Our Favorite Runs at Arapahoe Basin

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While Arapahoe Basin is a local favorite for many, the Basin has history that makes it one of a kind. In the year of 1946, the Basin opened with two ropes and a lift ticket for $1.25.  Today, eight lifts are running with over 100 trails.  Arapahoe Basin is located right in Summit County below Loveland pass.  The resort has a base elevation of 10,780 feet with a 2,270 foot elevation. 

Due to high elevation and mostly northeast facing walls, Arapahoe Basin ski season is much longer than all other resorts in Colorado and North America, opening around mid-October and closing end of June, potentially July depending how much snow is on the hill. In January of 2008, the Basin expanded their acreage by 80 percent. This year, the Basin has added even more terrain of approximately 371 of new skiable acres that you must hike to until the new chairlift is installed in the summer of 2018.

For Beginners

Arapahoe Basin has two smaller magic carpets and one beginner chairlift to hang out on while you learn your flow on skis.  There are plenty of other resorts with a lot more beginner-friendly runs though, so A-Basin shouldn’t be your top choice for your first day on skis.

For Intermediate Skiers

Catch the Lenawee, Norway, or Exhibition chair lifts for some great groomed blue trails.  With not a lot of obstacles but still some steep runs, these are perfect to get you ready for the next level.

For the Experts

Since over 70% of Arapahoe Basin’s runs are rated as “Most Difficult” or “Extreme”, this section is easily the most elaborate.  With the new terrain opening this year, you’ll be stoked for what is awaiting you on the west side of the mountain.  The Windows and The Steep Gullies have rocks to drop and plenty of tree runs.  Roughly 300 new acres of skiable terrain, which was previously not accessible, is now open for you to explore!  More of the advance skiing is going to be located in the back bowls.  Montezuma bowl has jumping off of cornices and plenty of obstacles in store for you.  For those in search of lots of powdery snow, head to Powder Keg and Grizzly road right off Pallacicini chair and drop into some amazing short groomed runs called No Name, Radical, Challenger, and Scudder. With these runs out of the wind, you get powder when you are least expecting, creating great pillows on the run down. 

For the Park Rats

Always on the hunt for rails and jumps, are ya?  Arapahoe Basin prides itself on having the highest terrain parks in North America.  There are two terrain parks; the best of which is the Treeline Park.  The prime people watching location, right in front of Black Mountain Lodge, is perfect for those who want to see the pros land some crazy tricks.

Head up to the mountains for the day on one of our shuttles!  Then take these tips on the best trails to hit at Arapahoe Basin.

We’ll see you on the mountain!

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*Featured image courtesy of Arapahoe Basin.