Earlier this year, Alan Henceroth, who’s the Chief Operating Officer of Arapahoe Basin, asked the public for help in acquiring one of their old single chairs. A few weeks later, it was announced that someone stepped up to the plate, Yesterday, A-Basin announced that they now have one of their single chairs on public display.

This single chairlift, which serviced the upper mountain at Arapahoe Basin, was installed in 1946. The chairlift opened during the 1946-47 season, and it operated at Arapahoe Basin until around 1960. From there, it went to the now-defunct Fun Valley ski area in Lakewood, Colorado. One of the remaining chairs was passed around until it reached Rob Diehl’s house. This past fall, he sold it back to A-Basin, and it now hangs from the ceiling next to Marnie’s in the 6th Alley Bar & Grill.

Image Credits: Arapahoe Basin

The Indy Pass is a popular multi-resort ski and snowboard pass designed for winter sports enthusiasts seeking affordability and variety. The pass offers access to a diverse range of independent ski resorts across not only North America but Japan and Europe as well. The Indy Pass has gained a loyal following among riders looking to explore lesser-known, locally-owned mountains. With an Indy Pass, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the charm of smaller resorts while avoiding the crowds and high prices often associated with larger, more famous destinations.

Last season, it was announced that the Indy Pass would be changing hands and that Entabeni Systems, headed by Erik Mogensen, would take over ownership of the Pass product.

Since taking over the helm of the Indy Pass, the new ownership has been making big moves to keep skiing independent, like stepping in to save Black Mountain, NH. They have also not shied away from a direct approach to marketing the Indy Pass.

Over the weekend, The Indy Pass social media channels posted an image of a sizeable lift line at Arapahoe Basin from their opening day (Arapahoe Basin was the only ski resort open this past weekend in Colorado, so large lift lines were to be expected). The post that appeared on the Indy Pass Facebook and Instagram accounts read, “Lift-serviced skiing and riding is underway in Colorado, and Indy Pass would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that joining our waitlist is the first step to recovering from your mega pass trauma.”

The post caught the ire of some, most notable Mountain Collective CEO Todd Burnette, who responded to the post by commenting, “Mega Lame post guys… A-Basin is the only resort in North America open today. Lots of work to open a ski hill in October. This pic is not really representative of a “mega” pass. Disingenuous representation at best. Indy Pass“.

To which Indy Pass social channel replied, “Todd Burnette Indy Pass is committed to supporting its partners and pass holders, sometimes with playful posts. No one is taking aim at A-Basin or the work it takes to open any kind of ski hill. The line was real, the photo was real, and we are not in the least being “disingenuous” in saying that we offer another option. However, given that you are the CEO of the Mountain Collective Pass, we can appreciate that you have a different opinion and won’t call you “Mega Lame” for sharing it here.”

This very direct approach by the Indy Pass when addressing the wider ski industry, particularly the mega passes and their partnering resorts, is very much a conscience decision by Erik Mogensen, who told us, “The mega passes dominate the narrative and media in the ski industry, and as the new owners of the Indy Pass we will fight to bring attention to the smaller, independently owned ski areas that deserve more of a voice.”

Erik went on to tell us that nearly all the media coverage from the past weekend stated that Arapahoe Basin was the only ski area open in North America. Todd Burnett also stated this belief in his comment left on the Indy Passes’ social post, when in fact, Andes Tower Hills ski area in Minnesota (an Indy Pass partner ski area) was also open for skiing and riding this weekend. Erik pointed to this as an example of the little guy being left out of the conversation.

One thing is clear: The Indy Pass has undergone significant changes under the leadership of Erik Mogensen and Entabeni Systems and is embracing a bold and direct marketing approach. The Indy Pass aims to challenge the dominance of mega passes and bring independently owned-ski resorts back into the spotlight. Their recent social media post underlined their commitment to offering an alternative. This passionate advocacy for smaller ski areas, like Andes Tower Hills, and its direct marketing approach look to bring attention to the independent ski areas, regardless of how some might feel about it.

Ah opening day! Is there anything as good as hitting the slopes for the first time for the season? Sure core season may offer better skiing, but opening day isn’t about the skiing! It’s about the fun and camaraderie of being in the great outdoors with like-minded ski bums.

