In boasting one of Colorado's longest ski seasons, visitors to Arapahoe Basin could just as easily be on their summer as their winter vacation. From as early as October or November and usually lasting well into June, the resort attracts both locals and international crowds with its laid-back, no-frills atmosphere, abundant snowfall, steep terrain and unique spring skiing culture – packed with concert series and events. You can "Beach at the Basin" in May, with barbeques, volleyball games and a lot of sun. At a summit elevation of a staggering 13,050 feet, it also has some of the highest skiable terrain in North America. In fact, peaking through the snow-filled clouds, half the mountain is above timberline.
Arapahoe Basin's signature run, Pallavicini, is on the extremely steep side of the mountain and is for expert skiers who can manage the rocks, bumps and gullies. It is also one of Colorado's steepest and longest trails. The East Wall, on the other side of the mountain, has chutes, gullies and steeps ideal for experts and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The above-treeline slopes provide wide-open runs and host two bowls dominating the upper half of the mountain, serving up smooth runs and amazing views. Beginner trails come down from the Exhibition Chairlift – a great place to start is the very wide and flat Wrangler trail.
Wrangler also is home to A-Basin's newest terrain park (High Divide) designed especially for beginners trying out its rails, boxes and other features before graduating to the bigger Treeline Terrain Park. Formerly known as "Mutha' Hucker Terrain Park," Treeline Terrain is great for snowboarders and includes a 20-foot down rail, 15-foot kink rail, 30-foot C box and straight rail, a 30 and 40-foot jump, trapezoid rail, up/flat box and more.
6 lifts including 1 surface lift and 5 chair lifts.
$$ (Moderately Priced)69 runs - 15% beginner, 45% intermediate, 40% expert. Longest run is 7,920 feet.
Mountain Statistics: 2,270 feet vertical drop, 13,050 feet summit elevation, 490 acres, average annual accumulation 367 inches.
Arapahoe Basin stands out from the other 24 resorts in Colorado because of its outstanding terrain, abundant snowfall, laid back atmoshpere, unique history and spring time festivities. It offers the highest skiable terrain in the North America continent.