Arapahoe Basin, affectionately known as “The Legend,” stands as a beacon for skiers and snowboarders seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience. Renowned for its extended season, challenging high-alpine terrain, and breathtaking vistas, A-Basin distinguishes itself through its accessibility, affordable lift ticket options, and exceptional snow quality thanks to its lofty base elevation. This guide, crafted with insights from 25 years of exploring A-Basin, will equip you with the knowledge to maximize your visit to this legendary resort.
Exploring the Mountain: An Overview
Arapahoe Basin encompasses 1,428 acres of skiable terrain, served by 9 lifts and 147 trails. The mountain rises from a base elevation of 10,520 feet to a summit of 13,050 feet, offering a diverse range of slopes for all skill levels.
According to ZRankings, Arapahoe Basin boasts an average annual snowfall of 314 inches. The terrain breakdown is as follows: 13% easy, 39% intermediate, and 48% difficult. The mountain’s aspect is predominantly north-facing (55%), with 25% east-facing, 15% west-facing, and 5% south-facing. Lift operations run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on weekends and holidays (subject to weather and lift conditions).
Getting There: Your Journey to the Legend
A-Basin’s convenient location, just 88 miles (under a 2-hour drive) from Denver International Airport (DIA), allows you to transition from the airport to the slopes in a single afternoon.
The resort is also easily accessible from the Denver-Metro area and the Front Range, making it ideal for day trips.
Driving Directions: Arapahoe Basin
A-Basin’s “Beach,” a prime parking area with ski-in, ski-out access, is a popular spot for gatherings. Reservations are required for Beach spots and can accommodate up to two vehicles. From mid-December to early May, parking reservations are mandatory for all lots on weekends and holidays. A general reservation costs $20 via ParkABasin.com, but carpooling with 4+ people grants free parking. Parking is free and reservation-free after 1:00 P.M. and on weekdays. Consider using the Treadshare app to connect with fellow skiers and riders for carpooling.
The Snowstang Bus offers a convenient roundtrip from Denver’s Union Station and Federal Center on Saturdays and Sundays for $25, complete with WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms.
Stay informed with the I-70 Daily Snow, a daily forecast updated from November through April, providing the latest snow outlook and travel updates.
Lodging Options: Your Base Camp for Adventure
While A-Basin doesn’t offer on-site lodging, the nearby mountain towns of Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, and Breckenridge (within a 30-minute drive) provide numerous hotels, condos, and home rentals.
A-Basin partners with The AC Hotel Frisco and The Pad Silverthorne. The Pad, a centrally located “boutique” hotel and hostel in Summit County, offers budget-friendly hostel beds and luxury private suites. The AC Hotel Frisco, situated off I-70, provides easy access to A-Basin via the Frisco Transit Station.
Lift Tickets and Passes: Accessing the Slopes
Arapahoe Basin offers single-day tickets, multi-day packs, access through multi-resort passes, and an affordable unlimited season pass.
Advance planning and online ticket purchases are highly recommended. Multi-day packs and midweek options often offer the best value.
Lift Tickets: Arapahoe Basin
A-Basin joined Alterra Mountain Company and the Ikon Pass. Ikon Pass holders receive 5 or 7 days at Arapahoe Basin for the 2024/25 season.
The Arapahoe Basin pass provides unlimited access, discounts for military, seniors, and those 18 and under, and benefits at other ski areas like Monarch Mountain and Silverton.
Snow and Weather: The Altitude Advantage
Arapahoe Basin’s exceptional elevation, with a base at 10,520 feet, contributes to its extended season and superior snow quality.
As Joel Gratz of OpenSnow notes, higher elevation translates to colder temperatures, enabling early-season snowmaking and prolonged snowpack into the spring. Click here for insights from A-Basin’s Snowmaking Manager, Bill LeClair.
Higher elevation fosters fluffier snow. Colorado’s average winter storm drops snow at a 15:1 ratio (15 inches of snow per 1 inch of liquid). A-Basin’s additional elevation creates optimal conditions for light, powdery snow.
Orographic lift, the process of air rising over a mountain, is crucial for snowfall. West and west-southwest winds funneling through the Intermountain West and into the Continental Divide are key for maximizing snowfall at Arapahoe Basin.
Skiing Arapahoe Basin: A Terrain Tour
Begin your day with the Black Mountain Express, a high-speed quad that transports you to mid-mountain and the Black Mountain Lodge.
From there, warm up on High Noon or Ramrod before returning to the Black Mountain Express, or head to the Lenawee Express Lift for summit access. Lenawee offers more options based on snow conditions.
From the summit, descend via Lenawee Face or Powerline to reach Dragon, West Gully, and Lenawee Parks. Fences in this area trap snow, creating powder stashes during and after storms.
Depending on the time of year, venture to the East Wall via the North Pole Hiking Gate or the East Wall Traverse. The East Wall, typically opening later in the season, offers steep, high-alpine terrain for expert skiers.
The East Wall Traverse provides access to Willy’s Wide, Snorkel Nose, and Corner Chute for short hikes and steep runs, ideal for late winter and early spring powder.
Other key areas include the Pallavicini (Pali) Lift, Montezuma Bowl, and the Beavers & Steep Gullies. Montezuma Bowl, a south-facing area, features the Zuma Cornice and glade skiing. Traverse to Schauffler, Jump, and End Zone via the Lenawee or Zuma Lifts for stunning views and thrilling descents.
The Beavers, lift-accessed since 2018-2019, offers high-alpine powder fields and gully skiing. The Steep Gullies, added in 2017-18, are expert-only terrain with steep, narrow, and rocky chutes requiring a 20-30 minute hike to the base.
The Pallavicini (Pali) Lift, rising from the base area, is cherished by many long-time A-Basin skiers.
Explore the open runs, “alleys,” and gladded gullies to experience the thrill of this iconic lift.
After a day on the slopes, unwind at the 6th Alley Bar & Grill and indulge in their award-winning Bacon Bloody Marys.
“The 6th Alley is where you gather with your friends and family after a long day on the slopes. We welcome both duct tape and diamonds. This is where the day’s yard sales become hero lines, and where fish tales of nose-deep powder become time-honored truths. Conquer the five alleys of Pallavicini then sit back, refuel, and reminisce about your day on the mountain here in the 6th. Our bacon bloody Marys are famous and so are you.” – Arapahoe Basin
Uphill Policy: Earning Your Turns
Uphill access, also known as skinning or touring, offers a unique way to explore the mountain. A-Basin provides a safe environment for uphill travel on groomed terrain.
A current-season uphill access pass is required and can be purchased online. Always check the website’s terrain status page before your visit, as uphill access can close at any time. If you enjoy fast-paced uphill, consider A-Basin’s rando race series in the fall (November – January).
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Appeal of A-Basin
Arapahoe Basin’s 1,400 acres offer a wealth of experiences for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Whether you seek powder-filled glades, high-alpine adventures, a family-friendly mountain alternative, or a welcoming environment for beginners, Arapahoe Basin provides an unforgettable mountain experience.
Visit ArapahoeBasin.com for comprehensive information on lodging, events, and all things skiing.
OpenSnow Resources
Snow Forecast & Report: Arapahoe Basin
Daily Snow Forecast: Colorado
Download: OpenSnow App
