Arapahoe Basin
open
Founded by WWII veterans and Olympic skiers, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened in 1946 and has remained a true skier's (and snowboarder's) mountain ever since. It now offers more than 1,400 acres, nine lifts, the longest ski and ride season in Colorado, and some of the highest terrain in North America. A-Basin is legendary for being true to itself, embracing a rich history, promoting a come-as-you-are vibe, and being vocal about its commitment to our environment and local community.
The 2020-21 season looks a little different than those in the past but the same great skiing and snowboarding is still there. Please make sure you check with A-Basin before visiting so you are up-to-date on ski area operations, guest expectations and current Summit County / Colorado public health orders. Please wear a face covering and keep your distance. Thanks for working with us to keep our fellow skiers and riders, and our home community, as safe and healthy as possible. Have an awesome season!
Annual Snowfall:
350 in / 889 cm
Base Elevation:
10,780 ft / 3,286 m
Summit Elevation:
13,050 ft / 3,978 m
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday:
9:00 am-4:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday:
8:30 am-4:00 pm
The above are lift operating hours.
Season Dates:
Skiable Area:
1,428 acres / 578 hectares
# of trails:
Snowmaking:
125 acres / 51 hectares
Bowl Skiing
Yes
CAT Skiing
No
Terrain Parks
3
Best Known For
Longest season in Colorado from October - June. If you're lucky, you'll get to ski or ride A-Basin on the 4th of July!
The Pallavicini Lift. One ride delivers you to ample advanced/EX terrain. Replaced in 2020, new Pali is the same as old Pali. This fixed-grip double carries guests 1,329 feet up to some of the state's steepest in-bounds terrain. Advanced skiers and riders should not miss The Spine, a staff favorite.
Relaxed atmosphere & easy access. Only an hour west of Denver and just 5 miles east of Keystone, A-Basin is easy to get to. Park for free and walk to the lift from your car. Don't worry about getting lost in the compact base area. Kick back at the end of the day with an award-winning bacon bloody Mary from the 6th Alley Bar & Grill.
AWEsome intermediate experience. A-Basin is legendary for its challenging, adventurous terrain but, if you can ski or ride blues, you can explore the entire mountain, enjoy incredible views of the Continental Divide, get up to 12,500 feet, and experience all on-mountain dining options.
Incredible hike-to terrain for expert skiers and riders. A-Basin is an adventurous mountain and to hike the East Wall is to experience one of The Legend’s biggest adventures. Make your way to 13,050 feet to enjoy the ski area’s most iconic views and some of its most extreme terrain. Access the East Wall chutes with just two, short lift rides, then use the multiple hiking routes to spend an entire day exploring this area.
il Rifugio, a European bistro at 12,500 feet. Highest restaurant in North America. It's hard to say what's more breathtaking at A-Basin's intimate summit restaurant, the food or the views. il Rifugio and its European menu were inspired by the Alps, which many visitors say A-Basin reminds them of. (Slated to open spring 2021 but subject to public health orders.)
Colorado Ski Country News
12Nov
Photo Credit: TR - Powderhorn; TL - Eldora; BL - Telluride; BR - Cooper
As snow blankets Colorado’s high-country and three ski areas are open for the season, Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member…
10Sep
Arapahoe Basin Summer Snow
Arapahoe Basin's COO Alan Henceroth provides an update to its 20/21 winter operational plans.
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It…
9Sep
Aspen Snowmass - Jeremy Swanson
The first big snow of the season has covered Colorado in a fresh blanket of white! As you scroll the the images from our member ski areas - it may get you in the…
17Aug
Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin, along with many of our other member ski areas are preparing the best they can for the upcoming ski season. Amidst a pandemic, the common theme is - things will look…
14Aug
The Wyoming Hotshots Assist with the Pine Gulch Fire - Wyoming Hotshots
*This is an evolving situation and updates to acreage and closures are likely to change frequently*
First off, travelers…
29Jul
Arapahoe Basin Aerial Adventure Park
First a few specifics:
The Aerial Adventure Park is open by reservation only. Make a reservation here.
The Adventure Park is open Thursday through Sunday only…
22Jul
Purgatory Resort
As a dog owner myself, I understand the frustrations you face when you are trying to plan a weekend getaway but have to find accommodations for your fluffy friend first. You know…
9Jun
Telluride Ski Resort - Ryan Bonneau
Unlike the exceedingly rare derecho that just hit Colorado, the snow that we've seen, although it's almost mid-June, is not incredibly rare.
Although talking…
5Jun
Arapahoe Basin - Spring Skiing - Ian Zinner
By R. Scott Rappold
As the chairlift neared the top, where it would spill me out at nearly 13,000 feet above sea level, a panicked thought occurred:
"Do…