Keystone Resort opens Bergman Express, marking first lift access expansion in over 30 years

Keystone Resort on Saturday, Dec. 30, opened the highly anticipated Bergman Express lift, a high-speed 6-passenger chair set to provide access to 555 acres of high alpine terrain in Bergman and Erickson bowls.

In total, 15 new trails will become accessible by lift.

Named after Keystone co-founder Bill Bergman, who died on Dec. 11 at age 99, members of his family were first to ride the new chair at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Bergman’s two children, Bill Bergman Jr. and Lolly Dykstra, were the first to ride alongside mountain operations leaders. Two seats were reserved in the middle of the chair in recognition of the late Bill and Jane Bergman.

While the entirety of Bergman Bowl is now open, Keystone has yet to open terrain in Erickson Bowl. While both areas have previously been open for hike-to-skiing and riding access, the new lift represents the first lift access expansion since the Outback Express in 1991, more than 30 years ago. 

In addition to the new lift, the project also includes a new sustainable patrol hut, new snowmaking infrastructure in the lower parts of Bergman Bowl and a new trail map to reflect the reimagined ski experience in Keystone’s high Alpine.