Running Out of Fall

As good as the weather has been, we are running out of time. If you want to get another good fall-like mountain hiking/riding day in, you better act soon. Soon we will have all that messy white stuff to deal with.

Demo Skis

Marc Haaland, A-Basin Rental Shop Manager Extraordinaire, just received a big shipment of new demo skis. If you are thinking about getting a new pair and want a demo or if you just want to ride on a really good pair of skis, visit Marc. He has the K2 Rictor and Kung Fugas, the Volkl Kendo, the Nordica Enforcer and Steadfast, and the Rossi S3's. And especially for ladies Marc can set you up with the Volkl Auras or the Rossi Attraction 6's. Nothing like riding a pair of really good skis.

Max Dercum (1912-2011)

Colorado skiing legend Max Dercum passed away today at 98 years of age. As members of the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, he and his wife, Edna, have been fixtures in Colorado skiing since the 1940's. Together, they founded Ski Tip Lodge, were part of the orignial Board of Directors at Arapahoe Basin, and layed the groundwork for Keystone Resort. Max was always a visionary and imagined just how great skiing in the Snake River valley could be. Our hearts and prayers are with the Dercum family today. We'll miss you Max.

Just Testing.....

Mark turned the snowmaking system on this morning. It isn't quite cold enough to significantly make snow. He is just blowing out the cobwebs and making sure everything is running well. We want to be sure the entire system is working the way it is supposed to be before we actually need it. Pre-season system check for 2011 - Successful. It sure looks cool and made me run for my camera. Check out the website for more pictures.

Zuma Webcam Is Back

The Zuma webcam is back. We found out last June that mounting a camera on a steel pole at 12, 470' creates lightning issues.

Aspens

The peak of color for aspens is upon us. A-Basin is too high for most aspens except for a very small grove way down low in the Montezuma Bowl hike back terrain. Just down valley from us, however, the trees are glorious. I highly encourage a visit to the mountains very soon. A bike ride around Lake Dillon or a hike in the Gore Range shows off these spectacular golden colors. My favorite is being out late afternoon with the low angle of the sun really making the leaves glisten. Get and enjoy this one.

Nice Buck

Spotted a nice buck on Lenawee Traverse late this afternoon. It has been a busy couple of days for wildlife around here. Yesterday Tim spotted 18 mule deer hanging out in the Treeline Terrain Park and today BJ spotted a nice bull moose on Wrangler.

Another Stellar Fall Day

Although we are not making snow yet, you certainly cannot complain about this weather. PERFECT, PERFECT days in the 60's, light wind, a few clouds, and mostly blue skies. The Basin is a wonderful place on days like these. I let them soak all the way in.

New Parking Lot

The 225 parking space expansion to Last Chance Lot is almost complete. You might even call it Upper Last Chance Lot. If you are the kind of person that arrives late on busy days, this is going to make your day a whole lot easier. From this new lot, it will be very easy to either catch the shuttle bus or walk through the tunnel. Do not walk on the highway (very bad Karma).

To sum up progress, the grading is done, the sediment ponds are done, paving the new turn lane and the entryway is done, the highway striping is done, and the new guardrail is done. We still have to finish the re-veg work, apply the road base, put up the signs and clean up. All this will really improve the "Guest Arrival Experience." It might also save me several miles of running up and down the highway chasing cars.

Ready, Aim.................

Mark tested all the gear yesterday. The hydrants are in place, the hose is out, and the fan guns are ready. The pipeline pressurized properly (no summer leaks). The power is in good shape. The snowmakers will be checking temps every night. One of these mornings we will be making snow.

Ramrod For Dinner

These guys and a few others were enjoying a bite to eat on Ramrod about 5:30 this afternoon.

Germany Loves A-Basin

I was going through some files yesterday and found this photo. A few years ago former A-Basin employee and current A-Basin personality, Alex Marsh, found this car in Germany with an "I Love A-Basin" bumper sticker.

Morning Images

Snow Line is Dropping

Looks like the snow line dropped down to about 11,500' last night. The temperature at the Summit was 28 F this morning. We should see rain and snow showers through the day. The aspens are really starting to turn. We might be making snow next week.

Jamie Ober

I am very excited to introduce Jamie Ober as Arapahoe Basin's new Snow Safety Director. As a leader and manager with the Ski Patrol, Jamie will be overseeing all avalanche operations. Jamie has been with us a very long time. In addition to being a Ski Patroller and Avalanche Forecaster for many years, Jamie has also held the positions of Lift Operations Manager, Terrain Park Manager, Snowmaker, Lift Operator, Summer Trail Member and many other "duties as assigned." He brings a strong work ethic, keen awareness of the mountain and snow, and intense passion to his new job. And the guy can ski. Please welcome Jamie to his new role.

Rigorous Preparation For Ski Season

Thanks to Colorado Zipline Adventures in Vail and Churchill Wine Cellars for a great pre-season staff day.