The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Arapahoe Basin's summit reaches 13,050 feet, dropping 2,530 vertical feet to a base at 10,518 feet across 147 runs spread over 1,428 acres near Dillon, Colorado. Terrain splits 49 per cent advanced, 24 per cent expert, 20 per cent intermediate and 7 per cent beginner, with average annual snowfall of roughly 350 inches. The resort carries Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective affiliation. Eight lifts, including four quad chairs and one six-person chair, serve the mountain alongside one double chair, two surface lifts and one t-bar.
Arapahoe Basin, affectionately known as The Legend, holds the distinction of being the first ski area to open in Colorado after the Second World War, and its genuinely high-alpine, largely above-treeline terrain has built a devoted following among serious skiers. The resort markets Colorado's longest season, often stretching from late October into June.
10th Mountain Division veterans Larry Jump and Sandy Schauffler, hired to survey Colorado's winter sports potential, founded A-Basin, with Jump investing his life savings of 25,000 US dollars. Local forestry professor Max Dercum and his wife Edna, who also owned Colorado's oldest guest ranch, the Ski Tip Ranch, joined the effort alongside Thor Groswold and Dick Durrance, purchasing an 80-acre parcel for 3,000 US dollars and opening the resort in December 1946 with a single mid-mountain rope tow after just five months of preparation.
A-Basin was sold in 1972 to Joe Jankovsky, then to Ralston Purina in 1978, before Vail Resorts purchased the resort in 1996. Department of Justice antitrust action forced Vail to divest a year later, and Dundee Resort Development of Canada, now known as DREAM, acquired A-Basin in 1997. Adult daily tickets run from 79 to 139 US dollars depending on weekday or weekend timing.
2,530ft
Vertical
147
Runs
1,428 acres
Skiable
29ft
Annual snow
Ikon / Mountain Collective
Pass
The Terrain
147 runs across 1,428 acres skiable
Arapahoe Basin sits on the Continental Divide near Dillon and covers 1,428 acres (578 hectares) of high alpine terrain. The base is at 10,520 ft (3,206 m) and the summit tops out at 13,050 ft (3,977 m), a vertical drop of 2,530 ft (771 m) across 147 runs. The split leans steep, with 49% advanced, 24% expert, 20% intermediate and just 7% beginner, so green circle choice is thin. Average snowfall is around 350 inches a year, with the Lenawee Express carrying skiers to the top of the main peak.
The East Wall is the signature steep zone, a billboard of double black chutes off Lenawee Mountain, bisected by the long East Wall Traverse that reaches a lot of difficult terrain. Pallavicini is a group of steep, mogul-covered double black runs, with gated access to Steep Gullies, narrow, rocky, expert-only chutes that were backcountry before joining the ski area in 2017-18. Montezuma Bowl on the back side, served by the Zuma lift, offers everything from groomed intermediate runs to advanced cornice runs. A-Basin rewards confident advanced and expert skiers and solid intermediates who want open alpine terrain rather than tree-lined groomers. Newer skiers will find bigger beginner areas elsewhere in Summit County.
Terrain split
147
runs
147 runs across 4 grades
Beginner10 runs · 7%
Intermediate29 runs · 20%
Advanced72 runs · 49%
Expert35 runs · 24%
Time it right
When to visit Arapahoe Basin
The 2025-26 season at Arapahoe Basin ran from 25 October 2025 to 14 June 2026, an exceptionally long roughly thirty-three-week season, among the longest in Colorado, supported by average annual snowfall of around 350 inches. This marketed longest season reflects the resort's considerable elevation and reliable early and late-season conditions.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions to A-Basin's advanced-and-expert-weighted terrain. As an Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective resort, A-Basin draws substantial visitation from pass holders alongside dedicated local skiers seeking its genuinely high-alpine character and famously late spring skiing season.
The resort's above-treeline terrain and Montezuma Bowl expansion continue to draw experienced skiers throughout the season, particularly during the extended spring period when few other Colorado resorts remain open. School holiday periods bring some family visitation, though the resort's advanced-weighted terrain skews its visitor base toward more experienced skiers.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. Since Dundee Resort Development's 1997 acquisition, A-Basin has continued building on nearly eight decades of history since its December 1946 founding as Colorado's first post-war ski area. The Legend's long season and high-alpine terrain remain central to its identity each year.
