Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado Resort Reviews - Local Reviews and Travel Information


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Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

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well-wisher - 11/19/2007, 04:50 AM

Hang out at A-Basin for a couple of days, and you may get just as hooked on the mountain as the locals are. At first sight, A-Basin looks somewhat small compared to the larger ski areas in the region. But after a bit of exploration, you'll find: hidden runs through the trees off of Pali chair, forest access gates to the backcountry, and staircases above the East Wall traverse. For Experts Only Have you ever skied a frozen (usually snow-covered) waterfall? Exit right from Pali chair past the bump run nicknamed Pali, toward the Alleys, which hide in the forest to the skier's left. One word of caution: before you head into the Alleys, you may want to brush up on your jump-turns, as the runs are well-named due to their narrowness. The Beavers lie outside the ski area boundary, but they are accessible from the forest access gate at A-Basin. But be prepared to hike out and hitch a ride from Highway 6. A North Pole excursion is well worth the approximately 45 minute hike above tree-line. Take Lenawee chair to the top, exit left, and start hiking the ridge. There are a few narrow chutes (one that you must crawl into, unless you are completely suicidal) surrounded by jutting outcrops of rock. If the first few look too narrow, continue hiking and you will find a wider chute. However, all of these chutes are for experts only. This warning is not to be taken lightly, as one fall could very likely land your body on rocks. If you're not up to a long hike, you can simply traverse the East Wall, which offers somewhat steep turns until it flattens out near the bottom. But please, use traverse etiquette: don't block the traverse by standing, sitting, or gawking. From the traverse, you can take a short, though straight uphill, hike up any open staircases, which provide added vertical feet of steep turns. For Beginners and Intermediates Finally, if you're not an expert skier or boarder, A-Basin still has plenty to offer. Beginner and intermediate runs are well groomed and run from top to bottom of the mountain. (Lenawee chair claims that beginners must get off midway if they want an easy way down, but most experienced beginners can negotiate the short run down. However, if you're really new to the sport, Molly Hogan chair will take you up a short, flat run without rope burn!) There is an easy way (low-intermediate) to get down the mountain from any chairlift. However, beginners and low intermediates would do best to avoid Pali chair. For Everyone And I mean everyone. Even if you've never had the urge to buckle into a board or two, you can still enjoy A-Basin's "beach." The beach provides front row parking and a great view of the mountain, in ridiculously easy walking distance of all bottom lifts (and restrooms). Throughout the Spring, whether it's sunny or snowy, people seem to always be BBQ-ing on the beach. The beach is probably the best place to eat, though the lodge offers reasonably priced food (compared to other Summit and Eagle County prices). For example, you can get a chicken sandwich for under $6. Likewise, the lift tickets tend to be the best deal in town. This season, you could buy a 2-day ticket for $38. On days when A-Basin holds its Derby (which involves races in cardboard structures creatively molded into things like the Empire State Building, a Budweiser beer can, or a South Park character), the beach swells with activity. Whatever the level of experience, A-Basin provides a down-to-earth, laid back atmosphere, complete with lift operators who crank bands like The Grateful Dead.

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jenz - 02/02/2007, 04:42 AM

Loved A-Basin. We were there early April and so later in the day, when the bright sun hit that snow, it was glorious corn. Bumpers will be challenged and thrilled by P'v'cc'ni's )(YOU'LL find it) and the East Wall (we could ski it from midway down) was just FUN. Dress warm, you can get some strong, cool breezes up top. Upper portion is open bowl, down lower you'll get some trees. Very laid-back atmosphere. Funky and great skiing.