The number of people skinning and snowshoeing up the mountain has been steadily growing over the years. This year, use seems to have doubled, if not tripled, over last year. The activity continues to generate lots of conversation and questions amongst our guests and employees. So, this Saturday, March 3 from 9:15 AM until 10:15 AM, we will be holding an Uphill Access Open House at Black Mountain Lodge. The agenda includes a review of our current policy and an opportunity for guests to ask questions and give feedback to A-Basin staff about current and future uphill access at Arapahoe Basin. US Forest Service staff will also be present and available for questions. Snacks and coffee will be available.
There is an uphill access survey posted on our homepage, arapahoebasin.com, through March 14. I hope you can attend Saturday's session and complete the online survey. Thanks.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Pali Video
Check out this video someone sent me today. It was shot yesterday. I don't know the people that made it, but WOW. Great skier, great line, great snow, great terrain, great skiing. You will like it. This video shows why a lot of people (myself included) think Pali is the best ski trail anywhere.
http://www.youtube.com/v/ThRMlroJtxA?feature=autoshare&version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1
http://www.youtube.com/v/ThRMlroJtxA?feature=autoshare&version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1
Powder Day
"7 New, 54" Base, mostly blue skies, west winds, high temperature of 25 degrees. What more could you ask for?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Still Snowing
At 4 PM Ski Patroller Ryan went by the snow stake and reported 4" during the day. It has been snowing heavily since then. I just got off the hill about 6:45. There had to be a couple more inches since Ryan's report. There was a good West wind blowing when I was on the Summit. The forecast for tonight was 1". We already clobbered that. I think Wednesday is going to be an exceptional powder day at the old Basin. I will check in with the morning avalanche forecaster and give another blog update, early. Wednesday is the kind of day that you want to be already standing in the Pali maze when the lift opens. Powder skiing is for early risers.
Morning Snow
Monday, February 27, 2012
Buffed
Had the day off today, but still went out and took a few runs with Rob. The wind has buffed out much of the place. Moguls are mostly absent now on Pali Main Street The Spine, Pali Face, Slalom Slope, Lenawee Parks, and Humbug. Smooth, buttery sailing today. As is often the case with wind, she giveth and she taketh away. A few places got beat up like Turbo and North Glade. Zuma is open. Most of the grooming is skiing pretty well. There are a couple of tough spots. We were very close to some directed skiing in Black Bear and Long Chute, but the wind changed those plans. We did have several big slides in Zuma that covered some rough rocks. All and all we are still gaining. The forecast for the week is impressive, improving as the week progresses.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Zuma Bowl Today
Look to see Montezuma Bowl open about noon today. Great night for the cats and a very nice wind. There might even be a few surprises the next day or two. This one has been a long time coming. Thanks for the wait.
Ride it. Ski it. Love it.
Ride it. Ski it. Love it.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
9" New
OK, 9" new. Big wind. It is blowing up Lenawee Face this morning. Good for Montezuma Bowl. You know sometimes Mother Nature is like a benevolent grandmother and sometimes she is a raging &^%$#. Last night she was raging. The tunnel and Loveland Pass are closed this morning. It is supposed to snow and blow all day. It is going to take a while to put all the pieces together. Right now we are at the plowing the lot and trying to get BMX and Pali Lift open phase. We all hope to have good news for you.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Not Quite Enough
The skiing on the front side was outstanding today. The 5" on the back helped, but wasn't quite enough. We had a few hours of strong South winds that didn't help the weak spots in Zuma. The forecast still looks good. Thanks for your patience. I am sorry this is taking longer than you want.
A Decent Storm?
This is good. 5" overnight. 7" in 3 days. The cats were all over the Zuma blue terrain last night. There will be a cat working back there all day. Ski Patrol will be all over the place. More snow forecast tonight. The wind reports are good. GEEZ, this is getting really close. Tim and I are heading back there today. The forecast looks good tonight. I think decision time is upon us.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
A Hint of Spring
Friday, February 17, 2012
Zuma Sunrise

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Another Update
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
More On Zuma
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Snowing Heavily
As the crow flies, my house is about 7 or 8 miles from The Basin.. It is snowing heavily at the house right now. Normally, I can see Arapahoe from my kitchen window, but it was totally socked in at dusk. I think a few inches have landed at the ski area already. My fingers are crossed for a good morning snow report. This forecast this week looks very good.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
This Is What It Is All About
8" New
Friday, February 10, 2012
Beacon Bowl and Snow
We have had 5" of snow the last 36 hours. It is snowing moderately right now and the forecasters are predicting a few inches tonight. The skiing and riding is getting better all the time. I think this would be a great weekend to come on up and enjoy the fun.
Speaking of fun, Saturday is the Beacon Bowl. The event has something for everyone including avalanche awareness sessions, beacon clinics, and beacon competitions (both fun and serious). At the end of the day we throw a great party and fund raiser with all proceeds going to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. There will be a raffle, live auction and silent auction as well as beer and pizza. Prizes and auction items include Monarch Snowcat Skiing, New Belgium bike, Ski Logic and Salomon skis, tons of BCA gear, lift tickets to lots of Colorado mountains, Avalung, and lots more. Being a believer in pay to play, I think it is my duty to go to the fundraiser and spend some cash that goes to CAIC. I think that should be your duty too. Come on up, learn a few things, have some fun, get some new gear, and feel good about buying beer and pizza. See you there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)