Industry News
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado, will adjust its parking reservation program for the 2025-26 season, coinciding with its first full winter of unlimited access for full Ikon Pass holders, reports The Summit Daily.
The resort introduced its current parking system during the 2024–25 season to address mounting traffic issues along U.S. Highway 6 near Loveland Pass. That system required reservations on peak days, charged $20 per vehicle, and waived fees for carpools of four or more. The approach was designed to reduce roadside congestion that previously led to towed vehicles and guests being turned away.
- Related: Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, CO, to Introduce Paid Parking and Reservation System for 2024/25 Season
Arapahoe Basin’s leadership says the program met expectations. “Overall, our reservation system was really successful this season in driving carpool numbers and greatly limiting traffic on Loveland Pass,” said Shayna Silverman, the resort’s communications manager. The success of that initiative, she added, helped support the expansion of Ikon Pass access while keeping guest volume in check.
Next season’s changes include a more targeted approach: reservations will be required only on Saturdays and Sundays between January 3 and May 3, eliminating the need for bookings on holiday periods. Free afternoon access will remain in place for drivers arriving after 1 p.m. on weekends.
Visitors will be allowed up to four active reservations per account—double the previous limit—though they can still only reserve one space per day. Pricing stays the same: $20 per car, with no charge for carpools of four or more. A limited number of parking season passes, priced at roughly $230, will go on sale May 20. These passes still require reservations but cover daily parking fees.
The system will continue to apply to the Early Riser, High Noon, Last Chance, and Upper Last Chance lots. Paid options for The Beach and Admin Lot will also remain available. ADA-accessible parking remains free of charge with a reservation.
- Related: Arapahoe Basin, CO Ends Partnership with Vail Resorts | Won’t be on the Epic Pass Next Year
The 2025-26 season marks a significant shift for Arapahoe Basin, as full Ikon Pass holders will enjoy unlimited access for the first time, while Ikon Base Pass holders will continue to receive five days of access. The resort’s leadership remains focused on balancing increased visitation with the preservation of the mountain’s character and guest experience, which was one of the reasons cited for leaving Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass in 2019.
