This Is Where Locals Ski in Colorado

When I moved to Colorado, I was most excited about the skiing, and I fully leaned into it, spending nearly every weekend, holiday, and even some PTO days chasing fresh snow. What I didn’t expect, though, was how quickly I’d fall for some of the state’s most underrated resorts.

I had already checked off awesome big names like Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone, but I found myself craving something more local, with fewer crowds and an easy drive from Denver. Arapahoe Basin fit the bill perfectly, and it became my go-to on powder days, thanks to its distinctly local vibe, long ski season, extreme terrain, and “beach” tailgating.

Here’s how to plan the perfect ski trip to A-Basin.

When to Go

The resort often opens as early as October, and, in strong years, can stay open well into the summer.

Becky McDill, the Ski and Ride School director at Arapahoe Basin, shared, “A-Basin’s staff and location contribute to our long season. Positioned on the Continental Divide with a base elevation of over 10,000 feet, we’re blessed with early and late season snow that sticks around for a long time.”

She added, “But truthfully, without the passion of our management team and entire staff, we would not be able to provide such a long season for our guests. It’s our employees that ultimately make the season last so long with a lot of hard work and dedication to the ski area.”

After skiing A-Basin from the beginning to the end of the season, I can confidently say the sweet spot is February and March. Of course, if you can chase a storm and get out there right after fresh snowfall, that’s always the move as well.

How to Get There

If you are flying in, you’ll want to land in Denver International Airport. From there, rent a car and drive to the resort.

Arapahoe Basin sits roughly 65 miles from Denver, and you’ll take I-70 and get off onto U.S.-6. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and you’ll want to make sure you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle as the roads can get snowy in the winter.

I recommend driving since it lets you set your own schedule. However, you can also take the Snowstang express bus from Denver’s Union Station, which offers round-trip service from downtown Denver to A-Basin. It’s an affordable, stress-free alternative for anyone who prefers not to drive in snowy conditions or rent a car.

Where to Stay

One thing that makes Arapahoe Basin so unique is it doesn’t offer slope-side lodging like most Colorado resorts. McDill said, “People come to A-Basin in the winter to ski and enjoy our mountain—we’re a no-frills, no-bells-and-whistles kind of place. This is what keeps our vibe alive and our base area that small and friendly place.”

If you are looking for a place to stay nearby, you’ll need to consider towns such as Dillon, Frisco, or Silverthorne. Staying in Denver and commuting to the mountain is also doable and a drive I’ve made more times than I can count.

If you’re planning to ski A-Basin for several days in a row, I recommend staying in Dillon. It’s one of my favorite small mountain towns in the state.

Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge

This is my favorite place to stay in the area. A short, 20-minute drive to A-Basin, it sits on the beautiful Dillon Reservoir and has a great walking trail around the water. Plus, it’s affordable, offers a continental breakfast, is pet-friendly, and has free parking.

The Block Hotel & Commons

The Block Hotel & Commons, one of A-Basin’s partner properties, is another excellent option just next door in Silverthorne. It’s perfect for those seeking a more modern stay, with stylish rooms, a rooftop hot tub, a bar, a community kitchen, and a coworking space. The hotel is also conveniently located, just 20 minutes from the resort.

Where to Eat

Although Arapahoe Basin doesn’t offer slope-side lodging, it doesn’t fall short on dining. Below are my top spots to eat at the resort.

Black Mountain Lodge

If you’re looking for a great mid-mountain lunch spot, look no further than Black Mountain Lodge, which delivers beautiful views of the East Wall alongside seriously good barbecue. The pulled pork sandwich is a must, and if you’re in the mood for a drink, the bacon bloody mary is easily one of the best in Summit County.

Il Rifugio at Snow Plume

For an alpine-style experience in the heart of Colorado, Il Rifugio is the place to go. Sitting at an impressive 12,456 feet, it’s the highest-elevation restaurant in North America. Reminiscent of a European bistro, the menu features wine and charcuterie. Dining here truly feels like eating on top of the world.

Steilhang Hut

I’ve always had a soft spot for German cuisine, and Steilhang Hut is a solid option for classic bites (soft pretzels, bratwursts) and a cold draft beer between laps.

Where to Après

6th Alley Bar & Grill

Located at the base of the resort and just steps from the parking lot, 6th Alley Bar & Grill is the perfect choice for an après-ski hangout. The two-story deck offers great views of the slopes and a lively, laid-back vibe. The menu covers all the standard bar favorites, including nachos, wings, tater tots, and burgers, while the drink list includes cold beer, bloody marys, wine, and more.

Be sure to check out the weekly events, including Taco Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, and Wingo Thursday (wings and bingo). It’s an ideal spot to kick back after a day on the mountain.

Off-mountain Activities

Tailgating at The Beach

The Beach is Arapahoe Basin’s front-row parking area, and it’s worth making the required advance reservations. This prime stretch of the lot offers true ski-in, ski-out access straight from your car to the slopes, and it doubles as the heart of A-Basin’s legendary tailgating scene. Locals roll out chairs, tables, grills, and coolers, turning the lot into a lively social hub.

Expect funky outfits, big groups sharing food, dogs wandering by, and plenty of music and laughter. It genuinely feels like a beach day, just with layers and ski boots instead of flip-flops. For a true local vibe and an experience you won’t forget, tailgating at The Beach is a must.

Snowshoe Tours

For a slower-paced adventure, a snowshoeing tour is a fantastic way to enjoy some exercise while soaking in the stunning winter scenery. A-Basin offers rental packages that include all the necessary equipment, a chairlift ride, and a self-guided hike, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

How to Ride

Tickets

Arapahoe Basin offers several ticket options, including a full season pass, a midweek pass with unlimited access Monday through Friday, and multiday passes for those planning to ski three, four, or five days.

My preferred way to ski A-Basin is with the Ikon Pass. With access to more than 60 resorts across the U.S. and around the world, it’s an excellent choice for anyone planning to ski multiple days and explore different mountains.

Rentals

The go-to spot for rentals at the resort is Base N’ Edge Rentals, where you’ll find everything from skis and snowboards to boots, helmets, pants, and jackets.

Programming

Arapahoe Basin is known as an expert-friendly mountain, with 73 percent of its terrain geared toward advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. But beginners and intermediates shouldn’t be intimidated; there are plenty of runs suited for those just starting out, and A-Basin also boasts an excellent Ski and Ride School. Options include group lessons for a half or full day, private sessions, adaptive programs for those with disabilities, kids’ clubs, and guided tours.