A New View

From the Beavers Lift, looking towards the Top of Pali.

Never Tired

There is a reason many people call the Top O' Pali "The Center of the Universe." Each time I unload that lift, I never get tired of looking around and soaking in the view. A mix of new snow, some clouds and blue skies gives it an extra special touch.

Saturday Beavers Lift Line

With the exception of opening day for the Beavers, I think this is the longest line I have seen on the Beavers Lift. I took this photo about 11 AM Saturday.

71% Carpool

I want to share an update on the Early Riser Carpool / Pay Parking Plan. Since implementation, the program has found a good groove, filling by about 9ish each Saturday and Sunday. Right now about 71% of the vehicles are free carpoolers and 29% are paid parking. Many of you suggested we go with 3 people per car instead of 4 people per car. We took that feedback very seriously, but still decided to give it a try at 4 people per car. If 4 didn't work, we were going try 3. So far, we have not had trouble finding plenty of 4 person cars for the lot.

Thanks to all of you carpooling and making this work.

Firehose Relay

Friday was our Annual Firehose Relay. Now when you first hear of this event, it sounds kind of silly. When you actually get to watch it in person, it is hilarious. It sounds simple, but it is no small task hanging on to the firehose while the team turns through the race gates. The guy on the very end has a tendency to get really whipped about. By my own observation, these firefighters  don't have much trouble having a really good time.

These guys raised $30,000 for the Children's Hospital Colorado Burn Camps for kids. It is a wicked cool day. Thanks to the firefighters.

Lazy J Is Back

The Lazy J is back in action, re-opening this morning. A couple of weeks ago we had a significant gearbox failure on the tow. Of course, with a European manufactured machine (they are not made in the US), there is only one company in the US that can fix it. That company is in North Carolina. So, it took us a couple of days to figure out what to do, we had to ship it across the country, it had to be fixed in North Carolina, it had to be shipped back across the country and, yesterday afternoon, Rob and his lift maintenance put it back together.

That will make a few of you smile.

Been A Big Week

That storm took a while to get here. I thought it was going to snow last night, but that didn't really happen. This afternoon was another story. It has been snowing heavily for a couple hours now.

With the Vail announcement, this has been a very big week for us. We heard from many of you and most of the feedback was positive. No doubt, some people are disappointed. Believe it or not, I really do like to hear constructive suggestions and criticism (not so much on the mean, crabby stuff). Hearing from so many of you has been very enjoyable and given us a lot of insight on moving forward.

As I mentioned Monday, in the coming months we are going to be discussing other partnership opportunities. If we find something that makes sense for our guests, our employees and our business, we would consider another change.

For now, stay tuned, be patient and enjoy the skiing and riding. Thanks to everyone choosing to go down this new path with The Basin.

Another Beauty

It was another sunny, very crisp and beautiful day on the hill. I found good skiing on The Spine, The Steep Gullies, Faculty Club, Founders' Ridge and Lenawee Parks. The snow is really good everywhere. We might get some snow this evening and tomorrow.

First Hike To Borgy Rock

Sunday, Kay, Whitney and I had a great day skiing and riding all over The Basin. After a few fantastic, buffed out runs in The Spine and Face area, we headed for the Steep Gullies. We had great powder skiing coming down the 5th SG. A Pali Lift ride, some water at BML and a Lenawee Mountain Lift ride took us to the North Pole hike. After working our way down the entry rope, we had a fine run in 2nd Notch. A little ski traverse took us to the Willy's Staircase and the first Borgy Rock visit of the season. After slipping through the Snorkel Door, we made some fun turns down Booger. It was a beautiful day. As always, the women smoked me and I was tired.

New Day

I caught the early chairlifts up to the Summit this morning. Boy, was it gorgeous, clear, very cold and beautiful up there. The mountains really glistened.

I spent time with Ski Patrollers during their morning meeting. We talked about current events at The Basin and had a great discussion on the future of the ski area. It was lots of fun and a great way to start a new day.

Arapahoe Basin / Vail Resorts End Partnership

We are very proud of how wonderful Arapahoe Basin has become from the unparalleled skiing and riding to the incredible scenery. With diverse ski runs including some of the most intense terrain in North America and a culinary operation that is regularly listed among the top ten in the country, the ski area has developed a very special community that feels like home. In order to continue to build on this spirit and the experience we have created, Arapahoe Basin and Vail Resorts will not be renewing their pass partnership for the 2019-20 season. 

A-Basin has seen exceptional growth both in popularity and skier visitation after investing 40 million dollars over the last 15 years. While the mountain still has plenty of room for skiers and riders, the ski area is feeling a pinch on parking and facility space. Due to these constraints, Arapahoe Basin believes its staff can take better care of its guests by separating from Vail Resorts.

Our focus has always been to provide an extraordinary mountain experience for our guests. With consistent snowfall and one of the nation's highest and most stunning settings, we offer an environment that is totally unique. From Montezuma Bowl to The Beavers and from Black Mountain Lodge to the 6th Alley Bar and Grill, there are few resorts that can match The Basin's scenic landscape. Looking forward, we strive to provide ready and easy access for our guests. Our goal is to minimize waiting and crowding and maximize experiences and fun.

At this time, there are no new partnerships to announce. In the coming months the ski area will be discussing opportunities with several resorts and resort groups. Skiers and riders that call A-Basin home can feel good knowing the resort will still offer tremendous value and exceptional mountain experiences. These actions are designed to preserve that special culture and vibe people expect when they choose to spend a day at The Basin. The future for Arapahoe Basin is very bright.

