Blue

There are times that I am not sure if the sky can be any more blue.

 

Corduroy

The corduroy this morning was very nice. Yesterday's new snow was followed by a pretty cold night and the cat drivers were having a field day (actually a field night).

New CDC Guidelines

Today's CDC Guidelines on outdoor mask wearing are an awesome next step. We still have to operate under Summit County Health Orders and there is still some more work for us to do.

Right now 50% of Summit County residents are fully vaccinated. 72% of SC residents have received their first vaccination shot.

Once 70% of residents are fully vaccinated, we move to Level Green and most outdoor restrictions go away.

Arapahoe Basin is strongly encouraging its employees, its guests and Summit County residents to get vaccinated. This is not terribly complicated. The sooner more of us get vaccinated, the sooner life returns to normal (and is a lot more fun). We are getting so close and vaccines are readily available in the county. Go out there and make a difference and help our community get through this pandemic mess.

From The Tree Chutes

Aaron W shared this photo taken from the Tree Chutes on Sunday. The place looks pretty good.

 

Everything

Today was everything we hoped for. 2" new today on top of 5" yesterday made for fantastic skiing. I can't tell you how many people said to me, "East Wall was incredible." I heard many similar comments on Montezuma Bowl. If you are a seasoned A-Basin skiers, you know it always skis deeper than the report indicates. We might see another shower or two tonight and Sunday should be sunny with a high temperature near 50 F. Another perfect Spring day.

The Black Mountain Lodge deck was the place to be today.

 

Spectacular Morning

We are having a spectacular morning with sunny skies and 5 inches of new snow. A long time Basin skier just told me she thought it was the best day of the year. We should see a few snow showers this afternoon and then Saturday and Sunday will be a sunny, warm, idyllic Rocky Mountain Spring paradise.

 

Stormy

We are having some Spring stormy weather. Throughout the day a series of squalls have passed through. As I write it is snowing heavily. There is 2-3 inches of new snow sitting on the stake right now. That might be what we report tomorrow. Who knows, a couple more squalls might blow through and we might report 6". It is so hard to predict snowfall with these Spring storms. The skiing is sure good. Friday looks "squally" again and Saturday and Sunday look sunny and warm. Classic Spring time at The Basin.

 

Not Your Average Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin is not your average ski area.

 

Following The Storm

It was a beautiful Spring morning following yesterday's storm.

 

This is Spring at The Basin

When I say that spring is the best time at The Basin, this is what I am talking about, powder days, smiling faces and the East Wall. It looks like there is snow in the forecast for the next few days so I think it's just going to get better.  

 

Start to Finish

The Enduro - Start to Finish. Another reason we love The Basin.

 

Season Pass Update

OK, I will try and be as direct, transparent and brief as I can be. We are going to limit the number of unrestricted season passes that we sell. Currently, passes are selling at a rate we have never seen before. We only have about 1/3 of our passes left for sale. The price of passes goes up tomorrow (Thursday) night at midnight. If you want an A-Basin Pass for next season, don't delay and don't procrastinate, you will regret it. The time to buy is now.

Two happy A-Basin Pass holders

Snowy Afternoon

 

Avalanche Dogs

 

Beaver Bowl

I enjoy the view from Loafer at the top of Beaver Bowl. The skiing in Beaver Bowl looks pretty darn good also. The snow on upper, left side of the bowl can have some similarities to snow on The Spine when the wind is blowing from that perfect direction.

 

Beavers' Decks

There are two picnic decks in The Beavers. Each has a couple of picnic tables and stunning views. On a bluebird, spring day, like today, they are great spots to stop and catch your breath, have a snack and soak in the view.

 

Enduro

The Arapahoe Basin Enduro is coming up this Wednesday, April 14. 35 teams of two will ski designated laps on Pali for 10 hours. For a few, there are bragging rights involved to ski the most runs. For everyone else it is a fantastic day of friendship and comradery, enjoying the Pali Chair and terrain. When I was younger, I did it five times with my son. For me, the post event always involved a lot of ice and ibuprofen. But, we had a blast.

In addition to the skiing, the event is a major fundraiser for a local cause. This year all the proceeds will go to A-Basin Snowcat Operator Scott Buell. He had a stroke in December. While he is back at work, funds raised will help him defray medical costs.

Chef Rybak will be hosting a small 6th Alley Dinner Wednesday night with tuna poke, grilled wagyu sirloin and chocolate lava cake. Space is still available. From Monday through Friday there will be a virtual silent auction for the fundraiser. There will all kinds goodies for auction including a couple of Pallavicini trail signs.

All and all, this is a really fun event and it is for a great cause. To sign up for dinner or to learn more go to:

A-Basin Enduro

Happy Easter

I am sure many of you know our Snowsports Instructor Extraordinaire, Tim Stroh. Recently, Tim shared these two photos of his mother, Carla Higbie, enjoying Easter Sunday, April 6, 1958 at Arapahoe Basin. She looks beautiful in her very snazzy Easter bonnet. Looking back 63 years, the East Wall looks very much the same. Sundance and High Noon are recognizable, but they have morphed a bit over time. I think I understand the origins of Tim's passion for skiing. What a great story these photos tell. I love it.

Tim Stroh at the same place April 2, 2021.

Zuma Lift

At The Basin, Spring Skiing comes to Montezuma Bowl first. Larkspur and Columbine are awesome groomers. Long Chute is occasionally groomed and fun in the Spring whether groomed or not. Moving progressively to the W/SW skiers can enjoy the slush bumps in MGD and West Zuma. That Zuma Lift is a good ride.

 

Hanging Out With Friends

Hanging out with your friends at A-Basin. Doing a little snowboarding. Soaking in the big view. Not a bad day. Actually, to me it is a perfect day - although I am not much of snowboarder. I'd be skiing.

 

Spring Time

After we closed yesterday I skinned up the hill. The place was pure perfection. We are in for a few bluebird days. March has been a good month with 51 inches of snow. We have flirted with Spring, but it hasn't really, really sprung yet - until today. We are expecting temps near 40 today. Today is gorgeous. Spring has arrived.