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Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Ski Resort

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Projected Opening
Oct 24
Projected Closing
May 16
Lifts
9
Trails
147
Skiable Terrain
1,428 ac
Base
10,780'
Summit
13,050'
Vertical Drop
2,530'
Average Snowfall
268"
Snowfall
268"
Annual Snowfall
  • Nov31"
  • Dec41"
  • Jan44"
  • Feb42"
  • Mar44"
  • Apr40"

Related News

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
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shutterstock Arapahoe Basin

Known as the Legend, Arapahoe Basin is nestled high along Loveland Pass about 68 miles outside of Denver, Colorado. Having been in operation since 1946, the Legend offers some of the highest skier and rider-accessible terrain in North America where half of the mountain sits above the timberline with skiing and snowboarding through late spring and early summer.

A-basin features a vertical rise of 2,270 feet and a summit elevation of 13,050 feet with 1428 accessible acres and an average snowfall of 350 inches. The terrain is rated 7% beginner, 20% intermediate, 49% advanced and 24% expert with the signature run Pallavicini as one of Colorado’s longest and steepest trails.

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Transportation

Important Dates

  • Projected opening date
    Oct 24, 2026
  • Projected closing date
    May 16, 2027
  • Projected Days Open
    270
  • Days Open Last Year
    234
  • Years Open
    80
  • Average Snowfall
    268"

A-Basin is a great option for all ability types offering up some excellent expert terrain combined with long wide groomers and a learner’s slope for beginners. With 147 trails and eight chairlifts, the ski resort sits at the base of the continental divide and has one of the highest base elevations in Colorado.

Terrain options are plentiful with high-alpine bowls, tree glades, chutes, wide-open groomers and amazing off-piste options. The East Wall contains some of the most difficult terrain within the resort boundaries. Skiers and riders can access the upper East Wall, home to double-black expert terrain, via a steep hike or traverse to the lower East Wall without hiking.

Terrain

Beginners Runs
7%
Intermediate Runs
20%
Advanced Runs
49%
Expert Runs
24%
Runs in Total
147
Longest Run
1.5 mi
Skiable Terrain
1,428 ac
Snow Making
125 ac

Lifts

9
High Speed Quads
1
Quad Chairs
3
Triple Chairs
1
Double Chairs
1
Surface Lifts
3

Inside Scoop

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Arapahoe Basin is home to some of the highest skiable terrain in North America. The current A-Frame lodge located at the base area was once used as a missile testing facility but now offers up multiple dining options for visitors. 

I started skiing A-Basin in January of 1968. It is the best area in the U.S.A. as far as I'm concerned. Back then, and now, the attitude has always been laid back and not the fur coat crowd type. I could tell you of some of the great times I had being in my early 20's and fresh out of the U.S.Air…
Fred Willsey
Jan 18, 2025