Industry News
In Colorado’s high alpine country, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado—known simply as “A-Basin” to locals and die-hard skiers—is wasting no time pivoting from winter to summer. The resort, famous for having one of the longest ski seasons in North America, officially wraps up skiing on June 15. But just days later, on June 27, the lifts will spin once again—this time for hikers, mountain bikers, yogis, and thrill-seekers.
Arapahoe Basin, nestled in the Rocky Mountains near Dillon, Colorado, has long carved out a niche with its rugged terrain, laid-back culture, and a base elevation that sits at a staggering 10,780 feet. It’s often the first resort to open in the fall and the last to close in summer, thanks to its north-facing slopes and high elevation. But A-Basin isn’t just a ski destination anymore—it’s aiming to become a year-round playground.
According to a recent announcement from the resort, summer operations officially kick off June 27, with a “soft launch” of its Aerial Adventure Park scheduled for June 26. The ropes course, which the resort claims is more peaceful and challenging than others in the region, is open to media and partners for early access. And it’s just one of many offerings on tap.
This summer, A-Basin is expanding its activities with the launch of a new birthday party package for the Aerial Adventure Park, full of climbing, pizza, and panoramic views. It’s part of the resort’s strategy to attract families and outdoor enthusiasts who might normally look to lower elevations for summer fun.
Also new is a fully completed mountain biking trail called “Up at Arapahoe,” a welcome replacement to the old service road once used to access the summit. With switchbacks and a gentler grade, the trail promises to make the climb “more enjoyable” and less grueling for cyclists eager to explore the basin’s high-alpine terrain.
Perhaps the most notable offering is A-Basin’s Summer Pass, priced at $199 and boasting a claimed value of over $1,000. The pass includes access to the Via Ferrata (a guided climbing route that ascends to 13,000 feet—making it the highest in North America), unlimited use of the Aerial Adventure Park, a bike pass, yoga classes, festival entry, and more.
“We’re not just a ski mountain—we’re a mountain for every season,” the resort’s team emphasized in their message. For A-Basin, which is operated independently but has been part of the Ikon Pass network since 2019, this move into summer is about more than just revenue diversification—it’s about building community and maintaining relevance well beyond ski season.
This season also sees the debut of Sunday Brunch at the 6th Alley Bar & Grill, a favorite après-ski spot now looking to become a summer brunch destination. Guests can expect new food and drink menus every weekend.
Additional summer offerings include wildflower tours, mountaintop yoga, scenic lift rides, disc golf, hiking, beer festivals, and live music events. Popular mid-mountain eatery Steilhang will also be open, serving bratwursts with panoramic mountain views.
With the summer season stretching into mid-September, Arapahoe Basin is making a clear statement: the mountain doesn’t close—it just changes its gear.
