It’s been a data-defying winter in Colorado. With snowfall totals tracking below the historical average and temperature fluctuations creating challenging snowpack management scenarios, resort operations teams have been fighting an uphill battle. However, on January 27, 2026, Keystone officially flipped the switch on the Bergman Express, marking a significant operational milestone: all 21 lifts are finally spinning.
This isn't just about lift count; it's about acreage density. With the opening of Bergman Bowl, Keystone now claims the title for the most skiable acreage in Summit County. For those of us who track resort statistics, this is a major shift in the local terrain hierarchy, especially given the current meteorological constraints.
The Specs: Bergman Bowl
Located at the summit of Wapiti Peak, Bergman Bowl isn't your standard groomer run. The resort describes it as a "true backcountry style experience," which is code for "bring your legs and the right equipment."
Here is the technical breakdown of what this opening adds to the map:
- Total Access: Over 1,500 acres of high alpine terrain now open.
- Terrain Type: Ungroomed, variable snow, high-exposure alpine.
- Lift Infrastructure: Bergman Express (High-speed 6-passenger chair).
- Condition Report: Variable. Due to the thin cover this season, expect early-season hazards and mixed surface types.
Gear Analysis for Variable Alpine Terrain
When a resort opens high-alpine bowls during a low-snow year, the "variable conditions" advisory should be taken seriously. You are likely to encounter wind-buff, chalk, ice patches, and pockets of soft snow all in a single run.
Standard carving skis with waists under 85mm will struggle here. They lack the surface area to float over the chop and can feel twitchy in inconsistent snow. For this specific terrain profile, I recommend an all-mountain ski in the 98mm–106mm range with a bit of tip rocker/taper to deflect crud.
Recommended Setup for Bergman Bowl:
- The Daily Driver: Salomon QST 106 Skis – These offer excellent dampening for choppy, ungroomed snow while maintaining edge hold on the firmer patches you'll find on the wind-scoured ridges.
- The Playful Option: Atomic Bent 100 Skis – If you prefer a lighter, more surfy feel for navigating tight spots or trees, the Bent 100 is a versatile choice that handles mixed conditions surprisingly well.
- Visibility: Flat light is common in high alpine bowls. I use Smith I/O Mag Goggles with a ChromaPop Storm lens to pick out contrast in the snow surface.
Why It Matters
Keystone, which currently holds a solid score on ShredIndex, has leveraged recent cold snaps to expand snowmaking and preserve natural accumulation. Achieving 100% lift operation in a "tricky winter" demonstrates impressive fleet management and snow farming capability. While the snow depth might not be breaking records, the sheer volume of skiable vert available right now is a testament to their ops team.
Source: Powder
