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Keystone’s drop in the  rankings over the past five years from the low teens—and even No. 11 in 2007—could suggest that the resort’s progress has stalled or that maybe other resorts are excelling at a faster pace. Perhaps Keystone suffered because the recession hit its key market—middle-income families—the hardest. Or maybe it’s just a fluke, as comments like these suggest: “Rock solid resort. Does a lot of things well. Reliable conditions. Attentive staff. Underrated for scenery. Should get higher marks.” The cheers and jeers remain relatively consistent: praise from advanced skiers wise to the resort’s back bowls (“the Outback is a great place to beat the crowds”), and complaints about the “funnel effect” plaguing the virtually unavoidable intermediate Mozart trail. The jury is still out on last year’s relocation of the gondola base into River Run Village, but there’s overwhelming consensus that it’s “faster and more convenient.” Wherever it falls in the rankings, Keystone always maintains its reputation as a great family resort thanks to “the best terrain park” (No. 3), “outstanding snowsports school” and “lodging choices that are always a good value.”
/ What’s New / A skier bridge over the Snake River connects the mountain to the River Run
Gondola, providing faster access to the slopes. 
/ Don’t Miss / The Keystone Kidtopia Festival, Feb. 19–21. Explore the ultimate Snow Fort, dance or go Disco Tubing.
/ Mandatory Run /  Elk Run, under the Outback Express, is one of Keystone’s definitive cruisers and is now groomed wall-to-wall.