Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Closes Season on May 3

Snowflakes fall gently on the slopes of Arapahoe Basin Ski Area — a rare sight in a season marked by low snowpack. The sound of skiers and snowboarders fills the air, a stark contrast to the eerie silence that will soon descend on the mountain. A-Basin's season will come to a close on Sunday, May 3, after 194 days of operation — the longest in Colorado this year.

Make no mistake, this is a notable achievement, especially given the historically low snowpack. A-Basin was the second resort to open in Summit County, following closely behind Keystone Resort. The resort's ability to maintain operations for an extended period is a direct result of its snowmaking capabilities and the dedication of its staff.

As the season draws to a close, A-Basin is offering $39 lift tickets starting Monday, April 27. Beer specials will be available at 6th Alley all weekend, and live music will fill the air on May 2-3, with performances by Moonstone Quill and Don Fuego. The resort's usual themed skiing days in May, including swimwear day, denim day, and Star Wars day, will be condensed into one giant party on closing day.

A-Basin will tie Copper Mountain Resort for the latest closing in Summit County this year, as Copper has extended its season through May 3. This move is worth watching, as it may indicate a shift in the way ski resorts approach the end of their seasons. The decision to extend the season may be driven by a desire to capitalize on the remaining snow and provide skiers with more opportunities to hit the slopes.

The short version is that A-Basin's closing date is earlier than usual, but the resort is still committed to providing a fun and festive atmosphere for its patrons. Read that again, 194 days of operation is no small feat, especially in a year marked by low snowpack. A-Basin's extended operational period is a result of its ability to adapt and thrive in challenging conditions.

As the ski season comes to a close, it's worth noting that the impact of low snowpack will be felt long after the slopes are closed. The effects on local businesses, from ski shops to restaurants, will be significant. The community will have to come together to support these businesses and find ways to mitigate the impact of a shorter ski season.

Folks around here know that the ski industry is a significant contributor to the local economy. A-Basin's ability to operate for nearly 200 days will be a welcome boost to the community. However, the reality is that the ski season is coming to an end, and the focus will soon shift to other activities and attractions.

In the valley, the sound of skiers and snowboarders will soon be replaced by the sound of mountain bikes and hiking boots. The transition from winter to summer activities will be a welcome change for some, but for others, it will be a reminder that the ski season is truly over. One aspect of the community's future is already taking shape - the impact of the ski season will be felt for months to come, influencing local businesses and economies in various ways.

The question on everyone's mind is - what's next for A-Basin and the ski industry as a whole? The answer, much like the snowpack, remains uncertain.