I can only assume Keystone is representative of the pricey Vail resorts, as I haven't been to the others. Great place to ski, of course, they do a great job. And it is a wonderful mountain, with plenty of terrain of all types, even some great tree skiing on Outback and off North peak. The crowding is not very noticeable once you get over to the back bowls, however some of that terrain they close quite early in the day, as early as 1:30pm. Overall though a great mountain and so convenient for Denver, not a bad deal if you get a season pass.