Ski Resort Highlight: Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Arapahoe Basin, popularly known as A. Basin, is one of Colorado’s smaller, less known mountains. But, A. Basin is truly one the loudest, biggest, and baddest mountains in the Front Range. With a base lodge that was once a missile testing facility, the highest terrain park in North America, a parking lot with parties that rival a frat house, and 900 skiable acres, A. Basin has a relaxed, low profile feel and some great skiing.

Located 68 miles west of Denver, A. Basin counted 425,00 skiers on its seven lifts last year and has over 2,200 vertical feet. It averages 350 inches of snow and has one of the longest ski seasons in the country. Thanks to a snowmaking system installed in 2002, A. Basin is open regularly from October until June. It was also the first resort in North America to open in both the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 seasons, tying with nearby Loveland in 2008/2009.

The early season, icy skiing and warm, spring turns may be some of A. Basin’s claim to fame but don’t be fooled, A. Basin is definitely a skier’s mountain. Gaining some huge momentum in 2008, the mountain’s acreage expanded by 80% with the addition of the legendary Montezuma Bowl. Montezuma is 400 acres on the backside that includes several groomers, chutes, cornices, glades, and wide open bowls. Accessed by the Zuma Lift, the addition provides more terrain to the already dynamic and Colorado favorite Arapahoe Basin. If Montezuma is already skied out, you can also look for some backcountry-accessed powder along the East Wall or some bumps off Pallavicini Lift.

Also, don’t miss out on the wild ruckus that is known as the Beach at A. Basin. The Beach is the front row of the early riser lot, prime real estate for powder mornings or warm spring days. There are nine spots for reservation, with room for picnic tables, a couple cars, tents, and often, a couple kegs. So whether it is some early season turns, some late season fun, or even waist deep powder you are looking for, Arapahoe Basin has it all, proof that good things definitely come is small packages.

You can find Arapahoe Basin Ski Deals on Liftopia.com

By Katherine Matteson