When Did Keystone Ski Resort Open?

By Alice Nichols

Keystone Ski Resort is a world-renowned ski destination located in Summit County, Colorado. It’s a place where skiing enthusiasts from all over the world gather to hit the slopes and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views.

But when did Keystone Ski Resort first open its doors to skiers? Let’s take a closer look.

History of Keystone Ski Resort

Keystone Ski Resort is one of Colorado’s largest ski resorts, with more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and over 100 ski runs. The resort is part of Vail Resorts, which also owns other popular ski destinations such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Beaver Creek.

The idea for Keystone Ski Resort originated in the early 1970s when Max Dercum and his wife Edna purchased the land where the resort now stands. The couple had a vision of creating a world-class ski resort that would offer something for everyone, from beginner to expert skiers.

Keystone’s First Season

After years of planning and construction, Keystone Ski Resort officially opened its doors on November 21st, 1970. The resort’s first season was a success, with skiers flocking to the mountain to experience its world-class runs and stunning views.

During its first season, Keystone had only three chairlifts and five runs open for skiing. However, by the end of the season, the resort had already made a name for itself as one of Colorado’s premier ski destinations.

Growth and Expansion

Over the years, Keystone Ski Resort continued to grow and expand. In 1984, the resort added night skiing to its list of offerings. In 1997, it opened North Peak—a new area with additional runs that offered more challenging terrain for advanced skiers.

In 2008, Keystone unveiled its newest expansion project—The Outback—a new area with over 500 acres of skiable terrain and some of the resort’s most challenging runs.

Today

Today, Keystone Ski Resort is one of Colorado’s most popular ski destinations, offering something for everyone. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, a variety of runs for all skill levels, and breathtaking mountain views, it’s no wonder that skiers from around the world flock to Keystone every year.

In conclusion, Keystone Ski Resort first opened its doors on November 21st, 1970. Since then, it has continued to grow and expand, becoming one of Colorado’s largest and most popular ski destinations.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skier, Keystone has something for everyone. So why not plan your next ski trip to this amazing resort?