Please note that 2018-19 Vail Resorts season passes that are currently valid at A-Basin will continue to be valid for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

For media inquiries contact Katherine Fuller at katherinef@a-basin.net.

Keeps Getting Better

This storm has been exceptionally good for The Basin. The winds have been kind and the snowfall plentiful. There are good conditions on all sides of the mountain. We have even had a little hiking and skiing through the North Pole Gate. On top of that, the Willy's Wide staircase was open to Borgy Rock on Friday. There are loads of smiling, happy skiers out there. This is a beautiful time to be at The Basin.

Powder, Clouds and Blue Skies

Yesterday was a wild mix of weather. The day started with heavy snowfall that gave way to overcast mixed skies and finished with some beautiful afternoon blue skies and sunshine. This was a very good storm that came in relatively warm compared to temperatures we had been seeing. The new snow bonded very well to the old surfaces. That sure makes for good skiing.

As I write now, late morning Saturday, it is snowing heavily.

What A Morning

It snowed heavily until just after 8 this morning. That made for over a foot from the storm. The skiing everywhere was awesome. The Spine was effortless. Pure beauty. You could not find a ripple or a bump on Slalom Slope. I found a real treat skiing Janitors Only. Very steep and deep.

At 8 AM I slipped out intending to ski two quick runs. I had a little trouble heading back inside. About 11 AM, when I got tired and hungry, I finally grabbed a seat, a latte and some antipasta at Il Rifugio. Delicious. It was a very nice way to spend the morning.

What A Morning

It snowed heavily until just after 8 this morning. That made for over a foot from the storm. The skiing everywhere was awesome. The Spine was effortless. Pure beauty. You could not find a ripple or a bump on Slalom Slope. I found a real treat skiing Janitors Only. Very steep and deep.

At 8 AM I slipped out intending to ski two quick runs. I had a little trouble heading back inside. About 11 AM, when I got tired and hungry, I finally grabbed a seat, a latte and some antipasta at Il Rifugio. Delicious. It was a very nice way to spend the morning.

5 Inches More

5 more inches today. That makes 11 inches for the storm. It is still snowing right now. There is good snow snow forecast for tonight and tomorrow. The skiing Friday was outstanding and just keeps getting better.

For Those Who Like Skiing Powder

For those who like skiing powder, we are in a very good cycle. This morning we reported 6 inches of new snow.  Additional snowfall is expected this evening and there is actually snow in the forecast each day until Tuesday. Overall, our coverage is very good and, prior to this storm, the wind had filled in many troughs between moguls making a flat, buffed surface. Today's snow on top of that planar surface is delivering ideal conditions...................with more snow coming.

Shaping Up

I like the way this is shaping up. New snow on our buffed surface, we are going to have a sweet morning.

Beaver Bowl - East Side

Beaver Bowl is really buffed, especially the east side. I had a beautiful cruise down there leading to one of our new decks. There were no moguls. It was flat and sweet with a beautifully carve-able surface. Below the deck there are some great rolls leading into tree skiing and ultimately out to Lower Davis. Nothing, but pure, playful fun. Fantastic skiing.

This Kind Of Day

We are having this kind of day (see picture below). The Face, The Spine and Slalom Slope are about as buffed as they get. The north half of Slalom was absolutely perfect. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face after skiing it.

Beacon Bowl Update

We had another fun Beacon Bowl. As advertised, there were competitions and dog clinics and vendors and auctions and all kinds of fun. Tony  C auctioned off an old Pallavicini sign. All proceeds went to the Avalanche Center.

Beacon Bowl For CAIC - Saturday

Join us for the Beacon Bowl this Saturday. With activities going all day long, check out the beacon competition, avalanche dog demonstration, vendor village in Mountain Goat Plaza and one of the best apres ski parties of the season.

Tony C will be the Master of Ceremonies at the party and will be leading the live auction (that is a good laugh). There will be pizza, beer, raffles and a silent auction. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE COLORADO AVALANCHE INFORMATION CENTER. This is a day of fun and learning with a great party.......all for a good cause.

Super Dumping

It took a while for that storm to get here, but it is dumping now.

Buffed

Yesterday wasn't a snow day, but the wind was perfect. The place was buffed. From The Spine to The Face and from North Glade to Slalom Slope, the snow was smooth and the texture perfect. These are the conditions Basin skiers cherish. Easy and fun, this is a function of our aspect and elevation. Our above timberline location is ideal for creating this experience.

Looking For A Snowy Week

As much as I love a beautiful day like Saturday, I am hopeful for a snowy week.

Across The Bald Spot

After a great run skiing Bighorn and The Bald Spot, I couldn't resist taking this photo from the boot pack looking across The Bald Spot. It was that time of day with the magical light.

The Wall

Gotta' love the East Wall.

Loafer and Davis - Skiing Nicely

The skiing and grooming on Loafer and Davis is really nice. I had beautiful runs on each of them this morning. I know when The Beavers opened these trails were a bit rougher than some of you liked. Some of you mentioned that to me. I think you will find a totally different story out there right now. The corduroy is smooth and fun. The cat drivers have done a terrific job getting them in shape. This involved a lot of work with the winch cat. More snow has also helped. Both trails have some steeper, more challenging pitches, but they are a great ride.