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"Arapahoe Basin... . Where the spirit of freedom and big-mountain challenges create life-altering experiences."

When you consider the fact that A-Basin reigns as the highest-elevation ski area in Colorado (sitting on the Continental Divide at 13,050 feet) and that they have been the first ski area to open for the last 2 years running (October 10th this year) you can understand how they came up with the motto for this amazing Basin ski experience. Factor in the magnificent scenery at a literally breathtaking altitude, an annual snowfall of 367 inches and the nearly year-round ski season, which typically opens in mid October and can stays open into July, and you have the ultimate ski destination.

New to A-Basin this year is the Montezuma Bowl which is schedule to be open in late December. The Zuma lift will carry you to 400 acres on the formerly out-of-bounds Montezuma Bowl, abounding with 36 new blue, black, and double-black groomed runs, glades, chutes, and wide-open bowl skiing.

The Montezuma Bowl's acres and runs nearly double what was available to ski and snowboard last year, it brings A-Basin's total acres to 890 with 67 runs and 6 lifts. Arapahoe Basin has 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, 25% advanced and 25% expert runs. They have 25% snow making capabilities and offer Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area's "Treeline Terrain Park" and "High Divide Terrain Park" are complete with jumps, boxes, and rails with everything from rainbows to kinks

This relatively untamed basin is a hardcore Alpine skier's or snowboarder's paradise, that is why you won't find the crowds at A-Basin that you will find at other ski areas. When compared to resorts like Keystone which, even though it has over twice as many runs, has none at the expert level or Breckenridge that only has 10 expert runs compared to A-Basin's 17, you will see why Arapahoe Basin is not an ideal choice for the first time or novice skier.

Since 1946 Arapahoe Basin has been a secret spot to the best skiers in the world. They have been drawn to this challenging alpine basin high on the Continental Divide for the slopes, snow and open bowls above the timberline. It also provides some fun and stimulating beginner and intermediate runs, for folks who seek a bit less stimulating adventure or you can take a break from skiing and hike to the Upper East Wall and feast your eyes on a beautiful views of the mountain and steep chutes below.

Learn more about this author, Kendall Smith.
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