Arapahoe Basin will barely miss its customary October opening, but it will welcome skiers and riders on Saturday, Nov. 2, as will Keystone.
Since 2002, A-Basin has failed to open in October only once. That was in 2020 when it opened on Nov. 9. Wolf Creek, which is located 250 miles from Denver in southern Colorado, was first to open this year on Oct. 22. Last year A-Basin opened on Oct. 29 and Keystone on Nov. 1.
A-Basin received only three inches of snow the past two days and Keystone picked up two, but cold temperatures have been conducive for snowmaking. The Basin will start its season with the usual goal of being last to close.
“Every winter at The Basin brings something new,” chief operating officer Alan Henceroth said in a news release. “But this season, it’s all about delivering the A-Basin experience skiers and riders know and love — our mountain, our team, our vibe. This year will be no exception.”
In February, Denver-based Alterra Mountain Company announced its intention to buy A-Basin, but that deal has yet to close because the U.S. Department of Justice is evaluating the deal with regard to antitrust issues. A-Basin officials insist this year will be business as usual.
The High Noon trail will be open, served by the Black Mountain Express lift, beginning at 8:30 a.m. A DJ will be pumping the vibe from 8:30 to 10 a.m. There will be donuts and giveaways for early arrivals.
Keystone will open Saturday at 9 a.m. with more than two miles of skiable terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon.