Beach season is coming! No, not the actual beach, silly, but the legendary beach parties at Arapahoe Basin, one of Colorado’s premier ski mountains. So, take a breath and relax. There’s no need to have washboard abs just yet, unless of course you plan to strip out of your snow pants and plunge into that redneck’s hot tub. And before you get offended, yes, the red neck beach party is actually a thing. My people.

The Beach Party

Colorado Spring skiing is something special, but one of the most special of specials is the A-Basin’s beach parties. Does it take place on a beach? Sorta. If you consider a parking lot a beach. But don’t be fooled. After you spy the party from the mountain, you’ll want to shoot International ski run like you’re in a Warren Miller film—Or, if you’re like us, you’ll avoid the  double black and lazily ski down Wrangler along with all the other 5 year old’s and Chinese tourists enjoying that wonderfully gentle green.

Once at the party, there’s no telling what you’ll get. Like most peach parties, there’ll be plenty of Weber’s, beers and bikinis, but unlike most other beach parties, you’ll likely find 80’s ski outfits. In fact, there’s no telling what might happen. Snow rave? Check. Dance party? Check. Weddings? Check. Rednecks? Double check. At the end of the day, how you après ski is up to you. Just make sure you do it loud and proud.

The History of Arapahoe Basin

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Arapahoe Basin stands as a monument to the spirit of adventure and resilience. Known affectionately as “A-Basin” or “The Legend” to locals and enthusiasts alike, this ski mountain boasts a storied history, thrilling terrain, and a vibrant community culture that celebrates the great outdoors in all its glory. At the heart of its foundation lies a connection to the legendary 10th Mountain Division, a testament to the mountain’s deep-rooted legacy in American skiing and military history.

10^th Mountain Division’s Heroic Legacy

Arapahoe Basin’s inception can be traced back to the vision of one man, Larry Jump, a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division and former ski racers. The division, renowned for its specialized training in mountain and winter warfare during World War II, attracted men who shared a profound love for the mountains and skiing. Post-war, these men, including Jump, were instrumental in transforming the American skiing industry, using their skills and passion to develop ski areas across the country.

Larry Jump, along with fellow 10th Mountain Division member Sandy Schauffler, saw the potential in the rugged terrain of the Arapaho National Forest (Dope fact: The 1980’s cult classic Red Dawn largely takes place in the Arapaho National Forest—Wolverines!). In 1946, their vision became reality when Arapahoe Basin opened its slopes to the public. Larry sunk his life savings into the project. Later, when the mountain was in debt and in danger of closing, it was Larry’s grit and leadership that kept it alive.

A Terrain of Thrills

This is not a beginner’s mountain. While there are gentle groomers for beginners, Arapahoe Basin is renowned for its challenging terrain, offering a mix of steep runs, glades, and bowls that cater to seasoned skiers and snowboarders. The steep and deep challenges of The Pallavicini Face attract some of the biggest thrill-seekers. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly mountain that’s nearby, try the fabulous Keystone.

With one of the longest ski seasons in North America, often stretching from October to June, A-Basin provides ample opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to test their mettle against the mountain’s varied and exhilarating landscapes.

• Arapahoe Basin has one of the highest elevations of ski resorts in North America, with its summit reaching 13,050 feet and a base elevation of 10,800 ft.
• Their annual snowfall is around ~350 in.
• It has a 2,530-foot vertical drop.
• 93% of the 145 trails are rated as intermediate, advanced or expert terrain.
• Their skiable area is a whooping 1,428 acres.

Celebrating the Spirit: Festivals and Events

Arapahoe Basin’s calendar is chock-full of festivals, parties, and events. Here’s a quick list of a few:

• One of the highlights is the “End of Season Beach Party,” a tradition that sees skiers and snowboarders donning their most outrageous costumes and enjoying the spring skiing conditions with barbecues, live music, and beach-themed festivities right on the snow.
• The “A-Basin Rise and Shine Rando Series” caters to the more athletically inclined, offering early morning uphill challenges throughout the season. Participants race against the clock, and each other, to complete grueling ascents on designated routes before enjoying a well-deserved downhill run.
• The mountain also hosts the “Enduro,” a 10-hour ski marathon.
• For those who appreciate the finer (and more relaxed) things, the “Moonlight Dinner Series” at the A-Basin’s mid-mountain lodge offers a unique culinary experience. Guests are treated to themed dinners that range from hearty Bavarian feasts to elegant wine pairings.
• We also can’t forget the vibrant “Shakin’ at the Basin” spring concert series and the beloved “Festival of the Brewpubs” where you can sample some tasty beers while enjoying live music.
• Oh, and yes, there’s beach parties. Along with an Oktoberfest party, spring party, and New Year’s Eve party.

A Legacy Continued

The mountain has changed hands since Larry’s day. It has been owned by the dog-food magnate, Ralston Purina (who also owned Keystone), been a part of Vail Resorts, and then was spun-off to the Canadian Dream Unlimited Corp before being purchased by the ski giant Alterra Mountain Company.

This last and most recent owner has caused some consternation among locals, afraid that the conglomerate will devour The Legend’s famed independence. But we have faith. Arapahoe Basin survived and thrived under Larry Jump’s vision. The indomitable spirit of the 10th Mountain Division lies in its DNA. And the last time the A-basin was purchased by a large corporation, the employees had this to say:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all ski areas are created common and equal, except, of course, Arapahoe Basin – ‘cause we have the Pali Chair! – whose loyal friends are endowed by Dundee Realty with certain unalienable rights, that among these are: A Fair Deal, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fresh Tracks.”