Colorado ski towns are generally steeped in history; Telluride, Vail, Aspen and Steamboat have developed unique cultures—which require raucous drinking establishments—over the course of decades. Keystone Resort, not so much.
Its River Run base area sprouted up all shiny and new in the mid-1990s, an attempt to build a vibrant ski town overnight to compliment one of Colorado’s new mountains. No town—ski or otherwise—can thrive without a tavern. Enter the Kickapoo Tavern, and their famous Joy Juice cocktail.
Located just across the bridge from the main gondola, this spot became the local’s choice instantly, wrapping bar flies in its warm, woody arms from lunchtime until last call. It has become the standby après ski choice for Keystone over the last 20 years.
Beyond being the first to quench the thirst of the local ski community, it has always had the prime location and deck—being the first bar throngs of boarders and skiers see when finishing for the day. It also has the aforementioned Joy Juice.