Alterra Buys A-Basin
Add another mountain to the growing list owned by Alterra – Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin, which everybody calls A-Basin.
A favorite of locals and those who prefer an old-fashioned, low-key destination, A-Basin has been part of the Ikon Pass system since 2019.
Devoted fans hope Alterra won’t change it into a glitzy resort like its neighbors, Vail and Breckenridge, which are owned by Vail Resorts and on the Epic Pass. So far, all that’s been announced is improvements to parking and snowmaking, perhaps as early as next season. This season, there are no chan
ges to the Ikon Pass.
A-Basin sits on the Continental Divide and offers some of North America’s highest-elevation and most-challenging terrain, paired with a laid-back vibe. More than 80% of the mountain is blue, black or double-black – seriously, a place for serious skiers.
Iconic terrain includes steep, funnel-shaped Pallavicini, the East Wall, the Steep Gullies, plus the Beavers and Montezuma Bowl, some of North America’s newest terrain.
A-Basin is just 68 miles from Denver and boasts the longest season in Colorado, often running through the 4th of July, when the day includes fireworks.
The Beach, a stretch of prime real estate at the base, transforms into one of Colorado’s longest-standing après traditions.
Over the last 27 years, owners Dream Unlimited Corp., together with the Arapahoe Basin management team, expanded A-Basin to 1,428 acres, replaced all of the lifts and most of the buildings, and opened the two highest elevation restaurants in North America, Il Rifugio and Steilhang Hut.
In 2018, A-Basin pledged to be carbon neutral by 2025 and recently the resort made a huge step toward that goal by officially using 100% renewable electricity.
“Arapahoe Basin is considered legendary for a reason. From its unparalleled terrain, to its commitment to sustainability, A-Basin has a team that has a passion and commitment for this unique place and its traditions, making it an ideal fit for the Alterra Mountain Company family,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO of Alterra Mountain Company.
Alan Henceroth, A-Basin’s Chief Operating Officer who has been with A-Basin for 36 years and has been the steward of the mountain’s unique culture.
“A-Basin has a long-time and loyal following among skiers and riders in Colorado and we care deeply about the culture of A-Basin that brings them back,” he said, adding, “we have every faith that Alterra is committed to helping us maintain A-Basin’s authenticity.”
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A-Basin is my favorite place to ski in Colorado and I’ve to quite a few resorts out there. I sincerely hope they don’t change the culture. I’m not a fan of the glitzy resorts and all that accompanies them…I just want great skiing and a place to grab a drink and rest afterwards.
Agree with you! I’ve skied a lot at A-Basin, including ski camps, and its culture is as much a draw as the superb terrain. As Evelyn says, it’s a place for serious skiers, who don’t want or need glitz.