arapahoe basin

We skied Keystone, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin in February 2015. All three hills are 5 star in my opinion, but A-Basin was my overall favourite.What set this place apart is the laid back vibe, total lack of crowds, breathtaking views, challenging terrain and amazing conditionsFirst off, this is a pure ski hill and not a resort. There is no onsite lodging and the atmosphere is similar to what you find at small local ski hills everywhere. I loved being able to just stash our stuff under a bench in the base lodge and forget about it until the end of the day, just like when I was a kid.As for the hill itself, A-Basin is definitely geared toward skiers who are intermediate and above. I would likely qualify as an advanced intermediate skier, and the double blacks here looked gnarly enough that I didn't even consider dropping in. There are a couple of green runs but I don't think I would recommend this hill for beginners.I'm usually very frustrated by poor lift service, but even though A-Basin only has one high speed quad, I didn't care. There were virtually no lines, and the views are so incredible that riding the lift feels like a privilege in and of itself. They may be a little slower but that just reinforced the chilled-out vibe.It was very warm the week we were in Colorado and we only got 4 inches of snow, but the conditions at A-Basin remained very good. I found them to be the best of the three resorts we skied at and I encountered not a single patch of ice anywhere over the course of two days.Another bonus is that the price for food and drinks was much more reasonable than the at the larger resorts and everything we had was very good. The Bloody Marys deserve their reputation and it was awesome sipping one on the patio of the Black Mountain Lodge on a warm sunny day.All in all, I totally loved A-Basin and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area to ski. It simply has to be seen to be appreciated!

We visited Arapahoe for the first time this trip to Keystone. It is the only mountain not owned by Vail Resorts in this area. Therefore we were told by a local it is extremely popular because it's the "cheapest". A three day pass is $140, and the restaurant off the Black Bear Lift was awesome! Fresh smoked BBQ and very affordable, average $10-15 a person instead of $20-25 other places. The mountain was small, and there were areas where you'd have to pole or walk, like to get to the back side of the mountain from the top of the front side's lift. The runs were mostly blue/black, would definitely not recommend for a beginner. We've been skiing for 20 years so we loved it. Also, thought it may be repetitive if you did ski it three days because it's so small we were happy with one.

I had not been skiing in over 37 years and so I was fearful and hesitant when I arrived at A-Basin but still ready for the challenge. However, after one bunny hill trial, I was up the mountain and even attempted the Zuma Bowl (which I wasn't really ready for but all other runs were amazing and beautiful). There were no lines, people were kind and patient, and the Bloody Mary was perfect. A great experience all the way around.

I liked the 'no frills' atmosphere here. Lots of friends recommended going here, so we managed to get a half day in before flying out. Lift pass for full day was a little pricier - i felt that Loveland had much better value ($51 vs $85), but I'd go back when the price is a little lower. We got great powder and had a good time. Some of the lifts didn't seem to be high speed, but that's just a little extra time to rest your legs. Back bowl was really fun.

Being our 3rd year at Keystone, we have only stayed in Arapahoe Lodge and have yet to be disappointed!!! Large rooms, Fireplace, Kitchen and a comfortable bed make it the perfect place to stay. Its close to the lifts for night skiing and the bars in River Run have great food and good times for that after ski cocktail!

ok - I'm a total newbie. Have never skied before and A Basin is where my experience skier boyfriend took me. Even though 'early' in the season, the snow coverage was good. Rented gear in town - remember to get a helmet as it typically does not come in the 'package'. At A Basin, took the 1/2 day ski lesson and then practiced on the bunny slopes. Day 2 lesson had no one else in class so got a private lesson from Luke. He was a fantastic teacher, listening to what I had trouble with and then patiently correcting me. I would definitely recommend a private lesson for Day 2, getting the bare basics during Day 1. While others may say A Basin is not for beginners, that the mountain is too high, that the runs are too steep.... I had a great time and have now gone on 2 other ski trips. Some day I would like to return to A Basin to experience more of the runs. Yup, I'll be back.