I made it to Arapahoe Basin for their season opening day on Sunday, October 29. This was definitely a late opening day for Colorado, so I was beyond ready to ski. Winter storm be damned; I was getting to A-Basin! Road conditions were mostly packed powder (though I heard I-70 actually wasn’t as bad). I was able to get one of the last spots in the Early Riser lot when I rolled in late at 8:45.

A-Basin reported 14 inches of fresh snow in the 24 hours prior to opening day. While it didn’t feel like a typical powder day, the fresh snow was definitely fun.

The energy of hundreds of stoked ski bums is infectious and the people-watching was entertaining.

And man, did the ski bums deliver! It didn’t matter that the day started out at a balmy 10 degrees on mountain; many people still donned their best costumes. I rode a chairlift with a unicorn who was kind enough to let me touch his butt. I was passed by the Pope in line, which eased my Catholic guilt for skiing on a Sunday (that’s what I tell my mom at least). There were a lot of capes, proving not many people have seen or remember The Incredibles. I ran into someone I know, which is rare for me as a staunch introvert. Strangers shared lift line beers and snacks with a smile and a fist bump!

Opening day satisfied the intense desire to finally ski. The skiing was fun and the party was even better. Let’s hope the fun continues throughout this season. See you next weekend!

Photos Courtesy of skiingsolo

Get ready Coloradans, Arapahoe Basin has finally announced their opening day! The lifts at A-Basin will start turning at 8:30 this upcoming Sunday (10/29). Does this mean they have won the Colorado race to open? No word yet from Keystone or Loveland, so stay tuned. See you out there!

Check out A-Basin’s social media announcement below:

Photos and Video Courtesy of Arapahoe Basin

The race to be the first-to-open ski resort in North America is always competitive. Arapahoe Basin has gotten a head start on this race thanks to some cold temperatures early this morning. The video below is truly a sight for sore eyes.

An opening doesn’t seem imminent though. Here was Alan Henceroth, who’s the COO of A-Basin, explanation for the snowmaking this morning.

“About 3 AM this morning the snowmaking team fired up the system. The wet bulb temperature dropped down to 25 F. The primary objective of the session was testing. The temps were a bit colder than we expected. The system components worked well. Over the next week or two, we will do this a few more times. At some point, the temps will drop even further, stay colder longer and the snow will start to pile up. You know what happens after that.”

So don’t get your skis or boards ready just yet, but we could be a couple of weeks away from lift-serviced skiing.

What ski resort do you think will be the first to open during the 2023-24 season?

Related: These 4 Ski Resorts Won The Race To Open In The Past 10 Seasons

Image/Video Credits: Arapahoe Basin

Ski season is getting closer! Summit County in Colorado got a pre-season taste of some snowy peaks. Copper and Breckenridge stoked the hype with a flurry of pictures on their social media pages. Arapahoe Basin shared pics of their dusting on the COO’s blog.

While the snowy photos they shared are certainly exciting, neither Copper nor Breck are in the race to open first in Colorado. Copper is set to open on November 13, and Breck will open on November 10. A-Basin, on the other hand, is always looking to claim the prize. They shared on social media that they have begun setting up their snowmaking equipment. This is not a drill: snowguns are on the slopes of A-Basin.

Other contenders have been a little less bold online than last year’s first-to-open winner. In spite of planning a projected opening of October 15th, Keystone has been quiet, probably in large part due to A-Basin’s tenacity to beat them to the punch every year (especially after the insanity that was the 2019 opener). Although Loveland has struggled to open at the same time as these two resorts, they keep a countdown to snowmaking running on their website. Wolf Creek has been a frequent winner of the race to open but mums the word on their socials due to their reliance on natural snow.

Who will win the race to open in Colorado? Will a Colorado ski resort take the prize for the entire country? Stay tuned and stay hyped!

Featured Image Courtesy of Sarah Mclear, Breckenridge Ski Resort

Photos Courtesy of Copper, Sarah Mclear of Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, and Loveland

Did you know that you can see another ski resort from every ski area in Summit County, Colorado? I like to think of it as skiing’s version of Inception. While it doesn’t seem noteworthy in many locations where different resorts share the same peak or mountain range, Summit County offers pretty clear visibility of other mountains that are rather far apart (in terms of skiing or hiking between them, not driving).

