Where to Ski And Snowboard - A-Basin opens for 70th ski season

A-Basin opens for 70th ski season

22nd October 2016, by Abi Butcher

Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened for its 70th winter season on Friday

Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened for the winter season on Friday after what a spokesman for the area called “optimal conditions” for the snowmaking team.

Arapahoe Basin — or A-Basin as it’s known to locals — is this year celebrating its 70th season in operation. Traditionally running the longest ski season in Colorado, it typically opens from mid October to early June thanks to its altitude of between 3,268m and 3,800m. As well as extensive snowmaking, A-Basin has an excellent snowfall record and is often the first ski area to open its lifts to the public in North America.

Skiers and snowboarders lined up at 9am on Friday (21 October) to access the intermediate High Noon trail via the Black Mountain Express lift.

“This is going to be a tremendous start to the ski season at Arapahoe Basin and in the state of Colorado,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin chief operating officer. “We’ve been fortunate to have optimal conditions for our snowmaking team to get a base on the High Noon trail, and offer our guests skiing and snowboarding in October.”

After a day on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders who bought an A-Basin Mug were entitled to a free beer to kick off the season!