Keystone Village is the original base area, dating from when the resort opened in 1970. It sits along the Snake River at the foot of the mountain, connected to the upper slopes by the Argentine and Montezuma lifts. The character here is more low-key than River Run: older buildings, a quieter plaza, and a slightly removed feel from the main lift infrastructure.
The Village also serves as the trailhead for several summer hiking routes along the Snake River and into the White River National Forest. The paved Snake River Trail runs between Keystone Village and River Run, making it easy to move between the two base areas on foot or by bike. In winter, a resort shuttle connects them.
For families, Keystone Village has some of the best access to the beginner terrain on Dercum Mountain's lower slopes. The ski school operations are split between the two villages but Mountain House Lodge at Keystone Village has long been a family staging point.