Travel to Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
By Air:
- Denver International Airport (DIA): Denver’s major international airport is the closest major airport to Arapahoe Basin, often referred to as A-Basin. It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on road and weather conditions.
- Shuttle Services from DIA: Shuttle services like Summit Express and Epic Mountain Express offer rides from the airport directly to A-Basin or to nearby locations such as Keystone or Dillon. From these towns, you can then take a local shuttle to A-Basin.
By Car:
- Arapahoe Basin is accessible via US Highway 6, which branches off from Interstate 70 (I-70). If driving from Denver, you’d take I-70 West and then take the exit for US-6 East towards Loveland Pass/A-Basin.
- As with all winter mountain travel, ensure your vehicle is prepared with snow tires, chains, AWD or 4WD. Check road conditions especially for Loveland Pass, which can be particularly treacherous in the winter.
Local Transit:
Summit Stage: This free bus service in Summit County offers a route to A-Basin from various parts of the county including Keystone, Dillon, and Silverthorne. The bus schedule adjusts seasonally, so it’s a good idea to check the current timetable.
Rideshare and Taxis:
Companies like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, though availability may vary, especially during peak ski times. This could be an option if you’re traveling from nearby towns.
Ski Shuttles from Nearby Resorts:
Some nearby resorts or lodging options might offer their own shuttles to A-Basin. If you’re staying in the area, inquire with your accommodation about potential shuttle services.
Rental Cars:
Renting a car from DIA or other nearby locations gives you flexibility. As with other mountain drives, ensure you have a winter-ready vehicle, especially if you’re not accustomed to driving in snowy or icy conditions.
Remember, traveling in the mountains during winter requires extra caution. Road conditions can change rapidly, and areas like Loveland Pass (which you’ll traverse to get to A-Basin) can be particularly challenging. Always check weather and road reports, and be prepared for varying conditions. Enjoy your trip to A-Basin and the fantastic skiing and snowboarding it offers!
Arapahoe Basin Mountain Info
Elevation:
- Base Elevation: 10,780′
- Summit Elevation: 13,050′
- Vertical Drop: 2,270′
Ski-able Terrain:
- 1,428 acres (578 hectares) of ski-able terrain.
Trails:
- Number of Runs: Over 140 trails.
- Difficulty Breakdown:
- 10% Beginner
- 30% Intermediate
- 37% Advanced
- 23% Expert
Lift System:
- High Speed Six-Pack Ski Lifts: 1
- High Speed Detachable Quad Ski Lifts: 2
- Fixed Quad Ski Lifts: 2
- Fixed Double Ski Lifts: 1
- Conveyor Lift: 2
- J Tow: 1
- Total lift capacity: 11,300 people per hour
- LIFT TICKETS ARE ONLY SOLD ONLINE. PLEASE PURCHASE IN ADVANCE.
Snowfall:
- A-Basin typically receives around 350 inches (about 889 cm) of snowfall annually.
- Due to its high elevation, A-Basin typically has a long season, often starting in October and running through June.
- Snowmaking acres: 125
- Earliest opening: October 9, 2009
- Latest closing: August 10, 1995
- Number of times open for skiing on the 4th of July: 7
Freestyle Terrain Parks:
- A-Basin has several terrain parks with varying features to cater to different skill levels.
- Treeline Terrain Park (intermediate to advanced)
- High Divide Terrain Park (beginner to intermediate)
- Banana Park (beginner to intermediate)
INSIDER TIPS:
Molly Hogan is our learning area / ski school hill. Find it adjacent Mountain Goat Plaza (base area) at the bottom of the main lifts. Check out our lesson offerings.
The frontside greens and blues generally get steeper farther to skier’s left. (EX: Sundance is steeper than Wrangler; West Wall is steeper than Powerline).
The blue runs in The Beavers (Loafer, Davis) are the most difficult blue runs on the mountain due to their pitch, length, variability, and snow conditions.
Visit the Terrain Status page for the most current information on what runs are open and or groomed at A-Basin.
Take virtual tours of all of the frontside terrain at the Mountain Areas page.
Click here to learn about our uphill access routes and times.
Mountain Food/Drink/Shelter:
Warming Hut – Top of Lenawee Express and Beavers Lift
iL Rifugio Restaurant – Top of the Lenawee Express and Beavers Lift
Warming Hut – Top of the Dragon Run
Steilhang Hut Restaurant – Top of the Dragon Run
Warming Hut – Top of the Black Mountain Express Lift
Black Mountain Lodge Restaurant– Top of the Black Mountain Express Lift
INSIDER TIPS:
The backside ski and snowboard trails are intermediate to expert.
Expert skiers and riders seeking untracked powder should explore the EX terrain below the lift. The return hike is only about 10 minutes.
Check out a virtual tour of Montezuma Bowl and the A-Basin backside trails.
IMPORTANT EAST WALL ACCESS INFO:
Experts, only. Enter through open gates only (do not duck ropes; you will lose your pass).
Observe all signage and closures.
Rescue from this area can be difficult and time-consuming.
Do not hike above the traverse except in designated areas (Willies Wide, Tree Chutes). See these bootpack routes on the main frontside map above.
Expect hidden and unmarked obstacles, variable conditions, as with all expert terrain.
