Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is a ski venue in Dillon, CO. No events are listed here yet.
Upcoming events at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Venue Overview
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area sits just below Loveland Pass on US Highway 6 in Summit County, about 68 miles west of Denver, and it is one of the highest ski areas in North America, with a summit around 13,050 feet. Known to locals as A-Basin, it has been running since 1946 and is famous for one of the longest seasons in the country, often opening in October and skiing into June. Its roughly 1,400 acres range from groomed cruisers to the steep Pallavicini face, the open terrain of the Beavers and the expert-only Steep Gullies. A packed calendar of uphill races, skimo events and spring parties makes it a hub for Colorado’s mountain athletes.
About Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
- High-alpine ski area on US Highway 6 below Loveland Pass, in the White River National Forest
- About 68 miles west of Denver
- About 1,428 skiable acres and 145 trails
- Base near 10,780 feet and summit near 13,050 feet
- About 350 inches of average annual snowfall
- Montezuma Bowl, the Beavers and the Steep Gullies expansions
- Season often runs from October into June
- Part of Alterra Mountain Company since November 2024
History
Larry and Marnie Jump, Max Dercum and Sandy Shaufler started Arapahoe Basin in 1945, and the area first opened for skiing in 1946, making it one of Colorado’s oldest ski areas. It grew over the decades with Montezuma Bowl on the back side in 2007 and the Beavers and Steep Gullies terrain in 2017. Its high, mostly north-facing slopes helped it set a record 258-day season that ran from October 2018 to July 4, 2019. Alterra Mountain Company bought the area in 2024.
Skiing, Skimo and Uphill Racing at A-Basin
A-Basin is known as a skier’s mountain: the Pallavicini face and the gated Steep Gullies serve experts, while Montezuma Bowl and the front side give intermediates long groomers and wide bowls. The early opening and late closing make it a favorite for uphill training and ski mountaineering, and its race series draws skimo athletes from across the Front Range, from dawn rando races in early season to relay and enduro events in late winter and spring.
Events Held Here
- Skimo: the Rise N’ Shine Rando Series, usually November to December
- Uphill: the Uphill Turkey Trot, usually around Thanksgiving
- Relay racing: the Fire Hose Relay, usually in February
- Endurance: the A-Basin Enduro, usually in April
- Season opening day, spring celebrations and summer concerts
Upcoming events at this venue are listed below. Check each event’s own page for current dates.
Lessons, Coaching & Programs
A-Basin’s ski and ride school offers lessons for kids and adults, and the area also hosts clinics and specialty training for skiers who want to tackle steeper terrain. See the resort’s lessons pages for current programs.
Food, Drink & Amenities
- 6th Alley Bar and Grill at the base, open for lunch and evenings with a two-story deck
- Base-area day lodge and dining
- On-mountain dining
- Rental and repair shop
- Summer activities, concerts and nature tours
Private Events & Groups
A-Basin’s base area and decks host team ski days, club races, corporate outings and celebrations. Contact the ski area’s group sales team to plan tickets, lessons and space for a private event.
Membership or Access
A-Basin is open to the public. Lift access is sold through A-Basin passes, partner passes and lift tickets, and uphill access follows the area’s uphill policy. Race entry runs through each event’s own registration.
Contact & Links
Questions About Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Where is Arapahoe Basin?
A-Basin is on US Highway 6 just below Loveland Pass in Summit County, about 68 miles west of Denver.
How high is Arapahoe Basin?
The summit is near 13,050 feet and the base near 10,780 feet, making it one of the highest ski areas in North America.
When does A-Basin’s season run?
A-Basin often opens in October and can ski into June, and its record season ran until July 4, 2019.
When did Arapahoe Basin open?
The area first opened for skiing in 1946.
What races are held at A-Basin?
Races include the Rise N’ Shine Rando Series, the Uphill Turkey Trot, the Fire Hose Relay and the A-Basin Enduro.
What are the Beavers and the Steep Gullies?
They are terrain expansions opened in 2017: the Beavers adds bowls, trees and chutes, and the Steep Gullies are gated expert runs off the Pallavicini face.
How do I list my event?
List your Arapahoe Basin Ski Area event free on Colorado Under Par at coloradounderpar.com/submit-event. It takes less than five minutes.
Planning Your Event Here
Above 10,000 feet, weather and altitude matter, so share a clear weather call, keep aid stations stocked and set check-in at the base area. Dawn uphill events need lights and a staffed finish, and weekend parking fills early. Contact the venue for current pricing and availability.
Hosting an Event at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area? List It on Colorado Under Par
If you’re organizing a skimo race, uphill challenge, relay, enduro or club ski day at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, list your event for free on Colorado Under Par, Colorado’s dedicated platform for discovering and promoting golf, pickleball, and sporting events. Getting your event in front of Colorado’s active sports community takes less than five minutes.
List your event here: coloradounderpar.com/submit-event
Do you manage Arapahoe Basin Ski Area?
Update your contact details, photos and booking link for free, or become a Premier Venue for top placement, a homepage spot, a photo gallery and organizer referrals.
Quick answers
Where is Arapahoe Basin Ski Area?
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is a ski venue in Dillon, CO.
What events are coming up at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area?
Nothing is on the calendar here right now. Follow this venue to get an email when the next one is listed.
How do I host an event at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area?
Book your date with Arapahoe Basin Ski Area directly, then list your event free on Colorado Under Par so players and sponsors can find it. If you want help running it, Colorado Under Par also offers full event management.