Summit County is home to 4 resorts: Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin), Breckenridge (Breck), Copper, and Keystone. All 4 of these resorts are on either the Epic or Ikon pass. Neighboring non-mega pass resort Loveland will be included in this list, as Loveland regularly has representation at the annual Summit County Ski Areas COO meeting. Here’s how you can view the different resorts from each of these destinations (as personally experienced by this author/ski bum):

Loveland

I’m going to work my way through these resorts from East to West, starting with Clear Creek County’s Loveland. The best views are off of Chair 9, which used to be the highest chairlift in the state before another on this list took the prize. There is a flat spot immediately off of the left of the lift, which offers a perfect out-of-the-way viewing location. As you look left, you can just barely make out the top of A-Basin’s Beavers terrain. To the right is a very clear view of Keystone’s Dercum Mountain. Looking above Keystone and into the distance, you can see Breck’s high-alpine terrain. If you continue on the catwalk, all of Breck becomes visible. If you look all the way to the right on a very clear day, you can see the top of Copper (at least I think you can, it is very hard to confirm from this distance).

Arapahoe Basin

A-Basin offers panoramic views from the top of the Zuma lift. When looking back at the base area, you can catch a glimpse of Loveland’s cat skiing and hiking terrain. When looking down the Montezuma terrain, Keystone’s frontside is clearly in the foreground with all of Breck looming behind it. To the right, you can once again just barely make out the top of Copper. You can also head down Loafer from the Beavers chair to get another angle.

Keystone

Keystone has very minimal views of A-Basin from Spring Dipper, though these views are really nothing noteworthy. It is unclear if a better view of A-Basin will become apparent with the completion of the Bergman Bowl expansion. The best view of Breck can be easily seen off of the top of the Outback chairlift, and this view remains as you descend from here. I haven’t been able to catch any views of Loveland or Copper from the lift-accessible terrain, and it’s unknown (to me, at least) if these resorts are visible from the hike-to terrain.

Breckenridge

From the moment you get off of a chairlift at Breck, Keystone’s three peaks are very distinguishable. Breck’s best views can be found off the Imperial chair, which is famously the highest chairlift in North America. From here, you can see A-Basin’s Montezuma terrain to the right of Keystone. Terrain from Loveland isn’t visible, but you can see the backside of the mountain it sits on. If you stay high on the ridge heading towards Whale’s Tail, you will have a surprisingly clear view of Copper’s Spaulding Bowl and Resolution terrain.

Copper

Copper’s resort views from lift-accessible terrain is disappointing in comparison to the other 4 resorts. The best opportunity to see other resorts is from the Storm King t-bar. If you exit to the left, this range immediately off the Spaulding Ridge is the back side of Breck’s high-alpine terrain (where I previously mentioned you can see Copper from). Looking down I-70, you can see the frontside of Keystone if you squint really hard.

Photos Courtesy of skiingsolo

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announced this week that professional slackliner Mickey Wilson of Golden, CO will receive a prestigious Carnegie Medal. The Carnegie Medal is awarded to civilians who put their lives in danger in attempt to save another. Mickey more than earned this award for his heroic rescue at Arapahoe Basin in 2017.

Who could forget the epic tale of Mickey’s great save?! While skiing on a powder day at A-Basin, he noticed a man dangling unconscious from a stopped chairlift. Mickey, in his ski boots and with a broken hand, quickly climbed up a chairlift pole and used his slacklining skills to traverse the lift rope. He caught a knife from ski patrol and cut the man (who coincidentally was his friend) free. Ski patrol resuscitated him, and he was able to leave the hospital the following day. If it wasn’t for Mickey’s quick action, this story may have had a much darker ending.

Congratulations to Mickey for being a true role model of bravery! You can check out the initial news coverage of the life-changing moment in 2017 below:

Photos and Video Courtesy of CBS Colorado

Few mountains offer inbound terrain like Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin. There’s the gorgeous Montezuma Bowl, the gnarly Steep Gullies, the mogul filled Pallavicini, the tree-filled Beavers, and, of course, the remarkable East Wall.

With three separate routes up and many routes down, the East Wall has a ton of steep and deep terrain to explore. The most popular hike, the North Pole hike, departs from the top of the Lenawee Express lift, and takes just around 15-20 minutes. Reaching the top puts you above 13,000 feet and provides access to several routes, including 1st Notch, 2nd Notch (which may require crawling down a rope to access), West Vertical, and, of course, North Pole.