Season 2026 - 2027
24 Oct 2026
Opens
16 May 2027
Closes
204
Days open
29 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Arapahoe Basin, and where to stay
Arapahoe Basin sits near Dillon, Colorado, along the Continental Divide, with a base elevation of 10,518 feet and a summit at 13,050 feet across a 2,530-foot vertical drop over 1,428 acres. This considerable elevation places A-Basin among the highest-elevation ski areas in North America.
Dillon and the broader Summit County region offer substantial lodging, dining and services within a short drive of the resort. Denver, Colorado's largest city, lies within a reasonable drive as well, making A-Basin a popular day-trip destination for Front Range skiers.
US Highway 6 provides direct access to the resort over Loveland Pass. Winter driving conditions on this high-mountain route can include significant snow and ice, and travellers should carry appropriate equipment given the pass's considerable elevation. There is no direct public transport service to the resort, though regional shuttle options connect from Summit County.
Denver International Airport, roughly a two-hour drive away, is the primary gateway for visitors flying into Colorado, with A-Basin's proximity to Denver supporting strong day-trip and weekend visitation from the metropolitan area.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Arapahoe Basin, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Vermont Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: Few Dates Set, Killington Waits on the Cold
Vermont's season is slow to take shape. Stratton is tentatively targeting 18 November and Sugarbush 21 November, while Pico has Friday 11 December on the calendar. Killington never sets a date and opens when the snowmaking allows, and Vail Resorts has yet to name days for Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow. The forecasts disagree about snow, and the main El Niño worry for the Green Mountains is warmth.
9 Oct 2026
Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships President Resigns Ahead of Fraud Hearing
Less than four months out from the Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships, the man running the organising committee has stepped down. Claude-Alain Schmidhalter resigned as Swiss-Ski vice president and OC president after being indicted over a business dispute unrelated to skiing. He denies the allegations and faces court on October 27. Interim leaders are in place for the February 1-14 event.
9 Oct 2026
Kelly Canyon, Idaho, Adds Snowmaking, a Bigger Terrain Park and More Parking for 2026-27
Kelly Canyon had a rough 2025-26, and the Idaho resort has spent the summer making sure it doesn’t repeat. Snowmaking now reaches the top of Goldrush, the terrain park is doubling in size with a stereo system, lights and a snack shack, and the car park is getting bigger. Grooming is stepping up too. Target opening is December 4, conditions permitting.
9 Oct 2026
Valle Nevado Extends Season to November 8 After 108 cm in 48 Hours
Winter was meant to be winding down in Chile. Then Valle Nevado took 108 cm in 48 hours in early October, and the resort has pushed its closing date out to November 8 - its latest in 38 years of operation. That makes 143 days of skiing since opening day on June 19, with 690 cm banked for the season. Only part of the mountain is running while the storm settles, so check the mountain report before you plan a trip.
9 Oct 2026
Alps Snow Forecast: Cold Front Brings Thursday Snow to the High Alps
The Alps look a lot more like winter today, for a day or so. A cold front is moving west to east, dropping up to 35 cm on high glaciers and peaks, with snow levels falling to around 1,500-1,800 m at times. Don’t plan a trip around it: mid-elevation snow will be thin and wet, every area is closed bar a limited Sölden glacier opening tomorrow, and warmer weather returns by Monday.
8 Oct 2026
California Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: Mammoth Leads, Tahoe Follows
Mammoth Mountain is first up in California, targeting Friday 13 November after a dusting of September snow. Heavenly and Northstar follow on 20 November, Palisades Tahoe on Wednesday 25 November and Sugar Bowl on 27 November, with Kirkwood on 4 December and June Mountain on 19 December. Plenty of smaller areas have no date yet. A super El Niño favours the Sierra, but a warmer storm track is the catch.
7 Oct 2026
Colorado Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: A-Basin and Keystone Race to Be First
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone and Winter Park are all chasing an October start, though none has a firm date yet. The first dated openers are Breckenridge and Copper on Friday 6 November, then Vail on 13 November, with most of the rest bunched around US Thanksgiving. Hesperus did not open at all last season. A super El Niño offers hope but no guarantee, and forecasters say the southern mountains have the better odds.
5 Oct 2026
Dolomiti Superski 2026-27: Four New Gondolas, New Reservoirs and an €89 Peak Day Pass
Dolomiti Superski is spending around €100 million across its 12 areas before winter. Kronplatz gets a new 10-passenger gondola with a middle station, 3 Zinnen gets Helmissimo, and Val di Fassa swaps a chairlift for a gondola above Col Valvacin. New water-storage basins and upgraded snowmaking follow, and construction has started on the San Martino to Passo Rolle link. A peak adult day pass is €89.
