Beavers Loop

Now That Wheels Up is complete, our Trail Crew and IMBA have started work on the Lower Beavers Loop. They began at the junction of the Pali Road and the top of Radical. They have built trail to the Northeast to just beyond the North Glade closure where they have built a switchback. From that point, the trail will cut back across Standard, Radical, Challenger, Scudder and Lower Powderkeg eventually reaching Black Mountain Lodge. This should be completed by the end of September.

 

First Ride

I got my first full Wheels Up ride in yesterday morning. It started with a good ascent of the Argentine North Fork Trail to Black Mountain Lodge. I wouldn't call that an easy climb, but it isn't a lung buster either, just a good fun climb with a couple of tight turns. Starting at the top of BMX, Wheels Up is pure fun. Lots of gliding. Lots of fun descending with big banked turns. Lots of variety to keep it interesting. It is a super cool loop that we will just keep making bigger and bigger.

 

No Barriers Summit

This morning more 300 people from the "No Barriers Summit" arrived at The Basin early. After a hearty Chef Rybak breakfast, they headed up the hill for a challenging journey. There were people with a variety of abilities and devices surrounded by eager volunteers making for a very special day at Arapahoe Basin. Check out this this very cool group's website at nobarriersusa.org. 

 

Obligatory Cute Puppy Shot

Meet Penny, Ski Patrol Supervisor Tim Walsh's new avalanche puppy.

 

Wheels Up - Update

The Wheels Up Trail is almost complete. The bridges are in place. The trail is connected top to bottom. We have some "final surfacing" work to do as well as the installation of signs. Thursday, Louis took our Forest Service Snow Ranger out for a misty trail tour to show off the almost finished product. Stay tuned over the coming week for an announcement about the complete trail opening. This is going to be fun.

Next up, the IMBA and A-Basin Trail Crew will head to the top of Radical to build the approximately .7 mile connection from that location across Standard, No Name, Radical, Challenger and Scudder en route to BML. By the end of September we should have an awesome 5 mile loop that tops out at the top of Radical.

More Snow Shots

Just about all of the snow has melted. That said, enjoy a couple more pictures a buddy of mine took on a hike early yesterday morning. Love those summer snow storms.

 

First Touch of Snow

Yesterday's moody weather led to last night's first touch of snow. The snowline was just about even with the base area. It gets me excited to see the snow season begin, but it won't last. Within a day or two, all of the snow will be gone. We still have 6-8 weeks of beautiful late summer and fall weather to go, but this morning is a bit of a wake up call. It is a reminder that the days are getting shorter. It was dark when I got up this morning. After a couple of rainy days and one snowy night, we have a gorgeous weekend ahead of us.

 

Moody Day

It has been a moody day up at The Basin. We have had fog, wind, rain and there is even snow in the forecast for tonight. Right now the sun is out for Burger Night on Friday Eve.

 

EV Chargers

Arapahoe Basin is getting its first Electric Vehicle Chargers. The construction project in the northeast corner of the Early Riser Parking Lot is the site of these new chargers. There will be chargers for 10 vehicles.  As more and more of the electric grid is converted to renewable energy, electric vehicles make more and more sense. By some estimates we aren't that many years away from lots and lots of EVs out on the road.

Wedding Bear

One of our recent wedding parties had the pleasure of seeing this beautiful black bear (sometimes they are brown) wandering around Black Mountain Lodge during their wedding. They are amazing animals to watch, from a good distance. Whether hiking, biking, rafting, driving or working, I usually see one or two bears each summer. This summer Kay and I saw a grizzly on river trip in Montana. It is very special to see one of these beasts and I treasure every sighting.

Enjoy the view, but stay as far away as you can.

Photo - Gabrielle Stowe Photography

Smoke Free

Today was a nearly perfect, smoke free day at The Basin. People were enjoying all the fun, especially eating on the deck. For whatever reason, the wind blew the right direction and we did not have any smoke. Love it.

Steilhang Hut Foundation

The Steilhang Hut foundations are complete. The excavating crew is backfilling today (and the next few days). This place will have a large deck and a small, indoor dining/warming area - all with spectacular views. If you enjoy the high alpine environment, bratwurst and beer, you are going to love the Steilhang Hut.

According to Wikipedia, a Steilhang is a German geoscientific term for a steep mountainside or hillside with an average slope greater than 30 degrees. We call the steep pitch just after entering the Upper East Wall Gate Steilhang.

 

Colorado Backpacking

Kay and I just finished our annual Colorado summer backpacking trip. Rain, shine, smoke, whatever, we always have a great time and are never disappointed. This trip, the theme was sunshine despite having one very cold night. We are lucky to be able to hike to teal colored alpine lakes, deep and dark spruce forests, jagged, rugged peaks and springs and brooks flowing all over the place. It is a great on add-on to summer at The Basin.

Crossing Ramrod and High Noon

 The Wheels Up Trail construction is in the home stretch. The micro excavators and their crews are crossing Ramod and High Noon heading east. They are about to enter the trees between High Noon and Sundance. Once they exit those trees, they will make a few easy turns and connect with the Lower Wheels Up Trail.  That junction will be near the truck in the lower left hand corner of this photo.

Although a little smoky, it has been a very nice day.

It Has Been Wet

It has been wet. Today, it rained most of the day. Dillon had twice the normal July rainfall. Despite that, we have snuck some fun in. The Reverse Enduro was a big hit Saturday morning. The rain held off on the Festival of the Brewpubs until 12:30. It was still great to see people. Hobo Village played through most of the rain. I think everyone enjoyed seeing old faces. We had good turnout in the Aerial Adventure Park and the Via Ferrata Sunday and Monday. I am always amazed to see how little A-Basin folks are bothered by the weather. We are a hardy stock.

The weather starts improving Wednesday with less of a chance of rain and much sunnier weather towards week's end. Right now the weather for Saturday and Sunday looks great.

Festival of the Brewpubs, July 31, 2021