Arapahoe Basin — Ski & Ride The Legend
Operating since 1946, "The Legend" is home to North America's highest skiable terrain, legendary steeps like Pallavicini, and one of the longest seasons in Colorado. Stay just minutes away in nearby Keystone-area condos and lodges with RMRM.
Arapahoe Basin Resort Guide
Everything you need to plan the perfect "Legend" ski getaway
Operating since 1946, Arapahoe Basin earned its nickname "The Legend" through decades of pioneering Colorado skiing. It opened with just 1,200 skier visits using a tow-rope and a military transport truck, and today is famous for its steep terrain, high-alpine bowls, and one of the longest ski seasons in the country — often running into June.
Half the mountain sits above timberline, offering wide-open bowl skiing through spring and into early summer. The signature Pallavicini run is one of Colorado's longest and steepest, and the high-alpine Treeline terrain park is the highest terrain park in North America, staying open through June.
| Mountain Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Elevation | 10,780 ft |
| Summit Elevation | 13,050 ft — highest skiable terrain in North America |
| Vertical Rise | 2,270 ft |
| Annual Snowfall | 350 inches |
| Trails | 105 total |
| Longest Run | 1.5 miles |
| Skiable Acres | 900 (125 with snowmaking) |
| Trail Breakdown | 10% Beginner · 30% Intermediate · 37% Advanced · 23% Expert |
Arapahoe Basin is a day-use ski area and does not offer slope-side lodging. The closest and most convenient place to stay is Keystone, just 10 minutes away. RMRM offers a wide selection of condos and lodge accommodations throughout Keystone's neighborhoods, with free shuttle service and easy access to A-Basin as well as five other Summit County and Vail-area resorts.
For guests planning to ski A-Basin, Keystone provides the best combination of convenience, dining, shopping, and lodging options while keeping you close to the mountain. See our Keystone lodging directory for the full list of available properties.
A-Basin does not have on-site lodging. Best nearby bases:
Closest and easiest, about 4–7 miles. Best for condos, resort lodging, restaurants, and a quick drive to A-Basin.
Options include River Run Village, Hyatt Place Keystone/Dillon, Keystone Lodge & Spa, Lone Eagle, Jack Pines, and Dakota Lodge.
Usually better value, with more hotels, groceries, and easy highway access. Good if you want cheaper lodging and don't mind a slightly longer drive.
Best nightlife and walkable town, but farther from A-Basin. Good if skiing A-Basin is only part of the trip.
Best pick: stay in Keystone for convenience; Dillon/Silverthorne for budget; Frisco for a balanced Summit County trip.
Arapahoe Basin sits along U.S. Highway 6 over Loveland Pass, about 10 minutes east of Keystone. From I-70, take Exit 205 (Silverthorne/Dillon) and follow U.S. 6 toward Keystone and Loveland Pass.
Dining at A-Basin is surprisingly good for a ski area, with several distinct on-mountain options rather than just a cafeteria. The resort is known for chef-driven food, house-made specialties, and a laid-back local atmosphere.
6th Alley Bar & Grill — The signature après-ski spot at A-Basin. Located at the base area, it features a large two-story deck, mountain views, burgers, nachos, wings, sandwiches, craft beer, cocktails, and the resort's famous Bacon Bloody Mary. Live music and special dinner events are common throughout the year. (970) 513-5705
LEGENDS Cafe — Located in the classic A-Frame lodge, this is the quick-service option for breakfast and lunch, offering pizza, burgers, chili, soups, sandwiches, coffee, and grab-and-go items.
Black Mountain Lodge — A favorite lunch stop at the top of Black Mountain Express. Known for house-smoked BBQ, brisket, ribs, burgers, soups, sandwiches, and panoramic mountain views from the deck.
Steilhang Hut — A European-inspired mountain hut serving Colorado-made sausages, German beer, pretzels, and alpine-style snacks. Great for a quick stop while skiing the upper mountain terrain.
A-Basin is also famous for "The Beach," the parking-lot tailgating scene where skiers bring grills, chairs, and coolers for an all-day social gathering. It's one of the most iconic traditions in Colorado skiing.
Since A-Basin is a day-use ski area with no lodging, many guests stay in Keystone and ski A-Basin during the day, then return to Keystone for dinner. Popular nearby options include Rotolo's Craft & Crust in River Run Village and Bistro North in Dillon for a more upscale evening meal.
- Skiing & snowboarding from fall often into June
- High-alpine bowl skiing above timberline
- Legendary steeps like Pallavicini
- Treeline — the highest terrain park in North America
- The famous "Beach" tailgating scene
- Night skiing & tubing nearby at Keystone
- Hiking on the extensive high-alpine trail network
- Mountain biking throughout the area
- Golf on Keystone's two championship courses
- Scenic drives over Loveland Pass
- The Legend — Skiing since 1946, one of the most storied mountains in Colorado
- Highest Terrain in North America — Summit at 13,050 ft with skiing above timberline
- Longest Season — Big snowfall (350") and high elevation keep the lifts spinning often into June
- Legendary Steeps — Pallavicini and expert terrain that challenge the best skiers
- Highest Terrain Park — Treeline stays open through June
- Laid-Back Vibe — Famous for the no-frills "Beach" tailgate scene
- Green Cred — Voted a Top Ten Green Ski Resort for its environmental stewardship
- Stay Nearby — Keystone lodging just ~10 minutes away, central to six resorts
Ready to Ride The Legend?
Call us or browse our full selection of Keystone-area vacation rentals minutes from Arapahoe Basin. RMRM can also arrange lift tickets, rentals, ground transportation, and more.