Can't Believe It

It is May 31st. I can't believe how great the place looks.

Skiing Powder In Marmot

We reported 4 inches again today. It was a very deep 4 inches. I was out skiing just after first chair. Even though today is May 30, the snow was the lightest, driest powder. On my tour I zeroed in on Marmot. From the top I made a few turns then cut left into the eastern side of Beaver Bowl (aka Snakepit). The texture was picture. I did not feel a crunch at all. Nothing but softness underfoot. It was as good or better as any mid winter skiing. It blew me away and I went back for a few more. By late morning, the sun had heated the snow up and we were back to spring conditions. Those first two hours today...............perfection.

At Least June 23

We reported 4 inches of new snow today. It is snowing right now. The forecast shows 2-6 inches of snow for today and tonight. The morning stuff has softened. The skiing is awesome.

We will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through AT LEAST JUNE 23. Right now it would be foolish of me to talk about being open the 4th of July. Absolutely foolish. But..........we will be open through at least June 23. At least June 23.

76 inch base today.

Old Dogs and Young Foxes

You never know who you are going to run into at The Basin this time of year.

June 16

When you can hike both North Pole and Willie's Wide May 24 and ski powder, you know we are having a good spring. That is what Kay and I did this morning.

The weather has been so ideal the last few weeks, we will easily stay open for another long weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday,  June 14, 15 and 16. Runoff hasn't even begun yet. The skiing and riding is fantastic. The forecast next week isn't exactly scorching. We may even go longer.

Important information for our guests

 This is less than great news, but I want to be open and honest. Six cases of mumps have been identified among people associated with or employed by Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.

State and county public health officials think there is minimal risk to people who had interaction with the ski area and there is currently no known spread into the larger community.

The health and safety of our guests and employees is of the highest importance. We communicated with our staff and Summit County Public Health as soon as we found out about it. We have followed all of their recommendations on appropriate actions to take.

We are extremely grateful to state and county public health officials for their help and guidance and will continue to fully coordinate and cooperate with them.

We appreciate your support. You can get more information from Summit County Public Health by clicking here to read their press release. 

Festival of the Brewpubs

One of the most fun events of this year is this Sunday. There are 16 breweries coming for Festival of the Brewpubs.   Mugs are only $35 and you can try all the beer you want 12-4 this Sunday.  There will be live music from The Jauntee from 1-4.  As I have mentioned the skiing is amazing so grab your friends take a few runs and then head down to Mountain Goat Plaza for some beers, live music and just a good time.  Follow the link to purchase mugs.  https://www.arapahoebasin.com/events/

And It Is Still Snowing

It snowed off and on all day long. As I left this afternoon, it was still snowing and as I sit at home at dusk this evening, it is snowing heavily again. Tomorrow we should be skiing at least a few more new inches again.  This is a very nice May.

Is this the end of May?

It is May 22nd and it looks like January.  Most of the Terrain that had previously closed has now reopened. I am not sure how long it will stay open but it is phenomenal now! I hope you get to enjoy this treat.   

It has Begun

The snow started late this morning and is still coming down.    It looks like Tuesday or Wednesday would be a good day to call in ”sick.” 

A Bit More Snow

We had a bit more snow last night. Weather wise, things should start really picking up today. If the forecast holds true, we are in for some exceptional late May powder skiing the next few days. Go dig those skis out of the garage.

Bock Fest Was Fun

It wasn't exactly ideal weather for standing outside drinking beer, but folks still managed to have some fun. The food, the beer and the music......... all outstanding. The Alpen (Alp) Horn was the biggest hit. I think it was a great way to kick off ANOTHER snowy week at The Basin. Plan on some very good skiing. Don't hang them up yet.

It's Coming Back

The terrain is coming back. With the cooler temps and a little bit of snow, we have re-opened some terrain. Pali and North Glade are open. MGD is open. North Pole and Willie's are open. Right now the bigger snow seems likely Monday, Monday night, Tuesday. It will be a good week of skiing.

