Arapahoe Basin

Closed
Karl Sander
SnowPak Local Insider
Karl Sander
Pros
  • Arapahoe Basin boasts one of the longest ski seasons (October - June)
  • Incredible advanced terrain
  • Budget friendly compared to other Colorado ski resorts
Cons
  • Very limited amenities and no lodging at the base

Overall

4.6

Meet “the Legend.” If a ski resort is going to have a nickname like that, it’s got a lot to live up to - but believe me, Arapahoe Basin delivers! It’s been offering up some of the gnarliest big-mountain terrain in a part of the country known for white-knuckle skiing since 1946, after the site retired from its career as a defense contractor test site. Perched near the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass, its elevation helps give it a yearly average of 350 in of snow and some of the longest ski seasons anywhere in North America, often lasting into late spring and early summer (and, at least once, into August!). It maintains a small “locals’ mountain” vibe, complete with quirky staff, less stringent policies (at least compared to Vail resorts) and a more laissez faire atmosphere.

Best month to go

Mid-December to April

With its long season, it might seem like you could go to A-Basin almost any time. The snow is usually deep with good coverage for the majority of winter, from mid-December through April. Of course, that timeframe also includes some of the coldest months of the year in the highest of high country, so you’ll want to pack and layer accordingly if you visit from December through February. Arapahoe Basin doesn’t usually get too crowded, though like any resort it has times that are busier than others. These are typically over the Christmas / New Year’s holiday, the US federal holiday weekends in mid-January and mid-February, and spring break in March. During those times, you might see some crowding on the beginner and intermediate runs due to the simple fact there just aren’t many of them to begin with. That said, with its reputation for extreme terrain, it doesn’t really draw a lot of beginners and intermediates to begin with.

FLY TO

Denver International Airport

SHUTTLE TO

Arapahoe Basin (approx. 2.5 hours)

Base of Keystone (5-10 mi)

  • Most skiers stay here as there is no lodging at A-Basin
  • Wide range of accommodation options
  • 15 minutes drive away

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Summit Cove (5-10 mi)

  • Closest town to Arapahoe Basin
  • Wide range of vacation rentals
  • Quieter compared to Keystone

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Dillon/Silverthorne (10-15 mi)

  • Both towns are around 20 mins drive away
  • Inexpensive lodging
  • Limited nightlife

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Frisco (15-20 mi)

  • 25-30 minutes drive away
  • Inexpensive lodging; has many hotel and motel chains
  • Easy access to Breckenridge and Copper Mountain

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For beginners

Beginner terrain is limited here but if you must, the base area is a good learning area for beginners, with two magic carpets, the Molly Hogan Lift and a gentle slope for practising on. More experienced beginners can lap the greens off Black Mountain Express including the Wrangler, the longest green run here with wide and gentle turns through the trees.

More beginners tips

For intermediates

The resort has a handful of intermediate runs. You'll have a few good choices off Black Mountain Express we definitely think you should try out Larkspur and Columbine, two long groomed runs in the Montezuma bowl.

More intermediates tips

For experts

The advanced and expert runs are what Arapahoe basin is known for! Anything off the Pallavicini lift is great with steep trees, massive bumps, cliff drops, cornices and tight turns. This is how we'd tackle it: warm up on the Beach before heading up to the Pali Chair. From here try out the bumps on Pali Main Street and then duck into the Timber Glades when you're halfway down! Once you're out of there, weave through the boulders at Rock Garden and onto Poli Wog. 

More experts tips

Find freshies

Lap Pallavinci (Pali) until East Wall opens; then, dash over to the bowls in Land of the Giants and Lower East Wall. 

Ditch the crowds

You won't see many crowds at A-Basin, but if you do, it'll probably be around the Zuma Lift, which is the only chair on the backside, or perhaps The Montezuma Bowl and mid-mountain areas. 

Non skiers

Theres no tubing, sledding, heli or catskiing in Arapahoe Basin. There is the Frisco Adventure Park nearby, but Arapahoe basin is really all about the skiing and snowboarding.

Families

For families of differing ability levels should lap the runs off Black Mountain Express which serves a range of greens, blues and black runs. Cheaper lift tickets here are a great bonus for families though bear in mind there is no accommodation or resort amentities here.

Save up to 33% when you book a Arapahoe Basin package!

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Arapahoe Basin Reviews

Very Good 4.2 / 5
based on 155 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 21, 2017
ARAlain R.
advanced skier
A-Basin is a great resort! I love how friendly all the staff are and how affordable the tickets are eapecially for the military. The terrain is challenging and me and my family always have a great time there.... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 20, 2017
BBBen B.
advanced snowboarder
A-basin is one of the best kept small resorts in Colorado. Great get away from the hustle and bustle of Denver and the larger resorts. Being one of the highest elevation resorts in the US Arapahoe Basin has some of the greatest conditions as well!... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 20, 2017
MHKMichael H. K.
expert snowboarder
Great atmosphere of local skiing and vibes. Must check out the back bowl, and hiking to an amazing drop from some spines. The views will sweep away any family's idea of mountain views and beautiful skiing.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 18, 2017
JJoshua
advanced snowboarder
A- basin is a great local, privately owned ski area. The staff are super friendly and helpful, The lifts give you acces to ski-able terrain for all levels of skiers and riders, from the green mountain express to The montezuma bowl. The mountain is very family oriented but also has its wild side, enough to accommodate for all types. I highly... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Nov 18, 2017
CWChris W.
intermediate snowboarder
A-basin is great. The lift lines are not long and very accessible. Parking is not bad either, if you get there early enough you can park as close at 100 ft from the lift.... More
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 18, 2017
BCBill C.
expert skier
Love "Spacin' at the Basin" It really does not get too much better in Summmit County. Best skiing, especially in Spring when everyone has their grills fired up on the beach and is ready for some apres ski relaxation.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 18, 2017
ASAaron S.
intermediate skier
A Basin is the best, great uphill policy too. One of my favorite aspects is that they cater to the uphill crowd, laps all day! The upper mountain is also always epic.... More
Good!3.5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
RCRuss C.
advanced skier
One of my favorite resorts in CO. if there is traffic on I 70 we take Loveland pass which is very scenic and much quicker than going through Dillon. I'd highly recommend the resort to anyone. ... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
JCJeremy C.
advanced snowboarder
A Basin has always been my favorite summit county destination. It is less crowded and has great snow to go along with the biggest vertical decent in the area. I always have a great time especially in the spring time.... More
Average!3.5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
JBJustin B.
advanced snowboarder
Great resort for the locals! The beach is the best, BBQ and friends. What more can you ask for at a ski resort? Well beer. Let's add beer. Now you got a party... More