The storybook town of Keystone, Colorado, is a wintertime vacation paradise. Slopes for every level of skier are spread throughout three mountains and one terrain park, from smooth groomers to thrilling bumps and powder-stocked backcountry bowls. Ski pros love Dercum Mountain, home to a 60-acre park of rails, jumps, and half-pipes. But despite the constant adrenaline, this mountain town has a solid reputation for laid-back atmosphere and a genuine love for the great outdoors. Come summer, people flock to the golf courses, lakes, and trails for warm-weather activities. At the center of it all is a family-friendly village, a charming hub where people congregate for an après-ski meal, window shopping, and s’mores by the fire pits.

Keystone’s nearest airport is Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) in Gypsum, Colorado, approximately 74 miles west. It serves around a dozen domestic hubs. By car or airport shuttle, it takes around 1.5 hours to reach Keystone in good weather. If you’re renting a car, Denver International Airport (DEN) is also a convenient option. It’s 100 miles away and takes around 2 hours by car. There is no direct bus from Denver Airport station to Keystone. The town is only a short drive to other Summit County ski destinations: It’s about 40 minutes to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain, and around one hour to Vail.

If you’re hitting Keystone’s epic slopes, the best time to arrive is February through March, when the snowfall is at its thickest. December is Keystone’s coldest month, with an average high of 26 degrees Fahrenheit (and an average low of just 3 degrees), while March warms up to a comparatively toasty 35 degrees. April tends to be rainy, so avoid that month if you’re not a fan of slush. Come summer, even Keystone’s hottest month of July is one of the cooler climates in Colorado, with an average high of 67 degrees — perfect hiking weather.

Keystone Lake Ice Rink

In winter, Keystone Lake Ice Rink is a must for skating amid mountain views. This scenic 5-acre outdoor rink is surrounded by Keystone’s pine-speckled mountains, making it the ideal site to glide through a winter wonderland. A rinkside snack bar serves food and drinks, and offers an indoor place to warm up between laps.

River Run Village

The River Run Village is Keystone’s newest basecamp hangout. Lined with boutique storefronts, restaurants, and cozy winter condos, it’s a prime hub for easy access to all the area has to offer. The River Run Gondola is a short walk away, making mountain access a breeze. In the evenings, people kick up their feet around outdoor fire pits for s’mores and storytelling.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Located in Dillon, just a few miles outside of Keystone Resort, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is known for its extended season that can stretch until June. On-site lessons and rentals also make it easy to take advantage of the late season and enjoy Colorado’s powdery slopes while the sun is shining. This quintessentially friendly ski town has a lot to share.