They don’t call it “The Legend” for nothing. Arapahoe Basin—known affectionately as A-Basin—is a true skier’s mountain. High, rugged, and fiercely independent, it’s where you go when you want to ski, not shop. With some of the highest lift-served terrain in North America and a famously long season that can stretch into June, A-Basin is a rite of passage for anyone serious about skiing Colorado.
Quick Stats
- Location: Dillon, Colorado (Summit County)
- Elevation: 10,520 ft base / 13,050 ft summit
- Vertical Drop: 2,530 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 1,428 acres
- Annual Snowfall: ~350 inches
- Number of Runs: 145
- Lifts: 9
- Vibe Check: High altitude, high stoke, zero nonsense
The Vibe
Arapahoe Basin is where Colorado’s ski community still feels raw and real. There’s no fancy village, no chain restaurants, and no ego—just snow, soul, and some of the most scenic terrain in the Rockies. Locals pack the parking lot for “The Beach,” a rowdy tailgate scene at the mountain’s base where grills sizzle and beer flows freely between laps. On the hill, it’s a playground for everyone from beginners to big-mountain diehards who live for the East Wall’s cliffy chutes. This is skiing stripped down to its core.
Must-Ride Runs
🟢 Greens
- High Noon (lower section) – wide, sunlit groomer for first-timers and easy laps.
- Wrangler – long, mellow run with perfect pitch for families and beginners.
🟦 Blues
- Sundance – smooth, flowing cruiser with unbeatable Tenmile Range views.
- Ramrod – perfect mid-mountain blue that’s fast, fun, and consistent.
- Cornice Run – rolling terrain with a mix of groomed and natural snow.
♦︎ Blacks
- Pallavicini (Pali) – A-Basin’s most famous run: steep, bump-filled, and absolutely legendary.
- The East Wall – hike-to zone above 13,000 feet with wide chutes and deep snow.
- Beavers Terrain – new expansion with trees, cliffs, and fresh tracks days after a storm.
Après + Town Stays
Après at A-Basin is grassroots fun—beer in the snow, laughter at altitude, and plenty of locals who’ve been here since before the first high-speed lift.
- 6th Alley Bar & Grill – classic A-Basin après spot for bloody marys and their famous “Bacon Bloody.”
- Steilhang Hut – new European-style hut at mid-mountain serving brats, beer, and alpine vibes.
- Black Mountain Lodge – hearty on-mountain food with breathtaking views.
- The Beach – iconic tailgate zone where the après party happens right in the parking lot.
- Dillon Dam Brewery (Dillon) – local brewery with mountain-sized burgers and pints.
- Arapahoe Lodge (Keystone) – comfortable, close lodging if you want more amenities nearby.
- Hotel Frisco – cozy downtown stay in one of Summit County’s most charming towns.
Travel Tips
Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), then drive 1 hour and 45 minutes west on I-70. Parking at A-Basin is limited and fills early, especially on weekends—get there before 8:30 a.m. for The Beach. The elevation is no joke; hydrate and pace yourself. Spring skiing is iconic here—May brings sunny corn snow and full-on parking lot parties. Bring layers, sunscreen, and an appetite for altitude.
Fun Facts
- Arapahoe Basin opened in 1946, making it one of Colorado’s oldest ski areas.
- The resort stayed open until June 23 in one record-breaking season.
- Known for its “Legendary Beach” tailgate parties every spring.
- One of the highest ski areas in North America, with terrain topping 13,000 ft.
- A-Basin left the Epic Pass to preserve its independent spirit and smaller crowds.
Why It Made Our Top 50 List
Arapahoe Basin made the list because it’s the beating heart of real Colorado skiing—raw, honest, and high above it all. It’s the mountain where memories are made in parking lot chairs, friendships start over shared beers, and powder days turn into spring barbecues. The Legend doesn’t just live—it thrives.