Colorado Review

Arapahoe Basin ski area opened to the public at 9 a.m. this morning, marking the mountain’s earliest opening in its 61 years of operation. Last year the ski area was the first to open in the nation and this year A-Basin continues that trend. Opening day here always has a festive feel. Local radio station KSMT is at the base with a live remote, playing music and handing out giveaways.

As I type, skiers and riders are enjoying an 18-inch snow base on the intermediate High Noon run and some features in the High Divide terrain park. Beginners are out of luck, though. None of the novice runs will be open.

New this season, A-Basin will introduce Montezuma Bowl, 400 acres of lift served groomed runs, glades, chutes and wide-open bowl skiing. The new expansion is expected to open sometime in late December, snow conditions permitting.

Opening day adult lift tickets are $45, youth tickets age 15-19 are $39 and child tickets age 6-14 will be $22. Ski and snowboard rentals, food and beverage service in the A-Frame, the 6th Alley bar and retail shop are open to the public. Ski school lessons will begin when the Molly Hogan Learning Center opens later in November.

A-Basin’s Bonus Passes are available while supplies last for $309. The Bonus pass holder receives unlimited skiing or riding at A-Basin for the 2007-2008 ski season and five non-transferable ski days at Keystone or Breckenridge. One of those days can be used at Vail or Beaver Creek (some restrictions apply). A-Basin only passes are also available at great prices. Purchase your pass on site at A-Basin, call 1-888-Arapahoe or order on-line.

Arapahoe Basin is 68 miles west of Denver, in Summit County. This high-alpine ski area’s base elevation is at 10,870 feet, and its summit elevation is 13,050 feet. It’s the highest skiable terrain in North America, with half the mountain above treeline.

Colorado skiing, Arapahoe Basin