Arapahoe Basin ski resort guide & reviews Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in Arapahoe
Overview
Arapahoe Basin is a high altitude and very popular ski resort situated 68 miles west of Denver, in Summit County, Colorado.
This classic resort offers some of the highest skiable terrain in North America. Half of the mountain is above the treeline with open bowl skiing and snowboarding through spring and into early summer. One of its signature runs, Pallavicini, is one of Colorado's longest and steepest trails.
Arapahoe après-ski
As well as the base station bars and restaurants, Arapahoe Basin's infamous "beach" is a place where every day is a party. Expect barbecues, crazy costumes and music.
Downtown Frisco and Dillon have lively evening entertainment with great pubs and restautants plus some excellent refined dining.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 3286m |
| Top lift | 3978m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 960 |
| Longest run | 3 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | km |
| Season | Oct - June |
| Snowboard parks | 2 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Relaxed |
Arapahoe Basin ski area guide
The skiable terrain covers some 960 acres around the Arapahoe Basin that tops out at 3978m. There is a good mix of runs suitable to all levels of skier and boarder although the upper basin area is reserved for experts. On the backside, there is the amazing Montezuma Bowl with blue, black and double black slopes. Skiers and boarders will discover cornices, chutes, glades and wide-open bowls. In total, the back bowl opens up a further 36 pistes spread over 400 acres.
Beginners
Some gentle slopes at the base of the mountain is where beginners first learn the basics before progressing further afield where there are many long and wide cruising blue runs.
Intermediate
There's no issue regarding getting bored and skiing the same run twice at Arapahoe. There is literally miles and miles of fabulously long intermediate runs around the entire mountain.
Advanced
The east side of the front upper mountain is where you'll find the advanced and expert terrain. Pallavicini, A-Basin's famed double-black diamond run, is regarded by skiers and riders world-wide as one of the steepest and most challenging runs in North America.
Snowboard
Arapahoe Basin has two of the best freestyle parks around - Treeline and High Divide. Treeline is the highest terrain park in North America whilst High Divide is a great place to hang out if you are new to freestyle or simply want to practice.
Featured Arapahoe lodges
Arapahoe ski resort is no different to many US ski resorts in that the there is no mountain side village. However, there are plenty of self-catering accommodation options in the nearby towns of Frisco, Dillon and Silverhorne. If you dont have a car, the local bus services to and from the slopes are frequent within season.
See all rentals
Kids & things to see & do in Arapahoe
For younger children, Arapahoe offers 2 dedicated kids clubs. For those aged between 3 and 5 years old, there is Li'l Kids Club which has both morning and afternoon sessions.
For the 5+ year olds, there is Kids Club Arapahoe where the instructors work with the children on skill development, adventure, and mountain safety.
Apart from skiing, there are many activities to keep both children and adults entertained in nearby Frisco including...
- The Frisco Adventure Park featuring a multi-lane tubing hill
- Cross-country skiing at the Nordic centre
- Snowshoeing
- Snownobile
- Dog sledding
Our view on Arapahoe ski resort
Arapahoe Basin is a ski resort for everyone to enjoy no matter what age or skill level. The only downside is there is no mountain side accommodation but having said that, lodging in one of the nearby towns is just a short ski bus ride away.
