Festival

 

 

Although I wish the ski area was open, we managed to have a little fun today.  The Festival of the Brewpubs brought out the crowd.  The New Classics were cool.  The local brewpubs made a strong showing.  A bit of cool and breezy weather didn't slow down the the A-Basin gang.  The A-Basin beanies were a popular item today.  That connects with a vague recollection about supply and demand from econ class 30-something years ago.

Successful Chili Festival

Despite all the weather challenges, I think we have to call the Arapahoe Basin Chili Festival a success.  About 300 people joined us for some great food, great music, and dancing.  Vince Herman and Great American Taxi were as good as expected.  People loved them. 

Like everything we do at The Basin, I seem to spend a lot of time worrying about the weather.  Today was one of those that drive you crazy.  The morning was a mix of cloudy skies, snow and graupel.  About 10:30 we faced the inside versus outside decision.  We nervously went with outside.  The band finished their first set while it was snowing pretty hard.  Just as they started the second set, the sun popped out and we had a great afternoon.  A good time was had by all.  Next year we will do the Chili Festival and have skiing.  Thanks to all of you that came. 

Don't forget Sunday May 27 is the Festival of the Brewpubs.  See you there.

Chili Festival

One last reminder.  Come join us Saturday, May 19 for the Arapahoe Basin Chili Festival.  Fresh chili and pork sliders will be served starting at noon.  Listen to Great American Taxi from 1-4 in the afternoon.  Should be a great day.  Coming up here might help with those closed ski area blues.

Roasting Chilis

Walked into the A-Frame kitchen yesterday afternoon and Chef Paul was roating Poblano and Anaheim chilis.  That is one of my favorite smells.  We are still looking forward to a great Saturday.  Come up and enjoy the music and the first A-Basin Chili Festival.

Great American Taxi

Don't forget to come up this Saturday for the Chili Festival featuring the music of Great American Taxi. Take a look at their website, www.greatamericantaxi.com. I saw them last summer and really enjoyed the show. We will be serving various chilis and pork sliders. Sierra Nevada beer and Sobieski vodka specials will be available. The 6th Alley Bar and Arapahoe Sports will be open from noon-6PM. Enjoy the music from 1-4PM. Looking forward to seeing you there and talking about the season, especially this spring.

Mountain Views and Access

Check out the photo Scott Carlson sent me today.  This morning he skinned up to the Summit.  The mountain is open for public access for skinning or hiking.  It is very different now from when we were open.  Some snowcat work has been done and the summer road has been plowed.  If you do go up, enjoy yourself, but be very careful with the conditions.

Thank You

We have definitely had easier seasons. Thanks again to all of you for being part of the gang. Two things make A-Basin special, the mountain and the people. I appreciate the unique and special culture that our guests and our employees have created at such an extraordinary mountain. We are going to spend the next week or two putting stuff away. Over the summer we will be doing some maintenance and maybe a few projects. Before you know it, we will be setting up the snowmaking equipment and making it happen again. Thanks for your support and friendship. Enjoy the summer. Al

Last 2 Days

I just read that Denver broke another high temperature record today, 88 degrees. Despite all of that, we still have some great snow. Only 2 days left. Come on up. Check it out. Loads of fun to be had. Skiing, snowboarding, music, A Night in Asia, and more. Come enjoy some vintage A-Basin.

A Night in Asia

There are still 21 spots left for "A Night in Asia" at Black Mountain Lodge.  We have had a fair run on reservations the last 3 days.  I think this would be a great way to cap off the season.  Come join us for some of Chef Rybak's best food and a rip roaring, good time.  I suspect this will be a last minute sell out so make your reservations soon.

New Begluim Bike Giveaway Moved to Sunday, May 6th

As you know we're closing on Sunday, May 6th. We have had to move the New Belgium Bike Giveaway to Sunday, May 6th at 5PM!

Chef Rybak and his staff invite you to "join us in the 6th Alley for New Belgium Beer Specials and lots of fun."
***Winner will be announced Sunday evening on Arapahoe Basin's Facebook page and Al’s Blog. Although we encourage everyone to attend! If the winning contestant cannot make Sundays May 6th giveaway they will have the opportunity to pick up their bike by Saturday, May 12th or it will be given to the runner up contestant with no exceptions. Contact Chris Rybak 970-513-5773 or Marissa Weishar 970-513-5741 for more information.

Can anyone explain this to me?

Feedback

No shortage of feedback or comments on yesterday's message. I like hearing it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Like I said, this is a tough decision. We looked very closely at three things, the current snow, the forecast, and the business. We try and make projections about where we will be in 10-14 days. We talked a lot about going to May 13. By the end of our discussion, it just wasn't clear that we would have the snow and skiers to carry on that far. Of course, if it snows 2 feet next week we will look silly. If the forecasted heat happens, we will look smart. When the weather is your partner, making decisions is never fun or easy. The spring skiing is still quite good and I think it will be good through Sunday. Come join in the fun. I think Sunday will be vintage A-Basin.

Closing Day Sunday May 6

We made a very tough decision today. Arapahoe Basin will close for the season Sunday, May 6.  With the light snowfall, big wind events, and warm temperatures, Mother Nature made life for Colorado skiers very difficult this year.  We often say we will stay open as long as there is snow and as long as people keep skiing.  Well, this year we are running out of both snow and skiers.   I apologize to all of you.  We really wanted to stay open into June, but sometimes things happen we don't like.  Next season............................