Where to Ski And Snowboard - A-Basin to add “extreme” terrain

A-Basin to add “extreme” terrain

17th February 2017, by Abi Butcher

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado is to increase its skiable terrain by nearly one third

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado has announced plans to expand for next season — increasing its skiable terrain by nearly one third adding some “extreme” skiing.

Following a comprehensive planning process and environmental review, Arapahoe Basin will add 468 acres to its ski area, bringing the total acreage to 1,428 once the project is completed. The new terrain in the west of A-Basin will be called The Beavers and The Steep Gullies and suited to intermediates and experts.

The Beavers will comprise 339 acres of rolling and varied lift-served terrain from intermediate (blue square) groomed runs to most difficult (black diamond) tree skiing. There is open bowl skiing at the top and flowy glades on the west side and the lower part of the terrain and it will be served by a quad chair.

The Steep Gullies will be 129 acres of hike-back terrain with seven steep, narrow chutes offering the most challenging skiing at Arapahoe Basin. These gullies vary in pitch and width and will be rated as “extreme” (double-black diamond) and skiers or snowboarders will have to hike or skin back to the bottom of the Pallavicini Lift after their run — approximately 15-30 minutes.

Some of the work will be done on the new terrain this summer, including construction glading and cutting of groomed trails so The Steep Gullies and a portion of The Beavers will be open as hike-back only. During the summer of 2018 the four-man chair will be constructed so the full area will be finished in time for the 2018-19 ski season.

Arapahoe or “A-Basin” has one of the longest ski seasons in Colorado, often being the first and last ski area to open in the state. This year it is celebrating its 70th anniversary.