What to expect when you become part of the A-Basin team.
Where is A-Basin located?
A-Basin is located on the Continental Divide in Summit County, Colorado, about an hour west of Denver. Our physical address is 28194 U.S. Highway 6 in Dillon, CO 80435.
You can find directions to A-Basin here. Located 5 miles from Keystone (and also close to the towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne), A-Basin sits on Loveland Pass/U.S. Hwy 6, a winding, paved mountain road.
How do I get to A-Basin?
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FROM SUMMIT COUNTY: This option is only reliable for PART of our winter season. You need a car or a reliable carpool situation to get to A-Basin.
The Summit Stage (Swan Mountain Flyer route) provides free transportation to A-Basin from areas across Summit County. The specific Swan Mountain Flyer bus to A-Basin only runs from mid-November through April or May; our ski season usually operates outside of this schedule and there is NO SUMMER SERVICE.
DRIVING TO A-BASIN: Summer driving is straightforward. Winter driving can be hazardous; we strongly recommend that your vehicle have mud-and-snow-rated tires or winter/snow/studded tires, plus AWD or 4WD. If you have a 2WD car (most 4-door sedans are 2WD), good snow tires are a MUST for your safety. Chains are generally not very useful because they are not permanent and can only be used in limited situations and at low speeds.
The Colorado Dept. of Transportation requires some vehicles to have traction devices during particularly treacherous times of year. Learn more about state traction laws, here: codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
How long is A-Basin's winter season?
A-Basin has the longest ski and ride season in Colorado, and often one of the longest in North America! We typically open in mid-October and close in early June. Our exact opening and closing dates are dependent on snowfall and conditions, so it helps to be flexible with your employment dates.
How long is A-Basin's summer season?
Each summer seasonal position will be different but we typically operate for summer between late June and early September. Our exact dates are dependent on conditions, so it helps to be flexible with your employment dates.
What is the weather like up there?
WINTER: Perfect for snow! Temperatures can range from below 0F to 60F in the spring; temps and conditions can also vary wildly in one day, with sunshine one minute and snow the next. We recommend bringing layers - base layers, insulated layers, waterproof shells, sturdy socks and footwear - to ensure that you will be comfortable while you are working at the mountain.
SUMMER: Daytime is generally warm but mornings and afternoons can be chilly; you will still need warm layers. A rain jacket is a must as afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Will I have to work weekends and holidays?
Yes. Weekends and holidays are our busiest times of year, so you should plan on working those days. However, this means you are able to enjoy outdoor activities, from skiing to rafting, on less-busy weekdays.
What are A-Basin's appearance standards and what should I wear to work?
Our mountain values individuality - we want you to feel like you! Keep in mind that appearance is important to the impression we present to our guests and fellow employees. We expect all employees to present themselves in an appropriate way - show up clean with safety-appropriate footwear and attire. Depending on your department, you may be issued a company uniform which can include a ski jacket, ski pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, vest, et. al.
- Your HAIR should be clean and neatly kept; hair coloring is dependent on department; facial hair should be kept neatly trimmed.
- Your JEWELRY, both body and facial piercings, are up to the discretion of your manager and should not interfere with staying safe on the job.
- Your DRESS should present a professional and well-kept appearance. Undergarments must be covered; do not wear damaged, soiled or extremely worn-out clothing.
- Your TATTOOS may be visible providing that they are in good taste and not offensive. Facial tattoos are not permitted.
How do I get to Summit County without a car?
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest major airport located 80 miles east of A-Basin. Transportation to Summit County is available from multiple vendors which can take you to your door or to the Frisco Transfer Station where you can pick up the Summit Stage bus to get to your home in Summit County.
While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, they are NOT reliable and can be very expensive up in the mountains. The following companies provide a shuttle to and from the airport:
I am moving to the mountains for the first time! What should I bring with me?
You will want to bring layers for our variable temperatures, waterproof items, sturdy shoes for our mountain environment, eye protection, and skin protection (the sun is extremely intense at this elevation).
- Money - bring enough to cover travel, food and housing for a few weeks
- Snow pants and jacket (if winter)
- Fleece or other mid-weight layer for cool days
- Moisture-wicking base layers (cotton gets wet and then very cold)
- Hat/beanie
- Gloves or mittens
- Warm socks - wool or synthetic fabrics are best
- Waterproof shoes with good traction (if winter)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and/or goggles
- Water bottle
- Daypack - hold your extra layers, snacks and water during your shift
- Rain jacket (for summer)
What amenities are nearby?
The four main towns of Summit County have almost everything you could need, including several grocery stores (Whole Foods, City Market, Safeway, Natural Grocers, and more), Walmart, Target, REI, Sun and Ski, Christy Sports, and more. Spread across the towns are several community centers, emergency health clinics, gyms, libraries, and thrift stores. There is a large hospital in Frisco.
What is it like living and playing at high altitude?
Summit County and Arapahoe Basin are situated in high-altitude environments. A-Basin's base area is at 10,780 feet and the summit is 13,050 feet; most of Summit County sits between 8,500-9,500 feet. This high-altitude environment is why our location is so special, but can be difficult for people used to living at lower elevations. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness: headaches, nausea, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty breathing.
It can take three or more weeks to adjust to living at altitude. You can reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness by:
- Reducing your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and salty foods
- Drinking a lot of water -- more than you think!
- Avoiding overexertion