It's Cold, It's Snowing

There are those who don't like snowy, cold weather in mid to late May. Shame on them. As forecast, the temps have cooled off. It has been snowing lightly, with a few stronger bursts, all day. I just spent a few hours on the hill. With each lift ride, the snow was better and better. The Lower East Wall has re-opened. We should see continued unsettled weather with possibly the biggest snow Monday and Monday night. I look forward to a May 21 powder day.

Warm Temps, Cold Temps, Transition

The skiing has been great this week and it has been warm. Much of the steep terrain is now closed. Water has started moving through the snowpack. To avoid wet avalanches, we close terrain during these conditions. It is May 17th. Normally, I would say this terrain is closed for the season. Right now, I am not quite sure that is the case. The next week is forecast to be pretty cold with highs in the 30's and lows in the teens or 20's. We might even see some snow. The green, blue and some of the black terrain remains in excellent shape. We shall see what conditions bring this week.

Beaver Bowl

Beaver Bowl looks pretty good today. Coverage is still outstanding and the skiing and riding is mighty fine.

June 9 - At Least

All along our plan has been to stay open 7 days a week through June 2. If conditions are still good June 2 and there is plenty of snow, we will stay open longer. Well, conditions now are incredible and we feel good about staying open longer than June 2. 

We will re-open for at least one extra weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday,  June 7, 8 and 9. AT LEAST ONE MORE WEEKEND.

And by the way, no sign of Lake Reveal yet.

Bock Fest - Sunday May 19

Put Sunday, May 19 on the calendar. We have a new festival, Bock Fest. This is a traditional German festival celebrating the coming of Spring. Enjoy Bock beer and German food. "The RhineLanders", with their alpen horn, accordion and trumpet will guarantee some fun. Bring your skis for the morning and your lederhosen for the afternoon. Don't miss this one.

Saturday Swimwear Day

What a beautiful ski day Saturday. Coverage on the hill continues to be extraordinary. The skiing and riding superb. There were a lot of quality swim and beach outfits on the hill despite a few snow flurries. The Shaking at The Basin Spring Concert was "ATOMGA". Everyone was dancing.

Not Your Average Ski Area Experience

There is nothing average about skiing at The Basin. A Saturday afternoon spin on the Upper East Wall reminded me of that. Looking back at Little Lenawee Peak from the top of North Pole proper is special in its own right. My ski down North Pole with winter snow May 11 makes this pretty clear.

More Shots

More fun images from Friday's ski day.

East Wall Skiing

Some mighty fine skiing on The Wall today.

Does Not Feel Like Springtime

I just finished a beautiful morning of skiing. I didn't quite get face shots, but it was powder skiing. It definitely does not feel like Sprtingtime out there today. We had 4 inches of new snow, the temperature was 12 F on the summit, the mid mountain base is 79 inches and it is still snowing. The Grizzly Peak SNOTEL site, close to A-Basin, has a season to date Snow Water Equivalency (SWE) of 158%. When people discuss how deep the snowpack is, they are referring to the SWE.

The skiing is great. The snowpack is great. We aren't closing any time soon.

Springtime

And more coming.............

Outlook

HMMMMMMMMM..........Wednesday/Thursday looks pretty good. Snowing as I look out the window right now.

Larkspur

I found fine conditions again all over the mountain yesterday morning. Two of my favorites were Davis in The Beavers and Larkspur in Montezuma Bowl. This morning dawn is breaking with a cloudless sky. We are in for a beauty................again.

Good Everywhere

All across the hill, conditions are superb. Over the next few days we will see lots of sunshine and blue skies. It is amazing what 21 inches of snow can do. We are in for a good May...................and June.

North Pole Riding

Check out the photo taken by Dave Ruckel in North Pole on May 1.

21 Inches On The Wall

Another 4 inches making it 21 inches for the storm. The skiing is very nice. The event has been exceptionally good for skiing on the East Wall. Now after after 5 days of mostly unsettled weather, we are going to see some spectacular, blue sky weather. This is going to be Basin paradise on steroids.