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 Keystone. It’s a great spot to be in the middle of the action, 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 to the best neighborhoods in Frisco and where to stay in Breckenridge 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 • Arapahoe Lodge • Jackpine & Black Bear Condominiums by Keystone Resort

River Run Village is the hub of a lot of Keystone resort activities and is a great spot to make your home base. You can catch ski gondolas in the village, and it’s the main spot for 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. River Run Village is also home to one of the two ice rinks in Keystone.

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 • Seasons 1859

Keystone Lakeside Village 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, it’s the perfect spot.

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 • Trappers Crossing 8780

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, this is the perfect spot to avoid the crowds if you want some 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: Soda Springs Ii Townhouse • Evergreen Condominiums • The Forest Neighborhood

West Keystone is an excellent pick if you’re traveling with a larger group. This area has great options for larger accommodations, so it’s perfect for a family reunion or for several families traveling together. It’s also close to Keystone’s two golf courses and is 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 around 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 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 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

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Hopefully, this guide helps you decide where to stay in Keystone, Colorado!

Want more suggestions for awesome Colorado ski resorts to visit? Check out my guide to the 27 best ski resorts in Colorado!