Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado & Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 2530ft/771m, total trails 147, closest airport 77mi/124km, lifts 9, & more.

The ski area is located to the west of the Continental Divide on US Highway 6 in Keystone, Colorado, which is part of Summit County.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area came to fruition as a result of the Denver Chamber of Commerce Winter Sports Committee looking for potential areas to open a ski facility. They hired Larry Jump and Frederick “Sandy” Schauffler to find a location.

The Arapahoe Basin location was chosen, and with the guidance of five individuals, Larry Jump, Thor Groswold, Frederick “Sandy” Schauffler, Dick Durrance and Max Dercum the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area was formed. Their vision became a reality in December 1946, when the ski area opened to the public with a rope tow and several trails. Tickets were sold for $1.25.

Over the years, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area has had several ownership groups, and all have contributed to the expansion and development of the skier and snowboarder experience at the resort. Currently, the resort is owned by Dundee Resort Development, a division of Dream Unlimited Corporation of Toronto since August 1997.

Under the Dream ownership, a master plan for Arapahoe Basin Ski Area continues to be unveiled. They have opened the Montezuma Bowl, added new trails, chairlifts, expanded the parking lot, built the Kids Corner, enhanced skiers services, and opened The Beavers and the Steep Gullies area.

In the race amongst industry peers to be the first to open for the new season, the ski area installed snowmaking equipment in 2002 and has successfully claimed these bragging rights on several occasions.

Over the years, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area or A-Basin has become recognized for its advanced and expert terrain, a family-friendly atmosphere, along with one of the longest seasons in Colorado and North America often stretching into June.

On the Slopes

• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is known as a mountain with spectacular advanced and expert trails that occupy almost 60% of its terrain. One of its signature runs, Pallavicini, is one of Colorado's longest and steepest trails. However, the great news is that 40% of the terrain is available for a leisurely family outing.
• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is a fun mountain with incredible views and wide-open terrain on the front side with trails such as High-Noon, Norway-Face, and Sundance that allow you to gain as much vertical in a day as you desire.
• The Montezuma Bowl, which opened for the 2007/08 winter season, added over 400-acres to A-Basin. This area is serviced by the Zuma lift, which is a fixed quad chair. In the Montezuma Bowl, the terrain is about a 95% advanced/expert collection of steeps and chutes.
• A-Basin has two terrain parks, Treeline, and High Divide. Treeline Terrain Park stands alone as being located at the highest elevation of any terrain park in North America. High Divide is perfect for new terrain park seekers who want to practice their skills.
• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area offers lessons and programs for skiers and snowboarders of all ages making it a truly family-friendly place to visit. They host several types of lesson options for children, as well as, many adult programs including the Legendary Ladies program and Telemark lessons.

Off the Slopes

• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area has no mountain-side accommodations. However, just a short distance away in Summit County the towns of Silverthorne, Dillion, Frisco, Breckenridge or Keystone offer a variety of lodging choices that will fit most budgets.
• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area has a dedicated building that is exclusively for kids. The Kids Center features indoor activities, and the Kids Center kitchen so kids can enjoy a bite to eat before heading out on the mountain. Parents can feel confident that their children are in good hands.
• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is home to numerous food and beverage options where you can grab a simple snack or a sit-down meal. One stop is the Black Mountain Lodge, in addition to its daily offerings, it also plays host to the Moonlight Dinner Series. Check the website for more details.
• Arapahoe Sports located in the A-Frame building, offers gloves, hats, goggles, helmets, and souvenirs. Also, rental of pants and jackets are available.
• There are numerous places to dine and shop throughout the Summit County areas of Silverthorne, Dillion, Frisco, Breckenridge, and Keystone.
• Worth noting is that transit service on the Summit Stage throughout Summit County and to Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is Free for everyone.