Colorado’s Keystone Resort set for bumper ski season with fantastic new additions

by James Wilkinson

Colorado’s family-friendly Keystone Resort, close to Denver, where kids ski free is off and running for the 2024-2025 winter season in one of state’s most picturesque areas.

Keystone Resort opened for the 2024-25 winter season on Saturday, Nov. 2 with two miles of skiing and riding on the signature Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon trails.

Additionally, skiers and riders have had access to a hike-to terrain park on Spring Dipper and beginners will have access to learning terrain at the top of the River Run Gondola, utilizing the Kokomo Carpet.

“We are thrilled to get back on snow at Keystone,” said Keystone Resort Vice President and General Manager Shannon Buhler.

“Early season wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our employees, and I am so grateful to be a part of this incredible team.

“There’s a lot to look forward to this winter, from year two of Bergman Bowl with its fun and approachable high alpine terrain for all levels to the return of the World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort to incredible events like our new Women’s Weekend and the National Brotherhood of Snowsports Annual Summit.

“It feels really great to be back home in Summit County and here at Keystone, and the team and I can’t wait to welcome skiers and riders back to the resort this winter.”

She said Keystone will continue to make snow at every opportunity to expand terrain offerings this early season and will aim to open the Mountain House base area in mid-November, weather and conditions permitting.

During the early season, resort uphill access remains closed until more terrain is open, she said, adding uphill access is only permitted on designated routes, before and after lift operating hours.

Last season, Keystone transformed the on-mountain ski and ride experience by adding more than 550 acres of lift-served terrain with the debut of the Bergman Express lift, making Keystone’s high alpine terrain accessible to a wide range of ability levels for the first time ever.

Now, this winter, transformations are underway in Keystone’s River Run Village, with the construction of Kindred Resort, anticipated to open in Summer 2025.

The family-friendly Kindred Resort will feature luxury ski-in, ski-out lodging at the base of the River Run Gondola, including new restaurants, a full-service spa, and pool and hot tub facilities.

It will also be the new home for the Keystone Ski and Ride School, and resort retail and rental shop.

Something the kids will be cheering about this season is the news Build-A-Bear Workshop will make its debut in Keystone’s River Run Village.

Guests can commemorate their adventure on the mountain by choosing from dozens of furry friends, while bringing them to life with the iconic heart ceremony before decking them out in their very own unique Keystone merch.

At 9,280 feet, Keystone Resort’s new Build-A-Bear Workshop is the highest workshop of its kind, offering another one-of-a-kind experience that families can only find at Keystone Resort.

This winter at Keystone, skiers and riders can also look forward to mountains of fun ahead, including the return of the World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort, New Year’s Eve Fireworks, a brand-new Women’s Weekend event, the Kona Ski Beach, our signature Springtastic Slush Cup, and more.

In addition, classic Keystone favuorites will return including snow tubing, ice skating, night skiing, sleigh rides, and the Kids Ski Free program.

Keystone’s long-standing Kids Ski Free program has been providing kids with free lift tickets since 2012.

Kids 12 and younger ski for free at Keystone with no blackout dates when families book just two or more nights through Keystone Resort and lodging accommodation options span from affordable hotel rooms to family-sized condominiums.

This season, visitors can enjoy more laps and fewer lines thanks to the Mobile Pass feature on the My Epic App.

You can buy your pass or lift ticket online, activate and store on your phone in the new My Epic app, put the phone in your pocket and you’re ready to go.

Bluetooth technology designed for low energy usage means you get scanned, hands-free, on-the-go.

For those who may not want to use mobile pass, plastic cards will continue to be available.

More information about Mobile Pass and the My Epic app can be found on the Epic Pass website.

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