Happy almost-winter season! We are getting excited about opening day (TBD, as always) and are looking forward to having the most normal season that we possibly can. In particular, we are looking forward to fewer crowds, shorter lift lines, longer-lasting powder stashes, easier parking, and more indoor restaurant seating.
Our focus is entirely on a quality guest experience and, to do that, we are limiting the sale of unrestricted season passes, selling 10% fewer than we did last year, and are limiting the number of lift tickets sold each day.
We believe those actions will have a hugely positive impact on your ski or ride experience. Longtime guests know that our mountain skis much bigger than its 1,428 acres, so make this your year to push the edges of your boundaries. Sit down with an A-Basin trail map and make a plan to truly explore.
Ready for ski season? Read on for everything you need to know to visit us this October. We hope to see you soon!
(All photos from previous seasons.)
What is Opening Day Like?
AWESOME. It's a party! A-Basin's opening day means that Colorado's longest ski and ride season is underway (October - June). It also means we are back doing what we love in the place we most love to do it. We will open for winter as soon as Mother Nature allows and hope you will come out to be part of the celebration, mingle with friends old and new, and join us in making those joyous first turns of the season. Just note that opening day is NOT a beginner experience.
The 6th Alley Bar & Grill will be open serving up hot, homemade food and our famous bloody Marys, and Arapahoe Sports will be open for shopping. If we announce with enough time to buy tickets, you'll need to get those online in advance -- they will not be sold at the window on-site all season.
Just FYI, opening day is not a beginner experience.
We will operate with Black Mountain Express serving the High Noon run, which is a blue. Early-season snow conditions are unique and not suitable for first-time skiers/riders. If you are excited to learn this season, come see us starting late November when the Molly Hogan learning area is scheduled to open.
Do I Need a Reservation for ... ?
Nope! Not for parking. Not for dining. Not for skiing / riding. Yay!
When Does More Terrain Open?
As soon as our snow making team and Mother Nature provide more snow, we can provide more terrain. After opening High Noon, we usually move up the mountain to Dercum's Gulch and Lenawee Face so that we can open the Lenawee Lift. These are also intermediate runs.
Get to know our frontside terrain with this behind-the-scenes video. If you aren't familiar with A-Basin, our entire Mountain Tour video series is a great way to get to know us!
[ youtube single - mtn tour frontside ]
How to Pick Up Your A-Basin Pass
If you had a 2020-21 pass product (i.e. you got an RFID card last year)
If you still have your Basin Card, you can re-use it. Your new product for this season has automatically been loaded onto your existing card. If you don't have last year's card, come see us in the Guest Services office to grab a new one. Once you activate a new 21-22 card, your card from last season will no longer work.
If this is your first time with an A-Basin pass product or it's been a while (you didn't get one last year)
If you have a photo on file with us and chose to have your pass mailed to you, we were able to mail your pass and you should have it or be receiving it, soon. If you don't have your pass by the time you want to come ski/ride, come see us in the Guest Services office to get your pass card. Ikon and Mountain Collective passes can also be printed here at A-Basin.
How to Get Lift Tickets
Online and in advance! We will not sell lift tickets on-site this season.
The earlier you buy, the more you save. Weekdays will also be cheaper than weekends. Please pre-purchase lift tickets before arriving, as we cannot guarantee day-of tickets. This season, we're limiting the sale of lift tickets each day to manage crowds and provide a better overall ski and ride experience for all guests.
If you want to be able to come whenever, grab an Any Day Pass, which gets you 3, 4, or 5 days without blackout dates or restrictions, and those days do not have to be consecutive.
Lift ticket sales coming soon!
COVID-19 Update
As of right now, there are no guest restrictions. Parking, lift riding, and indoor dining and shopping will operate as normal. You do not need to make any kind of reservation. Masks are recommended indoors for unvaccinated individuals. Our staff are required to be vaccinated.
This could change at any time if the state or county issues an updated public health order. We continue to work closely with our public health partners and will follow their guidelines. Please keep an eye on all of our channels and check in before you visit us -- or any ski area -- this winter so you are aware of the current regulations. Note that not all ski areas are doing the same things. Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience as we all work together to have a safe, successful, and fun season.
Additional Questions?
Explore our website to learn more, type something into the search bar, or give us a call and a real, live, winter-loving human will help you out. 1-888-ARAPAHO (272-7246).
Make sure you sign up for our email newsletter so you don't miss anything ... like an opening day announcement.
See you soon!