This terrain is conditions-dependent and requires a significant amount of mitigation work. It can open/close at any time.
Marjorie Bowl is NOT part of Arapahoe Basin; it is outside our boundaries.
Check out a virtual tour of the East Wall, guided by one of our ski patrollers.
Our base area is compact and simple to navigate. Check out the map below before you go, or just explore on your own! Everything is a short walk from your car and from the lifts.
Find the new lift ticket pickup kiosks on the plaza-facing side of the season pass office, under the stage overhang. The base area is also where you can find our rental shop, dining areas, first aid, and more.
Arapahoe Basin Lodging
The Pad is a brand-new, affordable, high-amenity “boutique” hotel and hostel centrally located in Silverthorne and easily accessible from I-70. The Pad is independently owned and operated by longtime locals and friends of A-Basin. They have created a space that is chic, comfortable, environmentally and socially conscious, and efficient in design.
The Pad is located on the Blue River Bike Path and is walking distance to multiple local eateries and coffee shops, a large city park, the Silverthorne Rec Center, and the free Summit Stage Bus. Drive time to A-Basin is about 30 minutes.
Right outside, you will find a lake that serves as a lovely skate pond. If you fancy a bit of tennis, there are a number of courts across the street. Complimentary shuttles will take you to the Keystone Village where you can take the Swan Mountain Flyer to Arapahoe Basin.
Distance to Arapahoe Basin ski access: 6.2 miles.
Within walking distance: restaurants, bars, cafes and an ice-skating rink.
Transportation: shuttles add convenience if using the Swan Mountain Flyer, however, a car would provide you with more freedom.
Located just off Highway 6, this hotel is an easy 6-mile drive from Arapahoe Basin ski area. Drive to the slopes or hop on the free Summit County shuttle at the River Run base area for the easiest access. There are a few restaurants within walking distance that are must-tries after a day on the slopes.
Just steps away from the shore of Lake Dillon and Dillon’s downtown area, this hotel is walking distance to several local restaurants and breweries. Arapahoe Basin is accessible via a 15-minute drive or a bus ride on the Summit Stage free buses.
Arapahoe Basin Food & Drink
The Snake River Saloon & Steakhouse is a Keystone legend, featuring fine dining, a kid’s menu, a bar menu, and dancing with live music on weekends.
Bring your appetite to the Arapahoe Cafe restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in a one-of-a-kind historic setting.
Dos Locos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is a locally owned and operated family restaurant, located across the street from the mountain slopes, we are a staple of the Keystone dining experience!
We are an American-style restaurant and brewpub serving lunch and dinner with over 70 menu items and up to 20 DAM beers on tap! Enjoy appetizers, salads, soups, burgers, pub favorites, hearty pub dinners, huge desserts and a full bar with wine, specialty cocktails and warm winter drinks.
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and known for its great live music stage and cozy locals-atmosphere, you’ll find the most affordable menu in all of Keystone here. Our flagship location here is open year-round.
So many Food & Drink options to choose from! Click on the map above for even more options.
Arapahoe Basin Tickets & Passes
A-Basin limits the sale of unrestricted season passes and day lift tickets to provide you with a more quality, less-crowded experience.
Great news – Arapahoe Basin is once again an Ikon Pass member for the 2024-2025 season! No Reservations required.
Arapahoe Basin is once again a Mountain Collective Pass member for the 2024-2025 ski season. No Reservations required.
A-Basin Other Info & Stuff to Do!
Lake Dillon Theatre Company: Located in Silverthorne, this venue offers live theatrical performances throughout the winter.
Frisco Adventure Park: While they do have a ski hill, the park is also known for its tubing hill and beginner terrain.
Dillon Marina: Try ice fishing or enjoy the serene beauty of the frozen Lake Dillon.
Frisco Nordic Center: Here, you can go snowshoeing or try cross-country skiing on the groomed trails.
Keystone Lake: Ice skate in one of the largest outdoor Zamboni-maintained ice rinks in North America.
Breckenridge Arts District: Participate in a workshop, explore galleries, or catch live performances.
Ready Paint Fire: Located in Breckenridge, it’s a creative art studio venue where you can paint pottery, canvas, or even try your hand at glass fusing.
Silverthorne Recreation Center: This venue offers indoor activities, including a pool, gym, and fitness classes.
Escape Room Breckenridge: Challenge yourself and friends or family to solve puzzles and riddles to “escape” within a set time frame.
Breckenridge Distillery: Tour the facilities, learn about the distillation process, and sample some spirits.
Dillon Amphitheater: They sometimes have winter events or gatherings, providing a scenic backdrop of the lake and mountains.
Breckenridge Nordic Center: Apart from cross-country skiing, they also have snowshoe trails that you can explore.
Historic Tours in Breckenridge: Explore the rich history of this mining town with guided tours that often include venues like old mines and historic homes.
Mountain Top Children’s Museum: An interactive venue in Breckenridge suitable for families with children. Offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs.
Stephen C. West Ice Arena: Located in Breckenridge, this venue offers public ice skating sessions, ice hockey, and figure skating programs.
Breckenridge Backstage Theatre: Catch a live theatrical performance in this intimate venue.
Frisco Historic Park & Museum: Explore the history of the region with exhibits, historic structures, and interactive displays.
