Keystone's winter magic extends far beyond skiing, with mountain-top adventures, cozy retreats, lively après-ski, scenic trails, and family-friendly experiences around every corner.
Not into adventuring yourselves down the slopes? Most people assume Keystone has little left to offer. That's a common misconception, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the resort is home to an impressive lineup of winter experiences that have nothing to do with lift tickets or carving down black diamonds.
Remove skiing from the equation, and Keystone still offers plenty of winter adventures, from horse-drawn sleigh rides and mountaintop tubing to cozy moments by the fireplace with a drink and great food. Think you need to ski to enjoy the vibrant après-ski scene? Think again. Non-skiers are more than welcome to take part in this winter tradition. And there's much more to do beyond the slopes.
In this blog post, I'll be your guide to the best winter activities in Keystone that don't require skis or a snowboard, along with extra local tips on how to experience the season in the best way possible.
Before we jump into winter fun, a quick hello from us:
At SummitCove Lodging, we help visitors experience Keystone Resort and Summit County at their best. We offer a wide range of incredible vacation rentals throughout the resort, including ski-in/ski-out condos, spacious mountain retreats, and larger private homes that work as the perfect base for powder days, summer adventures, or simply a mountain escape.
As experts in all things Keystone, our destination blog features locally curated content with tips on the best mountain biking trails, top spring events, the most romantic spots for couples, and much more.
1. Ride the Gondola Just for the View
You don't need to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy a scenic ride on the Keystone Gondola, one of the resort's best experiences.
Simply purchase a foot pass and hop aboard the River Run Gondola. Within minutes, you'll find yourself standing atop Dercum Mountain at an elevation of 11,640 feet, surrounded by sweeping views of the Rockies, Breckenridge, and the Tenmile Range. It's one of the best ways to appreciate Keystone's alpine scenery without ever clipping into a pair of skis.
Once at the summit, you're free to wander, snap beautiful photos, warm up with hot chocolate and snacks at Summit House, or meet skiing friends for lunch. If you're traveling with children, this is also where you'll find one of Keystone's most imaginative attractions: the Kidtopia Snow Fort. Far more than a pile of snow, it's considered the world's largest mountaintop snow fort, where kids can disappear into tunnels, scramble through climbing nets, race down slides, and weave between castle towers.
Local tip: If you'd like to venture a little farther, continue aboard the Outpost Gondola to explore another side of the mountain.
2. Swap the Ski Slopes for Snow Tubing
An inflatable tube is enough to have fun on Keystone's snowy slopes. Adventure Point, located at the top of Dercum Mountain, is your go-to spot for enjoying a groomed multi-lane tubing hill that lets you race friends and family downhill before hopping onto the convenient magic carpet lift for another run. Children ages 4 and up are allowed to ride, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially during weekends and holidays when sessions often sell out.
Families with younger children may prefer the gentler tubing hill at the Keystone Nordic Center, since it offers a mellower alternative for little ones enjoying their first snowy adventures.
3. Lace Up Your Skates Instead
Keystone's winter scenery is even more spectacular from the middle of an ice rink. Actually, make that two ice rinks.
During winter, Keystone Lake transforms into North America's largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor skating rink, covering five acres with snow-capped peaks rising all around it. It's one of the resort's signature winter experiences, and everyone who experiences it says it's especially magical if you're visiting during the holidays.
If you're staying in River Run Village, there's another option just steps from the shops and restaurants. Dercum Square's smaller rink boasts a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights and convenient access to cafés afterward. Saturday afternoons are the best time to enjoy the rink. That's when Ripperoo's Parade, fireworks, complimentary cookies, and hot cider give the village an extra-vibrant vibe.
4. Let Someone Else Do the Driving
What about a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered valleys? If any winter activity deserves the word "classic," this is probably it.
Keystone offers scenic rides through Soda Creek Valley, wrapping guests in warm blankets as draft horses pull the sleigh across stunning winter landscapes. This is a highly recommended activity if you're on a romantic getaway with your soul mate.
For an even more special evening, reserve the dinner sleigh ride. After the journey through the snow, you'll arrive at a secluded cabin for a hearty meal accompanied by live cowboy entertainment before returning beneath a canopy of stars.