Willie’s Staircase is definitely a bit more of a demanding hike, but those willing to make the push will be rewarded with several mind-blowing routes down. It goes without saying that these routes are very much expert terrain. Corner Chute, Snorkel Nose, and Willie’s Wide are definitely not for the weak.

The Tree Chute hike provides access to several shorter runs in Tree Chutes 1-7. Those looking for a bit more can continue on to access the 8th Tree Chute, North Y Chute, and South Y Chute. A trip along the East Wall Traverse (beginning just below the North Pole hiking gate) will place skiers and snowboarders just above the bottom of the tree chutes, allowing for a little taste before committing to the entire hike.

Every run along the East Wall dumps out into Land of Giants and Lower East Wall, two low-angle playgrounds that act a perfect cooldown to conclude a trip to the upper portion of the wall. If you’re unwilling to make the hike, these lower portions still provide plenty of terrain to fill up an entire day.

Hiking to the upper East Wall only made me wish I had done it sooner. You really can’t comprehend the kind of runs you’ll gain access to until you actually get up there. Few places in North America, let alone in the world, have avalanche-controlled terrain within a fifteen minute hike like Arapahoe Basin’s East Wall.

Image Credit: Arapahoe Basin, Nolan Deck

Imagine a ski area that actually listens to their customers?

That might seem like a pipe dream for most ski resorts across Colorado, but as we mentioned last year, Arapahoe Basin is dedicated to preserving the skier and rider experience.

A-Basin made a huge investment last summer to upgrade the Lenawee Chairlift- the main lift that ferries riders to the ski area’s 12,500 ft. summit on the front-side of the mountain.

A skeptical skier might believe this was only so A-Basin can sell more lift tickets, but you’re wrong, my friend.

You see, Arapahoe Basin still limits their daily lift ticket sales to avoid overcrowding on the mountain.

Upgrading Lenawee from a fixed-grip triple to a detachable six-pack has increased uphill capacity, but not to the point of crippling trail flow.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Arapahoe Basin’s Director of Mountain Operations, Louis Skowyra, about how the new Lenawee Express is being received by the A-Basin diehards:

“The new lift has been very well received…our guests know us and trust us, so they’ve been very patient as we work through all the kinks associated with a new piece of complex machinery (not to mention a delay in opening the lift due to construction challenges).

At the most basic level, the Lenawee Express makes it easier to get around our mountain- that’s a win for everyone.”

One of the benefits of installing such a heavy lift is that it runs exceptionally well in windy conditions.

Guest safety is always important, and Skowyra says that going with a six-pack was actually better for operating in windy conditions over a quad.

“To achieve that increase in carrying capacity, we knew we were shopping for a detachable lift. From that point, the conversation narrowed to 4-pack vs. 6-pack.

Interestingly, uphill capacity is the same on a 4 and a 6 (due to carrier spacing over the line). What tipped the scales for us is the fact that 6-packs tend to hold up in the wind a bit better than 4-packs.

Simply, they are heavier.”

^The Lenawee Express runs in essentially the same location as the old Lenawee Triple

Having the lift open more frequently is (obviously) a good thing for the overall skier and rider experience.

The Lenawee Express services a massive amount of terrain, and being able to spread out skiers all over the mountain is important for minimizing crowding on trails and in lift lines.

Skowyra emphasized that when explaining why Arapahoe Basin decided to replace the lift:

“After we expanded the ski area to the South (Zuma) and West (Beavers), the bottom of Lenawee became the most obvious chokepoint in skier flow.

Lenawee is critical to accessing Zuma, The Beavers, and the upper mountain, so nearly all of our guests will ride Len throughout their day.

If you skied a busy day over the last year or two, the pinch point was painfully clear: An increase in uphill capacity was needed at Len.”

Without any lift lines, it should take a skier about 3 minutes to ride Black Mountain Express, a couple of minutes to scoot down to load Lenawee Express, and then just another 4 minutes to ride to the summit.

Basically, you’re looking at just under 10 minutes to reach Arapahoe Basin’s 12,500 ft. summit from the base. Not too shabby.

Arapahoe Basin is already one of the best ski areas in the country. They could get complacent with that reputation, but kudos to them for continuing to listen to their passholders about necessary improvements.

The Lenawee Express is an excellent example of that, and their strategy is paying off.

All Images Credit: Ian Zinner/Arapahoe Basin Ski Area