My first day on skis and my last day were both at Keystone. Fortunately, 23 years had transpired between the 2. It ended for me 10 years ago and I'm now nearly 75, but really miss skiing around this time of year. I'm glad there's lots of YT videos to bring back some of the memories.
😅I really can't agree with you on Schoolmarm... The amount of people on it makes it a death trap... and I'd say it's the most dangerous run on the front face, maybe the whole mountain. Only run that comes close is Mozart. They really need to do some kind of expansion for green runs to try and get traffic out of that place. Otherwise, I agree a lot with you. Keystone is highly underrated. The groomers on the front are amazing to blast down (shout out to Spring Dipper and Frenchman!!) and North Mountain and The Outback have some amazingly challenging trees. Just so much fun to be had! On my bucket list right now is to get into the windows and maybe learn to hit some drops. And then next year I'm excited for lift-served bowl terrain.
With Mozart, they really need another one or two paths to North Mountain. It looks like maybe to the left of Ruby they're doing some tree clearing? But it could also just be wildfire cleanup/effects. So... maybe there will be some new runs over there in a few years? Hope so!
@@josiahsimmons9866 Schoolmarm is definitely an early morning run to warm up. You are right the crowds are too much later. Mozart is way too icy to use for anything other than a way to the other two peaks. Stays busy for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting!
The main problem I have with Schoolmarm is that it really is _not_ a beginner run and folks find out the hard way so then they end up spending 2 hours getting down and become obstacles for everyone else. Yes, it might be a _Keystone_ green, but likely labeled a blue at many other resorts (especially East or Midwest). Breck has a wide range of "greens" which is its own issue - but most aren't so long that you deeply regret your decision, and many folks know that true beginners should start at Peak 9.
As a novice skier, I would disagree with you on Schoolmarm. I think it is only "mellow" to anyone doing black diamonds with confidence, at which point, sure - it could be a good warmup run. Schoolmarm would be rated a blue at any Eastern resort. Perhaps the mountain looks differently to snowboarders. But, an adult isn't going to be able to pizza down Schoolmarm. Additionally, Schoolmarm serves as a highway that services access to several blues and black runs on the front side so you have a lot of ability mixing and ski patrol isn't always around to keep folks in check. For advanced beginners, ready for easy blues, Schoolmarm is a great trail that can be lapped from either base. But, at least you have a "green" trail from the top, although it might be on the hard side for some. Keystone problem is simply progression - the jump from the bunny/learning hill is pretty massive (difficulty and length). Breck is _much_ better for progression because they have a wide variety of green trails that you can work your way up until their easier blues. Keystone is an intermediate mountain in spite of their marketing. While I love Keystone, it should _not_ be your first Colorado ski resort.
My first day on skis and my last day were both at Keystone. Fortunately, 23 years had transpired between the 2. It ended for me 10 years ago and I'm now nearly 75, but really miss skiing around this time of year. I'm glad there's lots of YT videos to bring back some of the memories.
😅I really can't agree with you on Schoolmarm... The amount of people on it makes it a death trap... and I'd say it's the most dangerous run on the front face, maybe the whole mountain. Only run that comes close is Mozart. They really need to do some kind of expansion for green runs to try and get traffic out of that place. Otherwise, I agree a lot with you. Keystone is highly underrated. The groomers on the front are amazing to blast down (shout out to Spring Dipper and Frenchman!!) and North Mountain and The Outback have some amazingly challenging trees. Just so much fun to be had! On my bucket list right now is to get into the windows and maybe learn to hit some drops. And then next year I'm excited for lift-served bowl terrain.
With Mozart, they really need another one or two paths to North Mountain. It looks like maybe to the left of Ruby they're doing some tree clearing? But it could also just be wildfire cleanup/effects. So... maybe there will be some new runs over there in a few years? Hope so!
@@josiahsimmons9866 Schoolmarm is definitely an early morning run to warm up. You are right the crowds are too much later. Mozart is way too icy to use for anything other than a way to the other two peaks. Stays busy for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting!
The main problem I have with Schoolmarm is that it really is _not_ a beginner run and folks find out the hard way so then they end up spending 2 hours getting down and become obstacles for everyone else. Yes, it might be a _Keystone_ green, but likely labeled a blue at many other resorts (especially East or Midwest). Breck has a wide range of "greens" which is its own issue - but most aren't so long that you deeply regret your decision, and many folks know that true beginners should start at Peak 9.
I've never understood the appeal of Keystone. In good snow, it's crowded like hearding cattle through literal gates. But you've shed new light ;)
The back of Keystone is the best part, it has never been crowded when I go (mid-week) and it has some long runs.
We spent last week at Keystone, the North Peak was awesome. It was nice getting away from Schoolmarm after a couple of morning runs
Thats great, North Peak is awesome, couple runs on Schoolmarm and get to the other runs for sure!
As a novice skier, I would disagree with you on Schoolmarm. I think it is only "mellow" to anyone doing black diamonds with confidence, at which point, sure - it could be a good warmup run. Schoolmarm would be rated a blue at any Eastern resort. Perhaps the mountain looks differently to snowboarders. But, an adult isn't going to be able to pizza down Schoolmarm. Additionally, Schoolmarm serves as a highway that services access to several blues and black runs on the front side so you have a lot of ability mixing and ski patrol isn't always around to keep folks in check. For advanced beginners, ready for easy blues, Schoolmarm is a great trail that can be lapped from either base. But, at least you have a "green" trail from the top, although it might be on the hard side for some. Keystone problem is simply progression - the jump from the bunny/learning hill is pretty massive (difficulty and length). Breck is _much_ better for progression because they have a wide variety of green trails that you can work your way up until their easier blues. Keystone is an intermediate mountain in spite of their marketing. While I love Keystone, it should _not_ be your first Colorado ski resort.
It does have its more challenging spots for sure. Thanks for the comment!
3 seasons.