Keystone is among the challenging resorts in the USA
At the 3548m high “Dercum Mountain” novices will find some nice beginner terrain. Round the “Discovery” chair in the valley (see trail map) beginners will find 4 carpet lifts that will take them up and around the slope. The perfect place for an easy and convenient introduction to snow-sports! Located at the base of the “River Run Gondola” is another small practicing area with a magic carpet lift. If the "first steps" on skis have been successful the easy slopes "Ripperoos Road" , "Silver Spoon" and "Jack Straw" at "Dercum Mountain" are excellent terrain for a longer slide down the mountain. We recommend beginners however to make use of the excellent ski school programmes as they have two very nice ski school areas at their disposal, the “Schoolmaster-Go” and the “Go Further” both located in the upper areas of the “River Run Gondola” and the “Peru Express” (see trail map). Unfortunately we cannot recommend beginners to venture into the grounds at the other two mountains (“North Peak” and “The Outback”). There is not one single easy slope to be found there but lots of difficult terrain and numerous off-piste tracks. Our conclusion: The slopes at the “Dercum Mountain” are definitely beginner friendly and especially the practicing area at the “Discovery Chair” is to be praised! Unfortunately novices to snow-sports cannot access most of the predominantly difficult terrain in Keystone, therefore 3,5 out of 5 stars!