5. Trade Lift Lines for Forest Trails
The Keystone Nordic Center opens up an entirely different side of the resort, with more than 17 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails and another 40 kilometers of backcountry routes suited to snowshoeing. Rentals, lessons, guided outings, and even Full Moon Tours allow even first-timers to fully immerse themselves in the gorgeous winter scenery.
Fat biking is another excellent option if you'd rather stay on two wheels throughout winter. Several trails around Keystone and the nearby Snake River provide a serene setting to pedal through snowy forests without sharing the route with downhill skiers.
6. Warm Up at the Spa
There's nothing like getting cozy and warming up at a spa after a few outdoor winter adventures. Keystone is home to a few great options for exactly that.
The Keystone Lodge & Spa is the resort's flagship wellness destination, where you'll find everything from massages and facials to detoxifying body treatments. Even better, you don't have to be staying there to enjoy it. For a small daily fee, non-guests can access the fitness center, steam room, and sauna for a restorative afternoon. Serenity Spa & Salon is another excellent option close to the lodging areas.
If you're staying in one of Keystone's vacation rentals, you can create your own spa day without stepping outside. Many properties are equipped with hot tubs where you can decompress in warm water and marvel at the mountain scenery from your private wooden deck.
7. Join the Après-Ski Scene—Even If You Didn't Ski
The beauty of Keystone's après-ski culture is that nobody will judge you if you decide not to ski or snowboard during your visit. Everyone's welcome.
River Run Village is the obvious place to begin. Kickapoo Tavern is one of Keystone's classic gathering spots, thanks in part to its lively patio overlooking the slopes and its famously oversized loaded nachos.
Steep Brewing & Coffee Co. offers a more contemporary vibe with craft beers, live music, and excellent espresso martinis. There's also 9280' Tap House, a great spot for people-watching from its outdoor deck with a cold beer or margarita in hand.
Prefer somewhere with more local flavor? Last Lift Bar draws crowds with live performances by The Swing Crew every Friday and Saturday, Goat Soup and Whiskey pairs live music with pool tables and board games, and Snake River Saloon is a Keystone institution thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, dancing, and regular live bands.
8. Venture Beyond Keystone for More Winter Adventures
Keystone's location is a great advantage for people who choose to base themselves here for a Colorado winter vacation. Within half an hour, a whole new lineup of winter experiences opens up.
If you've ever wanted to glide across snowy trails behind a team of eager huskies, Good Times Adventures in the nearby Swan River Valley offers six-mile dog sledding tours where you even get the chance to take turns mushing the team.
Snowmobiling is another favorite. Guided tours venture deep into the backcountry and toward the Continental Divide, opening up scenery that's impossible to reach by car. Some operators even combine snowmobiling with zip-lining for anyone looking to squeeze two adventures into one outing.
If your ideal day involves taking it easy rather than speeding up, consider a trip to Mount Princeton or Cottonwood Hot Springs. A long soak in naturally heated mineral water is a wonderful antidote to several days of crisp mountain air.
Local Tips for a Better Winter Getaway in Keystone
Instead of shopping at resort markets, many residents drive about 10 minutes to the City Market in Dillon to stock up on groceries before settling in. If you need affordable winter clothing or outdoor gear, nearby thrift stores like ReSaddled are worth keeping in mind.
Thanks to the free Summit Stage bus system, nearby mountain towns like Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Breckenridge are very easy to reach. Each has its own personality, so it's well worth taking a few day trips to enrich your Colorado experience.
Families should also keep an eye out for the complimentary red wagons scattered throughout River Run Village. They're free to use and make transporting kids, shopping bags, or winter gear considerably easier.
Planning to park? The River Run Gondola lot is the resort's primary free parking area. Groups traveling with four or more people, or families with children 12 and under, should look for the preferred parking spaces located near the front of the lot.
Another smart move is downloading the My Epic app before you arrive. Even if skiing isn't on your itinerary, it's useful for checking weather conditions and keeping tabs on what's happening around the resort throughout your stay.
Ready for Keystone?
With SummitCove Lodging, you’ll find vacation rentals across some of Keystone’s most popular areas, including River Run Village, East Keystone, Keystone Ranch, Lakeside Village, North Keystone, West Keystone, and Mountain House. Our rentals range from cozy mountain condos to spacious luxury homes, helping you create a Keystone trip that actually matches your travel style.
