Unspoiled. Uncrowded. Uncomplicated.
Summer at A-Basin is off the beaten path and at a higher elevation than anywhere else in the area. When you think of an authentic Rocky Mountain experience, this peaceful, natural, and rugged place is what you're imagining. We invite you to explore our high-alpine adventures.
A-Basin sits adjacent to the Continental Divide with incredible views, cool temperatures and no crowds—offering you a high-alpine, big-mountain experience between 10,780 and 13,000 feet. All activities take place in the trees or on the mountain, putting you right in the midst of a stunning landscape covered in wildflowers and visited often by a resident mountain goat herd.
Note that paid activities (lift rides, via ferrata, aerial adventure park, special dinner events) require advance online reservations for summer 2021.
SUMMER DATES (tentative): JUNE 25 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2021
Join us weekends between our winter and summer seasons for mountain fun!
6TH ALLEY BAR & GRILL
- Open June 11-13 and 18-20, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Open daily beginning June 25
ARAPAHOE SPORTS RETAIL STORE
- Open June 18-20, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Open daily beginning June 25
A-Basin Via Ferrata
Opening June 25, 2021 - RESERVATIONS NOW AVAILABLE!
Via ferrata is Italian for “iron way.” Via ferratas are rock climbing routes that involve fixed steel cables, iron rungs, and the use of a harness. A-Basin’s via ferrata is entirely above treeline on the famed East Wall, a popular area for expert skiers and snowboarders.
Arapahoe Basin's via ferrata is a guided-only experience. Choose from a full or a half day. The full-day tour ascends 800 feet to a 13,000’ summit with stunning, 360-degree views. Or, choose a shorter adventure with the goal of reaching an old mine shaft where you can learn more about the history of the area.
We hope the via ferrata provides a gateway to the mountain climbing experience. For some, this will be the greatest high-alpine experience of their lives. For others, it might be the start of a new passion for mountaineering or rock climbing.
No unguided access will be offered.
Dinners on the Divide
June - September 2021
FARM-TO-TABLE DINNERS
A-Basin will host several farm-to-table dinners across the scenic lower mountain between late June and early September. Guests can expect to hike a short distance to a wildflower field where they will find small tables covered in white tablecloths and a 4-5 course, chef-prepared meal highlighting different local and seasonal foods. These will be very intimate, small events and will sell out fast!
SUMMER SUPPER CLUB
During that same timeframe, join us for our famous Summer Supper Club events. These more-casual evenings each have a theme and take place in our 6th Alley Bar & Grill with views overlooking the frontside of our mountain. Join us this summer for prime rib night, an Italian feast, curry night, a clambake + lobster boil, and a beer tasting dinner with New Belgium Brewing. Advanced reservations will be required.
OKTOBERFEST RETURNS FOR 2021!
This is dependent on the public health situation at the time, but we are planning to host Oktoberfest at The Basin on September 18, 2021.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SUMMER DINING
What should I bring to ensure a great day on the mountain?
Our elevation ranges from 10,800 to 13,000 feet where the air is thin and temperatures can drop 10 degrees or more from the base area to the top. The high-elevation sunshine is intense. Stay hydrated to counter the effects of high-altitude sickness but don’t drink untreated water from our mountain streams.
Think layers, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and water if you plan to be here for several hours.
NOTE: The aerial adventure park and via ferrata have their own requirements, such as close-toed shoes. Please follow those requirements if you plan to visit.
What are your COVID-19 guidelines?
We welcome you to join us this summer at Arapahoe Basin, where physical distancing is natural. Face coverings are no longer required, but are recommended indoors for people who have not been vaccinated. You can read the latest from Summit County Public Health, here.
What’s the weather like?
The weather is generally cool, clear and crisp but it can change in an instant so be prepared! Mornings and evenings can be much chillier than mid-day. The temperature at the summit can be 10 degrees cooler than at the base. Afternoon rain showers and/or thunderstorms are common in the summer months and lightning can be dangerous, especially above treeline. Plan to do big hikes or mountain bike rides early in the day. Click here for the forecast.
What can I do with my kids at A-Basin?
This is a great place to go on a wild and natural adventure with your kids. Check out the aerial adventure park, which has “challenge” courses in the forest for little kids all the way through adults.
Get to mid-mountain to explore a beautiful landscape by hiking the Argentine North Fork trail or riding the chairlift. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, continue hiking to the top at 12,500 feet via the service road to look for our resident mountain goat herd. Or, ride the lift to mid-mountain and hike Half Moon Trail for a short but rewarding outing to one of our most incredible vistas. Visit our suggested itineraries page for more.
What can I do for free at A-Basin?
Many things! Our hiking and biking trails and disc golf course are free.
Can I bring my dog?
Your dog is welcome in our base area outside of all buildings and on our hiking trails. Our lift is not able to transport animals and they are not allowed inside buildings. Please keep your pet leashed at all times and pick up after them. There are poop bags stationed around the base area for you to use.
What about wildlife?
Foxes, bears, moose, elk, deer, mountain goats, beavers, porcupines and more call the A-Basin landscape home. Please help us peacefully coexist and do not approach, feed or scare the wildlife. Keep the wildlife wild! Moose are aggressive; keep your distance.
How is cell phone service? WiFi?
AT&T is the only cellular provider that works at A-Basin. Free public WiFi is available in the A-Frame lodge, throughout the Mountain Goat Plaza base area and its buildings, and at Black Mountain Lodge at mid-mountain.
Does A-Basin have lodging?
No, but we are a short drive from the Summit County towns of Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, and Breckenridge.
Can I camp at A-Basin?
No. You may not camp on the mountain or in our parking lots. No overnight parking of any kind is allowed. The pullouts near us on Highway 6 no longer allow overnight camping. We recommend checking out the nearby U.S. Forest Service campgrounds on the Dillon Reservoir or dispersed camping near Montezuma. Please note that many campgrounds are moving to reservation-only access for summer 2021.
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.
