Keystone is in the lead when it came to being the first ski and/or snowboard resort to open in Colorado. It announced opening day on October 22 this year. Colorado did not even have a lick of snow until November 17. Thank goodness for the miracle of snow machines!
For the avid skiers and snowboarders, I know you’re wondering if a visit to a resort pre-season is even worth it. Here’s my insight on the pre-season conditions at Keystone Resort.
Open Runs
If you do not have the Epic Mix app on your phone downloaded yet, then I would recommend doing it to figure out which runs are currently open.
Dercum Mountain was the only peak open on Halloween and Thanksgiving weekend with one terrain park at the top of the River Run Gondola. It is now torn down and Area 51 is now open, but it was a nice little area for pre-season to get warmed up on jumps/tricks. Dercum Mountain is filled with several green and blue runs, perfect for beginner to intermediate snowboarders and/or skiers.
Below are a few runs I recommend checking out to get you warmed up.
Green Runs:
– Schoolmarm: People say this run is overrated, but you cannot beat the length of this green run. Starting at Dercum Mountain, you have 3.5 miles from the top until you hit the base.
Blue Runs:
– Dercum’s Dash: This is a connecting blue run that eventually becomes River Run. Be careful not to hit anyone, or be hit by someone while dashing down this run.
– Paymaster: Take a right off of Schoolmarm and fly into this blue for a moderately steep run. This run was not as groomed as the other runs at Keystone. There were little snow pebbles everywhere, but nevertheless still a great run. It was actually one of my favorite runs during pre-season.
– River Run: Steep, consistent, wide blue run that will bring you down to the River Run Village. Be careful when you get the bottom as people are flying to get onto the Summit Express lift.
– Spring Dipper: Great blue for the intermediate to advanced boarder or skier.
Lines
The initial River Run Gondola wait was approximately 20-30 minutes depending on the day. After the initial gondola ride, I would recommend riding to the right if you end up on River Run and hopping onto Summit Express lift to skip the gondola line.
Snow Conditions & Ice
For pre-season, Keystone had a comparable amount of snow and least amount of ice compared to ski resorts nearby.
Bonus: Night Skiing and Snowboarding
What an amazing bonus this is. Keystone offers night riding on select days of the year. It’s great to catch the sunset and ride with less people on the mountain. I will say it is dark and I actually did not wear my goggles. I can’t see at night. It’s a deficit, but I would highly recommend if you haven’t gone at night before. Check out Keystone’s website at this link for more details.
Colorado definitely has more snow now and there are several runs open at Keystone, so there is more terrain to explore and ride down.