Thank you for reserving a ski or snowboard lesson at Arapahoe Basin!
Learning to ski or ride is an exhilarating experience that opens up a whole new winter world. We are excited to welcome you, your friends, and your family to our mountain and want you to have a great experience. Read on for tips on how to have a successful day.
Preparing for your lesson
Getting Here + Parking
Please arrive one hour prior to your lesson.
Almost all parking is free. Please note that on weekends, there can be significant traffic delays coming from the Denver area, especially if it’s snowing. Check road conditions and give yourself extra time to get here safely.
Morning lessons start at 9:00 a.m.; afternoon lessons start at 1:00 p.m. Arriving early gives you time to park, walk to the base area, collect rental equipment, boot up, use the restroom, and get to the meeting spot. You can also eat lunch or breakfast here prior to your lesson.
Checking In
Whether you are joining us for a private or group lesson for yourself, or are dropping someone off for a kids lesson, the meeting point is in our base area near the mountain goats statue. We have one, small base area that is very easy to navigate. Simply look for the yellow banners on the snow outside the Kids Center. Our instructors will be wearing blue jackets with orange A-Basin logos on them.
What to Bring, Wear
A-Basin is located at 10,800 feet of elevation, which has a significant effect on how you feel when exerting yourself. You should also plan to be on the snow for 3 hours. Eat a good breakfast, bring snacks in your pockets, and be sure you are well-hydrated.
Check the weather forecast for A-Basin so you know how to dress. Bring layers of clothing to adjust. Wear sunscreen, gloves, and have eye protection (goggles or sunglasses) as the sun reflecting off the snow is intense. We do not rent goggles but have several styles for sale in our retail shop, as well as inexpensive sunglasses.
Equipment Rental
Your beginner group lesson includes gear rentals (board/skis, poles, boots, helmet); please pick that up first. Your on-mountain private lesson does not include rentals unless you reserved them ahead of time, separately. If you need a clothing rental (snow pants and/or jacket), please reserve that separately -- no lesson type automatically includes clothing.
Please return your gear to the rental shop by 4:15 p.m.
We do not offer on-site, day-of equipment rentals and we do not rent gloves or goggles for sanitary reasons. If you are not in a beginner group lesson (rental equipment is included) and need skis or snowboard, boots or clothing, please reserve that from us online ahead of time, or bring everything you need with you.
Apres Ski & Ride
Give yourself time to hang out and enjoy our beautiful mountain after your lesson!
Your rental equipment and lift ticket may be used all day.
Head to the 6th Alley Bar & Grill in the base area for a delicious homemade lunch, early dinner, or snack plus a bloody Mary, Colorado draft beer, or hot cocoa. Then stop by Arapahoe Sports to shop all of our awesome snow gear and souvenirs.
Scenic Lift Rides + Snowshoe Tours
Bringing someone with you who doesn’t ski or ride? They can still get on the mountain!
We offer scenic chairlift rides from our base to mid-mountain at 11,500 feet where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Continental Divide and house-smoked BBQ at Black Mountain Lodge (pictured below). Foot passengers get one, roundtrip lift ride on the Black Mountain Express. These tickets must be purchased online in advance.
During part of our season, we also offer self-guided snowshoe tours. Reserve online in advance and we provide a lift tickets and equipment. The tour includes a lift ride to mid-mountain from where participants will walk down the mountain on a designated trail with stunning mountain views.
Keep Your Season Going
Enjoy what you have learned! Save over daily lift ticket prices. Remember: lift tickets are not sold on-site and sell out some busy weekends. Must buy online in advance!
Always buy tickets online in advance! Or save money on multiple days of skiing and riding with a pack or pass product. Some items have limited quantities and sell out.
Don't lose your newfound skills! A-Basin is a fun place to progress your abilities. Once you become an intermediate (blue-run) skier or rider, you have access to almost our entire mountain and can ride every lift. Get out there and explore.
Questions? Changes to Your Reservation?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, or if you have any questions about your lesson, please call our Guest Services team at 888-272-7246.
Tips for learning to ski or ride
