Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort

Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort is a North American ski resort located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, about 110 km from Denver, near the famous Loveland Pass pass at 3,655 m (10,000 ft). Access to this ski resort called “The Legend” is easy, as it is connected by US Highway 6, a route widely used by skiers traveling from Denver and surrounding areas. During the winter season, public transportation options are available from Summit County (free service) and from downtown Denver (paid service).

History of Arapahoe Basin

Arapahoe Basin was born in 1946 as a passion project, driven by former skiers and veterans of the 10th Mountain Division, who saw tremendous potential in the basin below Loveland Pass. Led by Larry Jump and Sandy Schauffler, they built the resort with a limited budget and the help of friends and the local community. From its first season, the resort was innovative and different, attracting skiers eager to enjoy challenging, elevated terrain comparable to the Alps.

In its early years, A-Basin was seen as an unusual and risky operation, managed by a small group of veterans who valued camaraderie and fun. Events like the A-Basin Enduro, races and training programs helped cement its reputation, despite financial difficulties and a lack of infrastructure. But with the ski boom of the 1960s and 1970s, A-Basin modernized, installing lifts and expanding its facilities. However, it always maintained its focus on attracting passionate skiers who valued challenging terrain and an authentic experience. Even as other resorts grew, A-Basin retained its character and a loyal community of skiers. Arapahoe was one of the pioneering Colorado resorts to allow snowboarding, ski bikes, snowskates… on its slopes.

Over the decades, the resort has gone through several phases of modernization and ownership changes. Today, A-Basin remains one of the most beloved and authentic resorts in Colorado, with a strong commitment to sustainability as we will tell you later, and is also run by people who are passionate about skiing. To learn more about its history, we recommend reading the book “Arapahoe Basin, A Colorado Legend since 1946”.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Trails

With over 1,428 acres of skiable terrain, Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort is known for its variety of trails that challenge both intermediate and expert skiers. Its slogan “The longest ski season in Colorado” speaks for itself: the snowfall Arapahoe Basin receives is generous. Seventy-three percent of its runs are suitable for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders. The resort peaks at an altitude of 3977 meters and offers a vertical drop of 770 meters.

Arapahoe Basin has seven distinct terrain areas, each with unique characteristics that offer a variety of experiences for skiers and snowboarders. The Front Side terrain is ideal for both beginner and intermediate skiers, with trail access from the Black Mountain Express and Lenawee lifts, as well as terrain parks and breathtaking views at more than 3,800 meters above sea level. On the other hand, the Pallavicini area is known for its advanced and expert terrain, with double black diamond runs and the iconic A-Basin Enduro event.

The Beavers, opened in the 2017-18 season, added more than 300 acres of skiable terrain, including glades, open bowls and steep chutes. Combined with The Steep Gullies, this area expanded the skiable domain by nearly 50%. Montezuma Bowl is another notable area, located on the backside of the mountain, offering 400 acres of intermediate terrain with spectacular views. Expert skiers can challenge themselves at The Steep Gullies and East Wall, which offer some of the most extreme terrain in Colorado, while Molly HoganLearning Hill welcomes beginners, providing a perfect environment for learning to ski or snowboard.

Each of these areas offers a unique experience, from family fun at Molly Hogan to thrilling adventures at East Wall and Steep Gullies. Arapahoe Basin has something for everyone, regardless of skill level, making this one of the most comprehensive resorts in Colorado.

Featured Slopes at Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort

Arapahoe Basin features some of Colorado’s most iconic slopes, such as:

• The Spine in the Pallavicini area, famous for its challenging terrain.
• Cornice Run on the West Wall, where skiers can jump off wind-formed snow ledges.
• Steep Gullies, the most extreme and challenging area, with steep, narrow chutes.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort Sustainable Initiatives

Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort has implemented several policies to advance its commitment to sustainability. One of their main goals is to reduce waste sent to landfills by 75% by 2025, involving all employees in this effort. In addition, they have managed to use 100% renewable electricity and are working on electrification and efficiency to further reduce their carbon emissions.

The station has also adopted a more sustainable vehicle policy, with “no idling ignition” standards and a gradual transition to more efficient and electric options in their fleet. They are also driving a responsible procurement policy, where buyers look for products and suppliers that support the station’s sustainable goals, reducing the environmental impact in their supply chain.

Finally, Arapahoe Basin promotes green events that engage both attendees and suppliers in their sustainability initiatives. The resort is also committed to the responsible use of water, limiting its consumption despite the growth and increased influx of visitors, to protect the watershed of which they are a part.

Après-ski activities at Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort offers a unique après-ski experience. Visitors can enjoy its famous The Beach area, a place to relax after a day on the slopes. In addition, in summer, activities such as Via Ferrata, scenic chairlift rides and hiking are offered.

Events at Arapahoe Basin

One of Arapahoe Basin’s most iconic events is the A-Basin Enduro, where skiers race for 10 consecutive hours to raise money for local charities. The resort also hosts music events and freeride competitions throughout the season.