Rocky Mountain High
Written: Jun 17 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good conditions, little commercialism, no shopping, natural terrain, expert trails
Cons: No shopping, no night life, older facilities
The Bottom Line: Great skiing, great snow, great scenery, friendly crowds. This is NOT a resort so you may want to continue on I-70 to Vail, Beaver Creek, or Aspen
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| timmount's Full Review: Arapahoe Basin |
Location
Arapahoe Basin (or "A Basin" for the natives) is situated along interstate 70 about 70 miles west of Denver. It is high on the continental divide and receives an abundance of snow during the season as the clouds drop their precipitation going over the highest point in the Rockies. To get to the mountain you will need to make a left at Loveland Pass on I-70 and follow the two lane route over Loveland Pass dropping down behind the divide. As you follow the road down towards Keystone resort you will see A-Basin sitting high up on the divide above the tree line.
Fortunately the road is kept open all year long so that gasoline trucks that can't go through the interstate tunnels can get around the mountains. If you are somewhat shaky on these high mountain roads you can take the interstate to Keystone and back track up the road to the ski area.
A Basin
For those who were introduced to skiing at Vail or Aspen A Basin will either be a delight or a great disappointment.
A Basin has survived by providing great skiing alone. Their are no frills, no great restaurants, no bill boards,
no cement parking facilities, no nothing other than skiing.
This is for the skiing "Purist". The lifts take you into the basin where you have a panoramic view of the area. Where to ski is decided by the limitations you have set for yourself. There are some of the steepest trails in the country especially under the far right chair but don't expect any signs pedanticly telling you of the dangers.
You can keep you Bogner Jacket in the closet when you ski at A Basin - the "mountain look" with the goretex parka is the style of the day (or year). This mountain was made for skiing and what little revenue is produced is spent entirely to provide for the skiing experience. No real estate offices or 4 star hotels. You come to ski or you continue down I-70 30 miles more to Vail where shopping, dining, being seen is in Vogue.
If you want to show your children what skiing was like 50 years ago then this is your place. Where as Beaver Creek
can spend $100 million on a concert hall and yet not have a warm up hut at the bottom of the mountain, at A Basin there is a great A frame base lodge for drinks, food, and meeting your friends for lunch. No door men, no marble bathrooms
this is large spacious lodgepole pine rustic building.
There are some great runs for intermediate and beginner skiers make no mistake this mountain is for the die hard expert (or semi expert) skier. It may take a day or two to acclimitize to the altitude but fortunately there is no hotel at this height. The restaurants and hotels are located down the mountain at Keystone. For your convenience
there is a free bus from the accomodations at Keystone to A Basin. The atmosphere is very friendly although you may feel old with all the college age skiers.
Summary
This is a great ski area for those who love to ski. It is not a resort nor a shopping center. No artsy-fartsy shoppes, 4 star dining, or concert halls just great skiing with great views of some of the highest peaks in Colorado.
Recommended:
Yes
Level of Experience Needed: Intermediate
Best Time to Visit: March
Best Suited For: Students
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Epinions.com ID:
timmount
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Location: Columbus, Ohio
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Hard core skier, business owner in the medical field
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