Photography courtesy of Arapahoe Basin
As expected, resorts across North America are beginning to reveal their operating plans for the coming winter. Already, we’ve heard from officials at Jackson Hole and Vail Resorts; now, Arapahoe Basin is joining the conversation. Unlike the other announcements we’ve heard, A-Basin will grant season pass holders unrestricted access to the mountain for the entire season, a nod to the die-hards that return to the resort and call it “home” each winter.
All the “standard” regulations will apply at the Colorado resort, including physically distanced lift lines, required face coverings inside, minimal on-mountain and base area amenities and others. Unfortunately, the popular option to tailgate in the parking lot won’t be allowed and strictly enforced; for now, it seems, we’ll have to find somewhere else to have a “Beach Day.”
The mountain is planning to open in mid-October, per usual, and lift tickets will be available every day of the season. However, ticket sales will be limited depending on skier visits and must be purchased online in advance. Parking lot restrictions won’t be a regular occurrence, but A-Basin did state that it might have to restrict parking, if the number of skiers reaches its limit. And officials at the resort are also making “voluntary requests,” encouraging skiers who only ride for a few hours to do so in the afternoons when the crowds are usually lighter, to avoid skiing on weekends and to avoid “historically busy” days, like holidays, when planning a visit.
