Keystone

Keystone Ski Resort is the masterpiece of one of the most legendary American mountaineers, Max Dercum. With a background in ski racing and and forestry, Max moved to Colorado in the 1940s and spent all his time racing, exploring, and playing in the Colorado Rockies. After first starting the legendary Arapahoe Basin in 1946, Max turned his eye to the area around Independence Mountain. He spent over a decade surveying and planning every detail of the Keystone Resort. It wasn’t until 1969 that the plans started to come together, and after utilizing his expertise in forestry, Max was able to turn the mountain into a ski resort by the next winter in November 1970. 

Keystone expanded fast over the years. After Independence Mountain was chosen for the alpine downhill skiing event for the Denver – which Denver declined – Keystone gained instant notoriety. By 1984, the North Peak was added to the resort, and quickly lifts were added and upgraded to service more of Keystone’s diverse terrain. 

Currently, Keystone features 3,148 skiable acres, spread out over three peaks, and the infamous A51 terrain park. Whether you want to get as much of the 3,000 vertical that Keystone offers, or discover the untamed terrain of Independence Mountain and the Outback, knowing the mountain is an absolute must.