Skating on Keystone Lake and winter evenings at Lakeside Village

Not every great Keystone memory happens on a chairlift. Once the cold sets in, the lake in the middle of Lakeside Village freezes solid and becomes one of the prettiest outdoor rinks in the Colorado mountains, ringed by lodges, shops and the peaks beyond. Skaters glide past fire pits, kids chase each other across the ice, and as the sun goes down the lights around the shore come on. It is an easy, low-key outing for anyone, including the people in your group who would rather not ski.

Skating on Keystone Lake

The lake is groomed and kept smooth through the season, so the ice is far better than a typical frozen pond. Skating usually starts in early winter, once the ice is thick enough to be safe, and runs into spring. Opening dates, session times and rules can change from year to year, so check Keystone's website or ask at the skate rental desk before you plan around a specific day.

Skate rentals are available right by the lake, so there is no need to pack your own. Helmets are a smart idea for younger kids and for adults who have not skated in a while, and many families bring a pair of mittens just for the ice, since hands tend to land on it more than expected.

If you are new to skating or have little ones along, an afternoon session is often the most relaxed time. The light is warm, the ice is less busy than right after the lifts close, and you can take as many breaks as you need on the benches along the edge.

Staying warm on the ice

Lakeside Village sits at 9,280 feet, and evenings get cold quickly once the sun drops behind the ridge. Skating keeps you warmer than standing around, but layers still matter:

• A warm hat that fits under a helmet, plus a neck gaiter you can pull up when the wind picks up.
• Thin gloves under mittens, so you can take the outer pair off to lace skates without freezing your fingers.
• Thick socks, but not so thick that rental skates pinch. One good wool pair is usually better than two.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for afternoon sessions; the sun reflects strongly off the ice and snow.

Between laps, warm up by one of the fire pits along the shore. A cup of hot chocolate in your hands makes a short break feel like part of the fun rather than a pause in it.

An easy evening in Lakeside Village

One of the nicest things about skating here is that the rest of your evening can happen within a few steps. Lakeside Village has restaurants, cafes and shops around the water, so you can skate, warm up and sit down to dinner without getting back in the car. On many winter evenings the village has a lively, friendly feel, with families wandering between the ice and the fire pits.

If you are staying at River Run, Mountain House or in a condo along the Snake River, Keystone's free resort shuttles link the different base areas. Evening shuttle times can differ from daytime ones, so check when the last bus leaves before you settle in for a long dinner.

For a quieter evening, walk the paths around the lake after dark. The reflections of the village lights on the ice and the outline of the mountains against the sky are worth a slow loop, even on a cold night.

Make it a gentle day at altitude

Skating is a great choice for an arrival day or a rest day between ski days. It is active without being exhausting, and you can stop whenever you like. Still, the air at 9,280 feet is thin and dry, so drink water through the day, take breaks on the ice and keep the first night simple. Talk to a doctor about any medical questions before you travel.

If you want a full day at the lake end of the resort, pair an afternoon skate with a gondola ride from River Run for the views, or a slow walk along the Snake River. Our FAQ has more tips for planning a stay in Keystone.

Oxygen at your Keystone lodging

After an evening on the ice, some guests like to come back to oxygen already set up at their lodging. Peak Oxygen brings in-home and portable concentrators to Lakeside Village, River Run and the condos and homes around Keystone. They are for recreational use at altitude, no prescription is needed, and deliveries do not require you to be present. Call (970) 368-9190 with any questions.