The Top 10 Resorts With the Most Challenging Terrain in the West
Trees, couloirs, and cliffs, oh my! When high angles get your blood pumping, these are the ski areas that should be on your go list.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado
One of the longest ski seasons in the West, an authentic local vibe, and a new terrain expansion should land this homegrown Colorado favorite on your bucket list this season. From its throwback A-Frame base lodge to the Bacon Bloody Mary at Black Mountain Lodge, A-Basin is an homage to the very best parts of the sport. And the terrain: Bomb down the steeps of Pallavicini Face, test your mettle on East Wall, or sample the goods in the Steep Gullies—the most extreme terrain at a resort known for its extreme terrain: tight chutes, high vert, high consequence. Be prepared for a 20-minute hike back—just the way the locals like it.
Resort Guide 2022—Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
Arapahoe Basin Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 350″ | 1,428 | 9 | 145 |
Arapahoe Basin Pass Info
Arapahoe Basin is on the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective. Ikon Pass holders get seven days with no blackouts. Ikon Base pass holders get five blackout-restricted days. Ikon Session pass holders get up to four blackout-restricted days. Mountain Collective pass holders get 2 days at the resort plus 50 percent off additional lift tickets.
Trip Planning
This mountain is home to some of the toughest terrain in the West, and the house-smoked barbecue is pretty darn good, too. Here are the SKI editors top picks at Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
BRAGGING RIGHTS
The Steep Gullies are rowdy, narrow, and, well, steep. Be prepared for a wild ride and a hike out at the bottom.
APRÈS SPOT
The 6th Alley Bar & Grill in the A-frame base lodge is a classic. Try the bacon Bloody Mary.
DON’T MISS
The Beavers, 339 acres of former hike-to steeps, opened a few seasons ago, and is some of the most fun terrain at the resort.
LOCAL TIP
Every part of the mountain features intermediate through expert terrain, making A-Basin a great option for groups with mixed abilities to explore.
Bag Mountaineering-Level Peaks at These Resorts, No Experience Required
Via ferrata climbing routes are growing in popularity in the U.S., including a brand-new one opening this summer at one legendary Colorado ski area.
Arapahoe Basin, Colo.
A homegrown Colorado favorite for your bucket list this season.
Arapahoe Basin to Reopen for Skiing May 27
Colorado’s A-Basin will resume its ski season with limited operations following COVID-19 health guidelines.
Which Resorts Have Re-Opened for Spring Skiing in 2020?
The season is over for most of the continent, but these resorts are spinning their lifts—with some very important regulations. Here’s the deal.
Resort Guide 2020 West: Skier's Mountains
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Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Opens Oct. 11, 2019
A-Basin bests Keystone Resort with surprise opening day.
Arapahoe Basin Joins the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective
"The Legend” becomes the 40th destination on Alterra’s multi-resort season pass and the 18th member of the Collective.
Seven Ski Resorts with New and Upgraded Chairlifts this Winter
Looking for something new at an old favorite? These are the spots to visit this season.
Vail Resorts and Arapahoe Basin to End Pass Partnership
A-Basin cites parking woes and increased crowds, while Vail announces new Keystone Plus Pass for 2019-20.