Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin has a unique culture that sets it apart from the neighbouring Colorado ski resorts. When using the local lingo the resort is called A-Basin, and it has a reputation for gnarly terrain. Skiers and boarders that tackle it are generally hardcore yet incredibly laid back. Anyone wearing a glamorous ski outfit from Aspen would certainly not fit in at A-Basin. It is popular with telemarkers, which provides some indication that this resort is simply about skiing without the need for any of the associated frills.
Arapahoe Basin is in Summit County, Colorado, and is located high on the Continental Divide, a 154km (96 mile) drive west of Denver International Airport. Vail/Eagle is another commonly used gateway airport. Neighbouring resorts are
Keystone,
Copper Mountain and Breckenridge, and their lift tickets are valid at Arapahoe Basin too. A well developed shuttle bus system enables easy access between the resorts.
The resort has a compact ski area, but it is uncrowded and still has plenty to offer. The official statistic on the skiable terrain is 364 hectares, but this doesn’t include the infamous East Wall, a backcountry area accessed via a hike (to the Upper East Wall) or traverse (to the Lower East Wall).
The ski area has the highest skiable terrain in North America at an elevation of 3,977 metres. Due to the high altitude and north facing aspect of many of the slopes, the snow quality is good, and the resort has an incredibly long season. The upper half of the mountain is above the tree-line and the resort is well known for its open bowls, chutes and exceptionally steep terrain. In addition to the East Wall, one of the legendary runs is the challenging Pallavicini trail. Riders earn the right to call it the “Pali” once they’ve conquered it.
Even though Arapahoe Basin has a reputation for tricky terrain, there are also less intimidating groomed runs for the average punter. They run a really cheap program for novice riders, and there is a magic carpet servicing some easy runs. There are also two terrain parks.
The facilities and services are mainly at the base in the A-Frame lodge – thankfully this is no longer used as a missile testing facility. The sixth alley bar is good for a bit of après - after you’ve completed the first five “alleys” on the Pallavicini run (a bit like the 19th hole at a golf course). There are also a couple of eateries further up the mountain. Varied programs are runs by the ski school, including lessons to equip riders for the backcountry.
There is no accommodation at the base area, but plenty 8km down the road at Keystone resort or in the nearby towns of Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, or Breckenridge.
Arapahoe Basin has come a long way since it opened in 1946 when it cost only $3 a day for a lift ticket. Improvements to the ski area and amenities have occurred over the many years, without compromising the relaxed culture of the resort or the good value. The price of a lift pass increased to $7.50 in 1974, and now the tradition continues where lift tickets are a fraction of the price you would pay at a flashy resort.
A great phenomenon at Arapahoe Basin is the beach. Sure it’s a long way from Cancun, but the resort has developed a strange tradition of bringing “beach” festivities to the carpark in the snow, including beach chairs, beach umbrellas and weird costumes. Ski in your bikinis if you like!