
- Enjoy the convenience of free family parking close to the slopes, eliminating the need for shuttles or gondolas to reach the base.
Budget Friendly Options For Kids:
- As mentioned above, the Epic School Kids pass is a free skiing option at Keystone and other Epic Resorts. Additionally, Keystone offers perks like kids ski free when booking qualifying stays. You’ll also find that the day price passes are typically cheaper than those of Vail or other nearby resorts. And stated above: Free Parking on most lots!
Abundance of Family and Beginner Terrain:
- Keystone offers multiple dedicated family and beginner ski areas, ensuring everyone in the family can find the perfect slope. Keystone can be as easy or as hard as you make it. For us, sometimes Jamie or I will stay in the lodge with our youngest ones and we’ll go to a nearby challenging slope with our oldest.
Long and Varied Runs:
- Keystone boasts some of the longest runs, including the 3.5-mile Schoolmarm, allowing families to spend more time skiing and less time in lift lines. As your family starts to conquer Schoolmarm, you can choose to peel-off from the trail onto an adjacent harder trail to test your skills.
River Run Gondola:
- The River Run Gondola provides a comfortable and scenic ride to the top, perfect for families to get situated and stay warm in inclement weather.
Gondola Versatility:
- Families can ride the gondola all day, utilizing the varied terrain without the need for additional lifts. It’s also a safe option for those with little ones concerned about traditional lifts.
Snow Fort Adventure:
- The world’s largest snow fort atop Dercum Mountain is a perennial favorite among kids. This offers a great break to the ski day! You can also snow tube here. We’ve never done this here which is why I don’t list it.
Miners Park Playground:
- After an exhilarating day on the slopes, Miners Park in River Run offers a creative playground for kids to unwind.
On-Mountain Amenities:
- Keystone provides a range of on-mountain restaurants and amenities, ensuring families have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable day. At Keystone, you can’t stray too far without being near a lodge if you need to take a break.
River Run Village:
- The quaint River Run Village, situated at the base of the mountain, offers numerous restaurants, shops, and treats, providing a charming apres-ski atmosphere. We love the famous Mountain Top Cookie Shop. Yes, there is one in Breckenridge too.
Book Your Stay at Keystone Resort
Link: VRBO’s In Keystone
With its family-friendly features, diverse terrain, and convenient location, Keystone Ski Resort stands out as a premier destination for families seeking the perfect winter getaway. Is Keystone the best ski resort for kids? Well, we think it should be considered. From novice skiers to seasoned pros, Keystone offers an unparalleled experience for all ages.