I went snowboarding here and consider myself to be at a beginner skill level. I stick to greens and blues. I had a great day here and felt like I improved my skills. The resort has avery laid back and casual vibe. I purchased my lift tickets the night before no the A basin website and received a little discount. Picking up my tickets the next day was easy. The lift lines were short. I ventured up to the top of the mountain to check out the view which was spectacular! Be prepared for some strong winds at the peak of the mountain. I took a blue down and initially it was a little steeper than I feel comfortable with, but became easier pretty quickly - my heel edge saved me. There are also several blacks and double black for the more adventurous. People were tailgating in the parking lot, which I feel like expresses the true Colorado spirit. There is also a nice "bunny" hill area. I had to get a bacon bloody mary when I was done to reward myself. Need I need to say more - bacon bloody mary- it was tasty. There shop had some great gear and I scored a t-shrit and a sticker on my way out. My only complaint is this - I dropped my beer on my way to the deck outside of the bar area. I pretty quickly noticed my error and traced my steps to find my gloves. I did not see them so I asked a server if he had seen them or if anyone turned them in. He seemed put out but responded that they would be at the lost and found - really? I just dropped them 60 seconds ago - silence. Before I left the resort I stopped in the lost and found to see if my gloves were there and the two people in the office were both on phone calls lasting longer than five minutes (with customers), so I gave up and left. They were $4 gloves from target, but I liked them and was disappointed I lost them so easily.

I have been a skier for over 45 years and this was my first time skiing A Basin. I'm sorry that it took so long to get here because this is one of the most beautiful places I have skied. The mountain is filled with groomers, bowls, and everything in between. A Basin is all about the skiing and not the pampering and the real estate, like some other area resorts. Food in the lodge was delicious and reasonable. Our dishes were restaurant quality and made fresh to order by a friendly chef/cooking staff. Can't wait to go back here some day...

It has been a while since I have skied here but let me say it is only because of situations at home. It is one of the highest elevations to ski in this area which gives it a great abundance of snow. You have to ski a run called Pallevicini, not sure of spelling, which you drop into from a small cliff face. Advanced skiers OK. Boulders the size of houses, tall trees, narrow passes, moguls, under chair a bit. Great fun. Skiing is number 1 for me. The best. No place to put down past visit but it was in 1993.

Arapahoe is hard core and popular with locals. On a sunny windless day, it's wonderful. I picked a sunny day, but the wind above the lower lifts was impossible. Being pelted by ice and snow while riding painfully slow lifts that stopped constantly while we froze made for a less than spectacular day.

If you are just here to ski, this place is awesome. Keystone is a short drive away with lots to do in the evenings. Less crowded and less beginners than some of the others.

The people I was with had a good time, but as someone totally new to snowboarding, their easiest green run was a lot more difficult than other green runs I've done this vacation. Us new people were basically relegated to the bunny hill.Learn to ski or snowboard somewhere else, and then come here.

I was surprise to the scope of the acres of this resort. First, I thought that there was too much expert terrain by looking at the map; although, the "cliffs" aren't that steep and found myself skiing at all terrain even off the cliffs except those annoying bump runs. One annoying fact is that the tallest Mountain to the left looking up the mountain from the base hides the Sun for several hours, so there is a lot of runs done with sun that disappears behind that mountain. That was difficult to adjust. After, those hours the Sun moved in a better position to illuminate the whole run. I liked the restaurant on the mountain, but didn't like there were only crepes made on the "weekends". Also, they close at 3 p.m.; although, the day I was there, walked in at 2:55 and there was no more service available. The Sun didn't go away until after 5 p.m. Seemed like a missed party to me. Also, avoid this place on windy days unless you are beginner. The beginner runs are at the base and the intermediate/expert runs are above treeline.

Much cheaper than Keystone and other Vail resorts with some of the best skiing out there. Keep in mind, many of the runs are expert or near-expert terrain so this is not a place for beginners.

A Bay is very beautiful - but it is a technically difficult ski.This resort is only a few miles from Keystone - and unless you are a very good skier - stop at Keystone and ski there.