Where to Stay in Keystone (Best Areas & Hotels)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Keystone

River Run Village is the newest base area and is now considered the center of town. It’s a great spot to be in the middle of the action and close to the best Keystone activities. But if you want a quieter stay, consider East or West Keystone. Mountain House is also close to lifts and is an older base area. 

Also, be sure to check out my guides on where to stay in Breckenridge and Frisco if you’re traveling beyond Keystone!

River Run Village Area

👉 Best Area For All The Action | ✨ Best River Run Village Hotels: Timbers & Lone Eagle by Keystone Resort • Jackpine & Black Bear Condominiums by Keystone Resort • Buffalo Lodge • Hyatt Place Keystone

River Run Village is the hub for many Keystone resort activities and is a great spot to make your home base. You can catch ski lifts from Jackpine & Black Bear Condominiums and other lodging options in the village.

This area is also home to one of two ice rinks in Keystone, as well as the kids’ ski school — cheers to not having to cart all their gear very far! It also has plenty of shopping and restaurants for an after-ski meal.

Pros of Staying in River Run Village Neighborhood:

• Easy access to skiing and ski school
• Lots of great restaurants
• Lots of activities for people who don’t ski

Con of Staying in River Run Village Neighborhood:

• Can be crowded

Keystone Lakeside Village

👉 Best Area For Lake Activities | ✨ Best Lakeside Village Hotels: The Keystone Lodge and Spa • Lakeside Village by Keystone Resort • Keystone Lakeside Condo

This area is close to ice skating in the winter and paddle boarding and boating in the summer. It’s also near the Keystone Conference Center, so if you’re traveling for business, places like Lakeside Village by Keystone Resort are ideal.

There’s a shuttle that will take you to the lifts, and a free ski check at the River Run Gondola, so you can leave your gear there instead of having to haul it back and forth. 

Pros of Staying in Lakeside Village Neighborhood:

• Pretty lake views & activities
• Close to conference center
• Ski shuttle available

Con of Staying in Lakeside Village Neighborhood:

• Can’t walk to ski lifts

East Keystone

👉 Best Area For Secluded Stays | ✨ Best East Keystone Hotels: Ski Tip Lodge •  Settlers Creek 6535 • Pines 2129 by SummitCove Lodging

East Keystone is known for more secluded lodging that’s closer to nature. It’s out of the main fray of the shops and restaurants at Keystone Resort. Though you can’t walk out your door and head to the lifts, Ski Tip Lodge and other nearby options are perfect for avoiding crowds and enjoying extra space.

Pros of Staying in East Keystone Neighborhood:

• Quiet, secluded
• More residential homes

Con of Staying in East Keystone Neighborhood:

• You’ll need a car to get around 

West Keystone

👉 Best Area For Golf | ✨ Best West Keystone Hotels: Flying Dutchman Condos • Evergreen Condominiums • Two-Bedroom Keystone Condo

West Keystone is an excellent pick if you’re traveling with a larger group. This area has great options for larger accommodations, like this Two-Bedroom Keystone Condo, which sleeps 4-8 guests. It’s perfect for families traveling together and also close to Keystone’s two golf courses. Plus, it’s near a bike path leading to Keystone Lake.

Pros of Staying in West Keystone Neighborhood:

• Larger rentals available
• Close to the golf course

Con of Staying in West Keystone Neighborhood:

• You’ll need to drive or shuttle to Keystone Ski Resort

Mountain House

👉 Best Area For Low-Key Skiing | ✨ Best Mountain House Hotels: Mountain House by Keystone Resort • Quicksilver 1672 • 2800 Slopeside Condo

Mountain House is the original base for skiing in Keystone. It’s a great option to be close to the lifts but without the crowds of River Run. There’s a ski school and kids’ area, along with shops and a lift ticket office. It’s also easy to catch a shuttle to River Run and other areas of Keystone. 

Pros of Staying in Mountain House Neighborhood:

• Close to ski lifts
• Quieter and less crowded than the newer River Run
• Shops and restaurants within walking distance

Cons of Staying in Mountain House Neighborhood:

• The older area of Keystone
• You’ll need to take the shuttle to get to newer, trendier spots

Tips for Staying in Keystone

Consider All Transportation Options

Not a driver? You’re in luck! It’s possible to take your ski trip to Keystone without a car (something that isn’t easy for most other ski resorts near Denver).

Shuttles will take you from Denver International Airport to various hotels in town. Once you’re there, a lot of the sites are within walking distance or are served by shuttles.

If you plan to spend your entire trip at the Keystone Resort, then you likely won’t need a car. Of course, if you plan on visiting more vacation spots in Colorado, you’ll want some wheels. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you do plan to rent a car on your trip, I recommend using Discover Cars. They make the rental process simple!

Buy Tickets Online

Skip the lift ticket line and save money by purchasing tickets online ahead of time. Keystone Ski Resort also limits lift tickets, and popular days can sell out. You’ll skip the disappointment of being turned away if you buy your tickets ahead of time. You can also book rentals and ski school online.

Make Reservations Ahead of Time

Other activities in Keystone can sell out as well. Make reservations for anything you know you absolutely want to do while you’re in Keystone. This includes snow tubing, sleigh rides, and dining reservations.

Stay Hydrated

It’s especially easy to forget to drink enough water when cold weather has you reaching for coffee and hot toddies instead. But it’s vitally important that you stay hydrated — especially if you’re skiing all day. Drinking tons of water is also the best way to fight the effects of high altitude and prepare yourself for the elevation.

Wear Sunscreen

Another important tip to remember year-round is to apply and reapply sunscreen during the day. You’re closer to the sun up here! I like to have a quality face sunscreen, plus a sports sunscreen for any other exposed parts. 

Go Easy At First

You may want a day to get acclimated to the altitude before a ski day or other physical activities. Try checking out River Run Village, Keystone Lake, and the sites in town when you first arrive.

⛰️ Read Next: 21 Best Colorado Mountain Towns

Pack Layers

Don’t let the Colorado seasons fool you – you can easily find yourself sweating on the winter slopes and freezing out on the lake in summer. Be ready for the Rocky Mountain weather by bringing plenty of moisture-wicking, breathable layers that you can easily take off and pile on as the weather gets warmer or colder. 

For more advice on what to pack for Colorado weather, be sure to check out these Colorado packing list tips!

FAQs About Where to Stay in Keystone

Is Keystone a good place for beginners?

Keystone, Colorado is a good place for beginner skiers. There are a variety of green runs on the mountain and classes catering to both kids and adults. The resort is easy to navigate, so it’s not intimidating for a first-time skier. 

Is Keystone a party town?

Keystone is not considered a party town. There are plenty of bars, brewpubs, and places to get a delicious apres-ski cocktail. However, there aren’t a lot of nightclubs or places to hang out in the early hours of the morning. 

What is there to do in Keystone if you don’t ski?

There are lots of things to do in Keystone if you don’t ski. You can ice skate on Keystone Lake, go snow tubing, take a dinner sleigh ride, take a snowcat tour, go hiking, or enjoy a spa day.

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Hopefully, this guide helps you decide where to stay! Want more suggestions? Check out my list of the best ski resorts in Colorado.