ARapahoe Basin's Summer Environment
Our high alpine environment is as beautiful as it is extreme. The weather is highly variable and the air is thin. Please stay safe by educating yourself about these topics:
WEATHER
- Lightning and Thunderstorms: Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. Seek shelter when you see a storm developing. You are responsible to take proper precautions that include keeping off ridge lines and staying clear of chairlift houses and towers, open spaces, lone trees and signposts. Lifts may close on occasion causing delays. Please take this into consideration when planning on-mountain activities.
- High Altitude: Our elevation ranges from 10,800’ to 13,000’, where oxygen levels are lower. Guests with respiratory or circulatory illnesses should consult their physician before coming to this altitude. Stay hydrated to counter the effects of high-altitude sickness, but don’t drink untreated water from our mountain streams.
- Sun Protection: At 10,000 ft., exposure to the sun is 40% greater than it is at sea level. Please use sunscreen.
- Adequate Clothing: Mountain weather changes quickly and there is usually at least a 10-degree temperature difference from the bottom to the top of the lifts. Bring a raincoat and consider a sweater or fleece. Rain, hail and summer snow are common. We recommend sturdy foot wear.
SHARE THE TRAILS
Mountain bikes, hikers, work vehicles and construction equipment may be encountered at any time. Know and respect trail use designations; there are hike- and bike-only trails on this mountain. On shared-use trails, bikes yield to foot traffic.
STAY ON THE TRAILS
The mountain is home to ecologically sensitive areas that are best left undisturbed. Don’t pick wildflowers and stay on designated trails to protect our delicate and slow growing alpine tundra.
RESPECT WILDLIFE
Encountering the locals is often a highlight of any visit but, please:
- Never feed wildlife.
- Do not approach closely.
- Leave the animal an escape route.
- Keep calm and keep children close by.
- Walk away facing the animal.
- Do not run or make sudden movements.
PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT
Please do not litter. Use the trash and recycling bins in and around all of the buildings. Pack out food waste, too. It does not decompose quickly.
FIRE DANGER
Smoking is prohibited on the lifts and is discouraged on-mountain due to fire danger. No fireworks or campfires of any kind are allowed on the mountain.
CONSTRUCTION WARNING
Major improvements and repairs are made at Arapahoe Basin during the summer. Please be aware of construction, maintenance vehicles and heavy equipment. Obey any posted warnings or closures. You may encounter construction vehicles on any mountain road, please yield the right-of-way.
LIFT SAFETY
Under Colorado law, you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or to use such lift safely or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to use the lift safely. You may not use a lift when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please lower the bar when riding lifts.
ROCKFALL
Significant rockfall is common in the more extreme areas of the resort, such as the East Wall and West Zuma Bowl. Rockfall can increase due to rainfall and wildlife activities so be aware of what’s above you and never intentionally roll rocks down the slopes.