4 Oct 2026
Arapahoe Basin Webcams
6 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Arapahoe Basin's live webcams
Check live conditions across Arapahoe Basin with 6 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Arapahoe Basin Snow Stake12,448ft
- Monitor fresh powder accumulation at Colorado's highest ski area with this essential Arapahoe Basin webcam positioned at 3794 meters elevation. This A-Basin live cam focuses directly on the official snow stake, providing precise 24-hour snowfall measurements essential for planning your adventure on The Legend's 1,428 acres of challenging terrain. Perfect for powder hunters tracking conditions at this legendary Arapahoe Basin resort that often operates until July 4th, this live snow cam delivers the crucial data needed to time your visit for optimal skiing on some of North America's most extreme slopes.
- Mountain Goat Plaza Base Area10,856ft
- Experience the bustling heart of A-Basin's operations from this strategically positioned Arapahoe Basin webcam at the Mountain Goat Plaza at 3309 meters elevation. This essential Arapahoe Basin live cam captures the resort's single base area and Black Mountain Express lift loading zone, where skiers and riders prepare for their ascent to the famous mid-mountain terrain. Monitor current conditions and crowd levels through this Arapahoe Basin web cam, perfect for timing your arrival at Colorado's legendary high-altitude destination that consistently delivers some of the state's most reliable snow conditions.
- Arapahoe Basin Summit12,448ft
- Witness breathtaking alpine perspectives from A-Basin's Snow Plume Refuge with this summit Arapahoe Basin webcam at 3794 meters elevation. This remarkable Arapahoe Basin live cam showcases the infamous East Wall - home to some of North America's most challenging expert terrain - giving advanced skiers a preview of the steep chutes and technical lines that define The Legend. Essential for assessing upper mountain conditions, this live snow cam reveals why Arapahoe Basin's reputation for extreme skiing was earned through decades of legendary descents on Colorado's most demanding slopes.
- Black Mountain Lodge Mid-Mountain11,545ft
- Survey mid-mountain conditions from the popular Black Mountain Lodge with this strategic Arapahoe Basin webcam positioned at 3519 meters elevation. This Arapahoe Basin web cam offers stunning views of upper-mountain terrain served by the Lenawee Express, providing crucial visibility across A-Basin's expert-only East Wall territory. Monitor live conditions through this Arapahoe Basin live cam where the resort's reputation for extreme skiing was forged, perfect for expert skiers planning their assault on some of Colorado's most challenging descents.
- Montezuma Bowl12,448ft
- Discover A-Basin's spectacular back country through this south-facing Arapahoe Basin webcam at 3794 meters elevation. This essential Arapahoe Basin live cam reveals conditions in Montezuma Bowl - affectionately known as 'Zuma' to locals - while offering spectacular views toward the 10 Mile Mountain Range. Perfect for checking coverage in this beloved powder playground that helped extend A-Basin's skiable acreage, this Arapahoe Basin web cam shows why this back bowl terrain attracts powder hounds from across Colorado seeking fresh lines long after storms have passed.
- Pali + Molly Lifts10,856ft
- Witness the dramatic contrast of Colorado skiing through this dual-purpose Arapahoe Basin webcam at 3309 meters capturing both the legendary Pallavicini double chair and the beginner-friendly Molly Hogan lift. Watch as experts load the iconic 'Pali' lift to access nearly all of A-Basin's extreme terrain, while newcomers find their snow legs on Molly Hogan. This strategic Arapahoe Basin live cam showcases how this historic resort serves everyone from first-timers to professional athletes, making it a unique destination where all ability levels can experience authentic Colorado skiing at altitude.
Arapahoe Basin snow cams FAQ
How often do Arapahoe Basin snow cams update?
All Arapahoe Basin snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Arapahoe Basin.
Which Arapahoe Basin webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Arapahoe Basin Snow Stake webcam at 3,794m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Arapahoe Basin webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Arapahoe Basin lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Arapahoe Basin snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Arapahoe Basin snow cams?
Check Arapahoe Basin webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Arapahoe Basin lift tickets?
Use our Arapahoe Basin webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Arapahoe Basin webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Arapahoe Basin snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Arapahoe Basin intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.