Keystone Resort is a popular ski resort located in Summit County, Colorado. It offers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, including three mountains and five bowls.
But when did Keystone Resort first open its doors to skiers and snowboarders? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and find out.
The Early Days
Keystone Resort was the brainchild of Max Dercum, a ski enthusiast who had previously developed Arapahoe Basin Ski Area with his wife Edna. In the early 1970s, Max set his sights on a new challenge: creating a world-class ski resort from scratch.
Construction of Keystone Resort began in 1970 and took three years to complete. The resort officially opened on November 21, 1971, with just one lift and one trail. Despite its humble beginnings, Keystone quickly gained a reputation as a premier destination for skiing enthusiasts.
Expansion and Upgrades
Over the years, Keystone Resort continued to expand and improve its facilities. In 1977, the resort added two more lifts and expanded its terrain offerings to include night skiing. In the 1980s, Keystone introduced snowmaking capabilities to ensure consistent snow conditions throughout the season.
The resort underwent another major expansion in the 1990s with the addition of two new peaks: North Peak and The Outback. These areas provided more challenging terrain for advanced skiers and riders.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Keystone Resort has continued to innovate and improve upon its offerings. One notable development was the addition of Montezuma Bowl in 2008, which added another 400 acres of skiable terrain to the resort.
Keystone has also invested heavily in its family-friendly amenities, including Kidtopia – an entire mountain dedicated to kids’ activities – as well as ice skating rinks, snow tubing, and more.
Conclusion
Keystone Resort has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1971. From just one lift and one trail to over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, the resort has established itself as a top destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone at Keystone Resort. So why not plan your next ski vacation at this historic Colorado resort?