Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

High on the Continental Divide, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area offers the highest skiable terrain in North America. With no lodges, condos or timeshares, the outstanding terrain, laid back atmosphere, and abundant snowfall make A-Basin stand out from the other 24 ski resorts in Colorado. And Pallavicini, A-Basin's most famous double black diamond extreme run, is regarded by skiers and boarders worldwide as one of North America's most challenging runs.

Another double black diamond extreme area is the Upper East Wall, accessible only by foot usually open only in late winter and spring after most of the avalanche blasting is done. For some of this you must have excellent mountaineering skiing ability.

Started in 1946 with a tow rope pulled uphill by a mountain truck, Arapahoe Basin has grown considerably. In the fall of 1997, Dundee Resort Development of Toronto, Canada, bought the resort and since has added the Lenawee triple chair in 2001, snowmaking in 2002 and 2003, Molly’s Magic Carpet in 2003, the Snow Plume Refuge at the summit in 2004, and the base area Winter Sports building in 2005. The spring of 2007 saw A-Basin open its 200-seat mid-mountain restaurant and retail outlet, Black Mountain Lodge, with great panoramic views of Black Mountain and the East Wall. And in 2007 the Montezuma Bowl opened, a major expansion adding another 80% to the size of Arapahoe Basin.

At the foot of the mountain is the Legends Cafe, serving breakfast and lunch, indoors and out. At the top of Exhibition lift is the Black Mountain Lodge, serving bistro type food, indoors and out. The Snow Plume Refuge at the top of A-Basin has changed to vending machines only, unless you bring your own and use the outide grill... End of the day is to the Sixth Alley Bar for apres-ski entertainment, or stop at the Coffee Corner in front of the bar for the hot drinks you may need to stay awake on the drive out. Or if you don't want to drive (in and/or out), take the Summit Stage, the local free bus system that ties together Keystone, Dillon, Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne and A-Basin. Ski and 'board gear rentals are available at the foot of the slopes. Motels, hotels, ski-condos, resort rooms, etc. are available in Keystone, Breckenridge, Dillon, Silverthorne and Frisco.