Arapahoe Basin has officially joined the Alterra Mountain Company list of resort holdings with the announcement on Tuesday that the purchase has closed.
The sale to Alterra, which is headquartered in Denver, was announced in February but was subject to review by the U.S. Department of Justice over antitrust considerations. That is not unusual with ski area acquisitions. When Vail Resorts purchased Keystone and Breckenridge from Ralston Resorts in 1997, the Justice Department allowed the sale on condition that Vail Resorts spin off Arapahoe Basin, which Ralston owned at the time. Dundee Resort Development of Canada, now called, DREAM, bought Arapahoe Basin from Vail Resorts.
Under the 27 years of DREAM ownership, A-Basin expanded to 1,428 acres and replaced all of its lifts, along with most of its buildings. The iconic A-frame base lodge built in the 1960s remains. Arapahoe Basin is one of Colorado’s oldest ski areas, dating back to 1946, which is why many refer to it as The Legend.
“We are honored to become the stewards of Arapahoe Basin, and we are excited to welcome the team to the Alterra Mountain Company family,” Alterra chief executive Jared Smith said in a news release announcing the closing. “A-Basin is considered legendary for a reason, and has always been more than just a ski area to many. It is a home to passionate, dedicated skiers and riders who share a spirit of adventure and a love for Colorado’s mountains.”
Work on A-Basin’s 10-year master plan with the U.S. Forest Service stalled while the Justice Department examined the sale. Now planning can resume.
“In 2019, we partnered with Alterra Mountain Company on Ikon Pass, knowing they respect and embrace everything that makes A-Basin unique,” said chief operating officer Alan Henceroth. “As we move forward, I am confident that the spirit of The Basin will not only remain but grow stronger than ever as we continue to work with leaders on the mountain on a 10-year master development plan to address parking, enhanced snowmaking, and improvements to the experience for skiers and riders of all skill levels.”
Alterra’s list of resort holdings in North America now numbers 20, including Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado.