If you’re a looking for expert mountain terrain than, Arapahoe Basin or A-Basin, needs to be on your radar. In Colorado’s Summit County, just 68 miles west of Denver, this iconic ski area has both breathtaking high-altitude terrain and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. You could be carving down pristine slopes well into June or even July.
This guide dives into everything you need to know about skiing at Arapahoe Basin, from its renowned terrain and après-ski experiences to tips on lodging and transportation. If you’re a thrill-seeker looking to push your limits or just searching for an unforgettable day in the mountains, A-Basin delivers.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- 2,530 feet vertical drop
- 13,050 ft Summit elevation
- 1428 Acres
- Longest Ski Season in Colorado, sometimes open into August
- Best for Powderhounds
- 350 inches of snow annually
- IKON and Mountain Collective
- Environmentally Conscious Ski Resort
“Skiing the East Wall is pure adrenaline. A-Basin has the best high alpine terrain and a legendary vibe you don’t find at any other ski resort”
Why it’s awesome
An Inviting Vibe
Welcome to skiing. Simple and authentic. At A-Basin, the focus isn’t on luxury chalets or overpriced boutique shops, the focus is on skiing and snowboarding. The laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and palpable passion for the sport make this resort feel like home.
A-Basin is also a leader in conservation among ski resorts. The resort is 100% powered by renewable energy, there is a 75% waste diversion strategy and a push for ride sharing and transportation efficiency.
A Heaven for Advanced Skiers
Almost 75% of the terrain is advanced to expert. Even the blues feel like blacks at other resorts. The challenging terrain is made for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Advanced and expert skiers will relish the thrill of areas like the East Wall and playfully ride down Montezuma Bowl. There is some serious in bounds, back country-style terrain.
Escape the Crowds
If you’ve grown tired of bustling, overcrowded mega-resorts, Arapahoe Basin is your answer. While the parking lot will still fill up on weekends after a storm, this is still a place where you can spend more time on the mountain and less time waiting in lines.
Terrain and Snow Conditions
The A-Basin peak sits at 13,050 feet and receives well over 350″ of snow per year. The high altitude preserves snow quality longer as there are less freeze and thaw cycles and lower likelihood for other sub optimal weather conditions. Arapahoe Basin has had ski seasons stretch into August and it is not uncommon to be open skiing in June!
If you want steep this is the place for you. If you like chutes this is the place for you. If you’re comfortable catching some air and maybe 10 foot drops off a chute you boot packed to, then this is the place for you.
Advanced and Expert Terrain
With over half of the trails catering to advanced skiers and snowboarders, this place is an adventurer’s dream. Some must-try runs include:
- East Wall: Here, you’ll boot pack up about 20 minutes to discover some of the steepest in-bounds chutes in the country. On clear days, the views are breathtaking. This area typically opens fully by March, once there’s been sufficient snowfall to cover much of cliffs. Any run you take off the wall will be steep and fast, this is a real playground for experts.
- Montezuma Bowl: Incredible back bowl terrain with wide-open runs. These are challenging runs without the intensity you’ll get on the east wall. Incredibly fun both groomed and ungroomed terrain.
- Pallavicini Lift: This lift offers arguably the best access to steep, technical terrain from the base of any mountain. On deep powder days, it’s the perfect spot to spend hours carving through untouched snow.
2nd Notch – For True Experts Only
The 2nd Notch is a run that deserves a special mention. For true experts only, this run is infamous After boot packing up the East Wall, walk along the ridge until you see the sign for 2nd Notch. At the top of the run there is a rope to help you rappel down the cliff. Descend past the rocks until you get to start of the run itself. This is a steep; consistent 45 degree pitch all the way down. Have fun and be safe.
Photo Courtesy of Arapahoe Basin
An Honest Note on Beginner Terrain
Beginners are welcome, but the skiable green and intermediate terrain is limited. If you’re just learning how to carve, you may want to start at other nearby resorts before making your way to Arapahoe Basin. The blues here are comparable to blacks at other resorts. A Basin is incredibly steep.
On-Mountain Experience and Après-Ski
Mountain Lodge Dining Highlights
Arapahoe Basin’s dining lodges have some of the best on mountain food in Colorado. The food is much better than the typical ski resort cafeteria food you may be used to. Each of the lodges have inspired decor, cuisine, and events. Such as the Steilang Hut, a German style alpine hut on the summit which sells delicious sausages and hosts a stein holding competition every Saturday at 2 pm.
Il Rufigio
At 12,456 feet, Il Rufigio, this is the highest elevation restaurant in North America. You will find European inspired bistro options including wine and charcuterie pairings as well as a selection of both imported and Colorado-sourced meats and cheeses. There are also soups, salads, flatbreads, and beverages. This eco-friendly restaurant operates without running water, composting washrooms, and also has North America’s highest solar array on the roof.
Photo Courtesy of the Denver Post
The Après-Ski Scene – The Beach
While A-Basin may not have a village to boast the lively nightlife of larger resorts, it has a charm all its own. The Beach Area at the base is the heart and soul of A-Basin’s après-ski culture.
- What’s the Beach Area?
- The Beach is A-Basin’s parking lot party. Come here and set up your tailgate spot, grill, hang out with friends, and make new friends at the base of the mountain. The Beach is famous for being the community’s après ski. There’s no bars at the Basin, so you bring your own!
- Parking is now by paid reservation only.
Best Lodging Options Near Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin does not have on-site lodging, however nearby towns have a variety of options.
Keystone is the closest at about a 10 minute drive. You can find all sorts of lodges with amenities like spas, hot tubs, and ski storage.
Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne are about a 20 to 30 minute drive and offer more affordable lodging options. The best lodging for you depends on how far you want to drive or if you would rather take the shuttle. I recommend staying in Keystone as close to the Swan Mountain Flyer Bus stops as possible. This way you can simply hop on the free shuttle to A Basin and not worry about parking while enjoying the après scene of Keystone.
Don’t be overwhelmed with options, Contact Skizi to get your hassle-free custom itinerary and expert advice.
River Run Village by Keystone Resort
The River Run Village is a condominium complex within walking distance to the Swan Mountain Flyer Bus Stop, the free shuttle to Arapahoe. The community has a pool and hot tub as well as different sized condos from studio up to 3 bedroom units. Great place to stay with full kitchens and close proximity to the town of Keystone.
The Keystone Lodge and Spa by Keystone Resort
For a more upscale experience check out the Keystone Lodge and Spa. The lodge has a state of the art spa including a couple’s treatment room, hydro-therapy, and relaxation lounge. You will also find hot tubs, ski and snowboard storage, and loft rooms which sleep up to 4.
Getting There
Fastest Route
- Fly into Denver International Airport(DEN), then drive approx. 2 hours
- Transfer from the Airport
- The Summit County area has a free shuttle bus that runs between the metropolitan areas and the various ski resorts.
- Pro Tip: To save money you can transfer to the Frisco Station then take the Shuttle to where you need to go.
- Check the Winter Schedule Here
- Transfer Companies
Contact Skizi
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