Keystone Resort is the first ski resort in North America to officially open for the 2025-26 winter season. Keystone kicked off the season on Oct. 25, 2025, with more than two miles of freshly groomed terrain on the Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon trails. For the first time ever, Keystone will start its season in the afternoon and ski and ride into the early evening under the lights in a nod to its signature night ski operations.
Keystone’s opening day featured an early season hike-to terrain park under snowcat lights, a live DJ, and $5.50 beers and hot dogs to commemorate the resort’s 55th season. The festivities continued on Oct. 26 with Keystone’s first full day of operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring more music, free donuts, hot coffee and a warm welcome to winter.
“We’re thrilled to kick off the season here at Keystone with over two miles of skiing and riding,” said Keystone Resort vice president and general manager Shannon Buhler. “We know how much this moment means to our employees and community, and our team has poured their hearts into creating an incredible early opening celebration. We’re just excited to be back on snow!”
Opening terrain was accessed via the River Run Gondola, with skiing and riding laps off the Montezuma Express lift. At the end of the evening, guests downloaded the River Run Gondola back to the base of the resort. The resort will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with night skiing available until 7 p.m. on select Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
Convenient touches like free parking in the River Run Gondola Lot and at Mountain House, including up-close family and carpool parking options, make Keystone Resort an ideal option for friends and family to hit the slopes. Keystone’s snowmaking team will continue working around the clock to make snow whenever weather allows, expanding early season terrain as quickly as possible. During early season operations uphill access remained closed and once open, will be permitted only on designated routes before and after lift operating hours.
Keystone’s living room – Kindred Resort
River Run Village is getting a major upgrade this winter with the highly anticipated debut of Keystone’s premier luxury development: Kindred Resort. Kindred will feature ski-in, ski-out lodging, a year-round heated pool with patio cocktail service, four new dining option, valet parking, valet ski, bike storage and an upscale full-service spa just steps from the River Run gondola. Kindred Resort will also be the beautiful new home base for Keystone Ski & Ride School, alongside a resort rental shop so guests can gear up before stepping outside.
Events and fan-favorite activities bring the fun for all
Keystone is turning up the fun this season with new events like Snow Fort After Dark and Keystone’s Military Winter Games. Returning favorites will keep the energy high all season long, including New Year’s Eve fireworks, Women in Powder, Keystone Pride, Peaks & Beats and the signature Springtastic Pond Skim. Details about Keystone’s full event lineup are posted on the resort’s Signature event page. Fan-favorite activities return on and off the slopes, including the World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort, snow tubing, ice skating, night skiing, sleigh rides and more.
Re-announcing Keystone’s Kids (always) Ski Free program
Easy on the wallet, easy on the rules, easy to get on the mountain. Keystone’s long-standing Kids Ski Free program has been providing kids with free lift tickets since 2012. Kids 12 years old and younger ski for free at Keystone with no blackout dates when families book just two or more nights through Keystone Resort. Lodging accommodation options span from affordable hotel rooms to family-sized condominiums.
Connected Ski & Ride School in the My Epic App
Keystone Resort, along with Breckenridge, Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek, launched a new technology in the My Epic app this December that takes Ski and Ride School to the next level. With innovative new features, parents and students can easily check in for lessons, receive real-time updates and photos, track progress and celebrate milestones and skills with digital badges, all from the convenience of their phone.
