Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Keystone Resort. What you see from the base of the mountain is only a fraction of the terrain you can enjoy when you ski or snowboard at Keystone. There's plenty more to Keystone Mountain, and much of it is geared to novice and intermediate skiers, but full-day guided snowcat tours cater to higher-level skiers on some of the state's steepest terrain. Its trails are spread across three adjoining peaks: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and the Outback. The Schoolmarm Trail has 3½ miles of runs where you can practice turns. Dercum Mountain is easily reached from the base via high-speed chairs or the River Run gondola. You can ski or ride down the back side of Dercum Mountain to reach North Peak, a mix of groomed cruising trails and ungroomed bump runs. A family ski trail with green/blue trails through the woods and kid-friendly features, like tunnels and bridges, is a mountain favorite.

If you prefer to bypass North Peak, the River Run gondola is a short walk from the Outpost gondola, which takes you to the Outpost Lodge (home to the Alpenglow Stube, which, at 11,444 feet above sea level, is advertised as the "highest gourmet restaurant in the country"). From here there are two easy downhill runs to the third mountain, appropriately named the Outback because of its wilderness setting. Some glades have trees thinned just enough for skiers and riders who are learning to explore gladed terrain; other sections are reserved for advanced skiers.

One of the most popular non-skiing or -boarding sports at Keystone is tubing at Adventure Point.

Rental packages (skis, boots, and poles, or snowboards and boots) start at around $50 per day for a basic package but increase quickly for high-performance gear. Facilities: 128 trails; 3,149 acres; 3,128-foot vertical drop; 20 lifts. Keystone, Colorado, 80435. 800/239–1639; www.keystoneresort.com. Lift ticket $159. Early Nov.–early Apr.; call for hrs.