Keystone Resort Opens First High Alpine Bowl Chairlift
For the first time ever, there is now lift access to the high alpine bowls that tower above Keystone Resort. This area used to be exclusive for those who would earn their turns through hiking however now riders of all skill levels can get up there on the brand new Bergman Express 6-pack lift and explore the new 555 acres of reimagined terrain.
Keystone Resort, nestled in the heart of Colorado's breathtaking mountains, is gearing up for an exciting winter season. The resort has unveiled its latest addition - the high-speed 6-passenger Bergman Express Lift. Installed over the summer, this new lift promises to redefine the alpine experience for skiers and riders. As we delve into the details, you'll discover the thrill of accessing 555 acres of high alpine terrain in Bergman and Erickson Bowls, offering a variety of experiences for winter enthusiasts of all levels.
“Bergman Express will be a gamechanger for skiers and riders at Keystone. This new lift makes the high alpine more accessible to a wide range of ability levels, including experienced beginners which is really unique for this type of terrain. Now, the majority of our guests will have the opportunity to experience the amazing feeling of being on top of the world and adventuring into the high alpine. This project has taken a tremendous amount of work and would not have been possible without our incredible employees, the partnership of the U.S. Forest Service and the visionary leadership of Bill and Jane Bergman. We can’t wait for skiers and riders to experience it!”
Accessing Bergman and Erickson Bowls:
The Bergman Express Lift, set to launch this winter season, will be the gateway to 555 acres of pristine mountain terrain. Bergman and Erickson Bowls will offer a diverse range of experiences, from gentle and inviting bowl terrain to adventurous glades and the challenging, rocky terrain of Erickson Bowl.
Bergman Bowl will be fully accessible starting this Saturday, ensuring everyone can enjoy its beauty right from the beginning of the season. Erickson Bowl and hike-to access to Independence Bowl will open as soon as conditions permit. It's important to note that Bergman Bowl is recommended for experienced beginners and above. Skiers and riders should be confident in navigating the resort's Schoolmarm trail before venturing into the beginner terrain in Bergman Bowl.
Choosing Your Route:
The Bergman Express Lift is conveniently accessible by different ability levels, ensuring that everyone can make the most of this exciting addition. Here are the best ways to reach the lift based on your skill level:
Experienced Beginner Route: Take the Outpost Gondola to the Miner's Trail.
Intermediate Route: Follow the Mozart Trail to the Santiago Express Lift and then transition to the Miner's Trail.
Advanced/Expert Route: Conquer the Diamondback trail and then head to the Santiago Express Lift before reaching the Miner's Trail.
Keystone trail map which includes the new Bergman Express lift in the high alpine. Credit: Keystone Resort
Unlocking the Potential:
While Bergman and Erickson Bowls were previously accessible through hike-to skiing and riding, this new lift opens up a world of possibilities. For the first time ever, both Bergman and Erickson Bowls will be accessible by lift, catering to a wide range of skiers and riders. This means you can easily enjoy the gentle slopes of Bergman Bowl or explore the advanced terrain of Erickson Bowl, which connects back to the Outback Express and Wayback lifts.
For the Adventurous Souls:
If you're still eager to earn your turns and explore untouched areas of the resort, fear not. Keystone Resort retains over 1,300 acres of hike-to terrain in The Windows, North Bowl, South Bowl, and Independence Bowl, perfect for expert skiers and riders seeking the ultimate challenge.
Beyond the Lift:
The Bergman Express Lift project goes beyond just the lift installation. It includes the construction of a sustainable patrol hut, new snowmaking infrastructure in the lower parts of Bergman Bowl, and a fresh trail map reflecting the reimagined ski experience in Keystone's high alpine. Notably, Bergman Express marks Keystone Resort's first lift access expansion since the debut of the Outback Express more than 30 years ago in 1991.
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