Resort Review: Arapahoe Basin

Overview: Knows as "The Legend" by locals, Arapahoe Basin Resort (A-Basin) has a cult like following amongst ski junkies who cherish, and embrace A-Basin's throwback no-nonsense "Real" Skier/Snowboarder vibe. A-Basin is the anti-megaresort in many ways, catering to die-hard skiers, who look to escape the crowds, the glitz and just want to have a great time and ski some serious stuff. While A-Basin embraces it's relaxed vibe, make no mistake they are serious about all things skiing, including their food, Apre-ski and access to some of most difficult terrain in Colorado.

Getting There: Roughly 1.5 hours from Denver (without traffic), up and over Loveland Pass, for those not comfortable driving on high mountain passes in the winter you can go around through Keystone for a less demanding and also less scenic drive. Get there early parking fills up, and when it does that is it.

Where To Stay: A-Basin sits at the end of a valley and there is no lodging at the resort. You can stay in the nearby resort town of Keystone which is only about 10-minutes away. The towns of Frisco and Dillon are also nearby offering more in the way of restaurants and bars, they also provide a convenient launching off point to all resorts in Summit County.

Passes & Tickets: A-Basin is not owned by one of the mega resort groups, but have partnered with IKON Pass for the past few years, you can get up to 7 days depending on which Ikon pass you purchase. 2 days are also available for those with the Mountain Collective Pass. Otherwise you can buy a pass or individual tickets directly from A-Basin.

Known For: First to open and the last to close. Due to it's high altitude and shaded north facing aspect A-Basin is able to remain open longer than any other resort. They are always the first resort to open in Colorado usually in mid-October and will usually remain open until June or even July depending on snow coverage.

Terrain: https://www.arapahoebasin.com/the-mountain/trail-maps/ While A-Basin has a handful of nice cruisers and one could spend a great day taking in the views and crushing their groomers. People usually come the A-Basin for their advanced and expert terrain, much of which (aside from the pali lift which discussed below) requires a hike in or out. The East Wall & The Steep Gullies are expert only terrain with required hikes, but offer access to some of the best views and challenging terrain in Colorado.

Best Run For Intermediate Skiers: From the the Black Bear Lodge at mid-mountain take the Lenawee Lift up to the summit. Great intermediate skiing can be had on all of the blue runs below the Lenawee Lift, and the high alpine views are special.

Best Run For Advanced/Expert Skiers: If hiking is not your thing (or even if it is) and if you are an advanced skier a ride up the iconic slow two-seater Pallavicini or Pali (pronounced Pall-E) is something every serious skier has to do in their lifetime. The Pali lift might be the most famous chair lift in Colorado due to the extreme terrain it serves. The original Pali lift was replaced a few years ago, and was replaced with another slow two-seater much to the appreciation of the A-Basin groupies.

Gear Rental: All Gear can be rented or purchased at the base if needed, bring your warmest stuff on days without sun A-Basin gets very cold.

Food: