Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Arapahoe Basin is situated high on the Continental Divide. It offers the highest ski-able terrain in North America and views from the “top of the world”. We think of A-Basin as a unique place where it’s all about the skiing and riding. Although there are no lodges, condos or timeshares, Arapahoe Basin stands out from the other 26 resorts in Colorado because of its outstanding terrain, abundant snowfall, laid back atmosphere, unique history and spring time festivities.
More Resort Facts
| Nearest Town: Keystone Colorado |
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| Base Elevation: 10,780 ft (3,290 m) |
Top Elevation: 13,050 ft (3,980 m) |
| Latitude: 39.705074 |
Longitude: -105.874293 |
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| Total Runs: 105 |
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 10% Beginner |
 30% Intermediate |
 37% Advanced |
 23% Expert |
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| Terrain Parks: 2 |
| High Divide Terrain Park, Treeline Terrain Park |
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| Total Lifts: 7 |
| (1) quad chairlift, (2) triple chairlifts, (3) double chairlifts and (1) conveyor lift |
| Total lift capacity: 10,500 people per hour |
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| Average Snowfall: 350 inches/year |
Snowmaking: 125 acres |
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This Colorado legend offers the highest ski-able slopes you’ll likely encounter. Half of the mountain is above timberline with open bowl skiing and snowboarding through spring and into early summer. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened to the public in 1946 with one, mid-mountain rope tow that skiers reached in an Army weapons carrier pulled by a four-wheel drive vehicle. That year A-Basin reported 1,200 skiers who paid $3 a day to access the mountain. It wasn’t until the 1947-1948 season that chairlifts were installed, and interestingly Arapahoe Basin’s were the 1st post-war chairlifts ordered in Colorado. With a base elevation close to 11,000 ft, and a summit elevation that exceeds 13,000 ft, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area has the highest ski-able terrain in North America and a vertical drop of 2,270 feet. The high altitude location of Arapahoe Basin is also one of the reasons why it boasts one of the longest ski seasons in the USA and the longest in Colorado, typically opening in October and staying open until early June.
Pallavicini, Arapahoe Basin’s famed black diamond run is regarded by skiers and riders world-wide as one of the most challenging runs in North America. The 400-acre Montezuma Bowl is located on the backside of Arapahoe Basin. Montezuma’s terrain includes blue, black and double black slopes, a total of 36 runs. The skier and rider will discover cornices, chutes, glades and wide-open bowls. Several runs will be groomed nightly, providing the intermediate guest with much coveted additional cruising terrain. Hike-back terrain past the lower lift terminal will also be available for the adventurous skier or rider who has more interest in experiencing a remote, back country feel. It doesn’t stop there though! In addition to all the open ski-able and ride-able terrain that Arapahoe Basin has to offer, it also features two terrain parks!
A-Basin Ski Area Photos and Videos
Related Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Articles
A-Basin Ski Area News and Event Posts
22nd Annual Arapahoe Basin Enduro,
8th Annual Huck, Rock and Roll Terrain Park Competition,
9th Annual Beacon Bowl and Avalanche Awareness Day,
9th Annual Marmot Grind at A-Basin,
A-Basin Announces New Lift for the 2010-2011 Season,
A-Basin opens!,
Beach and Egg Hunt at Arapahoe Basin,
Circle the Summit,
The 17th Annual Bicycle Tour of Colorado,
Arapahoe Basin is situated high on the Continental Divide. It offers the highest ski-able terrain in North America and views from the “top of the world”. We think of A-Basin as a unique place where it’s all about the skiing and riding. Although there are no lodges, condos or timeshares, Arapahoe Basin stands out from the other 26 resorts in Colorado because of its outstanding terrain, abundant snowfall, laid back atmosphere, unique history and spring time festivities.
This Colorado legend offers the highest ski-able slopes you’ll likely encounter. Half of the mountain is above timberline with open bowl skiing and snowboarding through spring and into early summer. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened to the public in 1946 with one, mid-mountain rope tow that skiers reached in an Army weapons carrier pulled by a four-wheel drive vehicle. That year A-Basin reported 1,200 skiers who paid $3 a day to access the mountain. It wasn’t until the 1947-1948 season that chairlifts were installed, and interestingly Arapahoe Basin’s were the 1st post-war chairlifts ordered in Colorado. With a base elevation close to 11,000 ft, and a summit elevation that exceeds 13,000 ft, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area has the highest ski-able terrain in North America and a vertical drop of 2,270 feet. The high altitude location of Arapahoe Basin is also one of the reasons why it boasts one of the longest ski seasons in the USA and the longest in Colorado, typically opening in October and staying open until early June.
Pallavicini, Arapahoe Basin’s famed black diamond run is regarded by skiers and riders world-wide as one of the most challenging runs in North America. The 400-acre Montezuma Bowl is located on the backside of Arapahoe Basin. Montezuma’s terrain includes blue, black and double black slopes, a total of 36 runs. The skier and rider will discover cornices, chutes, glades and wide-open bowls. Several runs will be groomed nightly, providing the intermediate guest with much coveted additional cruising terrain. Hike-back terrain past the lower lift terminal will also be available for the adventurous skier or rider who has more interest in experiencing a remote, back country feel. It doesn’t stop there though! In addition to all the open ski-able and ride-able terrain that Arapahoe Basin has to offer, it also features two terrain parks!
