Industry News
Ikon Base Pass holders will enjoy expanded early season access to Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, this winter, following an access change announced ahead of the 2025-26 season. A-Basin, one of the earliest U.S. resorts to open for winter, will now offer unlimited skiing and riding to Ikon Base Pass holders from opening day through Friday, December 19. These days do not count toward the regular five-day season allocation on the Ikon Base Pass, allowing pass holders to maximize time on the slopes before the holiday rush.
“The 25/26 Ikon Pass Base Pass now offers unlimited early season skiing and riding at A-Basin from opening day through Friday, December 19, 2025. Expand your early season and get more out of The Legend with endless fall turns, free tunes every Saturday in November, and the best vibes ⛷️
From Dec. 20-closing day (TBD), Base Pass holders will have 5 days at A-Basin. These unlimited days in early season will not count against the 5 days on Ikon Base Pass.”
In addition to expanded access, the resort has also scheduled weekly events throughout November, including the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Uphill Race, a Mimosa Bar every Sunday at The Perch, and DJ sets at Black Mountain Lodge every Saturday.
From December 20 through closing day 2026, Ikon Base Pass holders will revert to the standard five-day limit at Arapahoe Basin, with no blackout dates. The resort’s goal is to attract more visitors during traditionally quieter early-season weeks. Full Ikon Pass holders will maintain unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin throughout the 2025-26 season.
Arapahoe Basin will open for skiing as early as possible, depending on weather and snowmaking conditions. The last two years have seen A-Basin open on November 2, 2024, and October 29, 2023.
Arapahoe Basin, affectionately known as “The Legend,” opened in 1946 as one of Colorado’s earliest ski areas, founded by 10th Mountain Division veterans and ski enthusiasts Larry and Marnie Jump. Originally built on a shoestring budget with a single rope tow accessible by a surplus Army vehicle, A-Basin quickly earned a reputation for challenging terrain and a passionate skier culture. For nearly two decades, it was part of the Epic Pass lineup under Vail Resorts before leaving in 2019 to join the Ikon Pass network. Over the decades, it has expanded substantially while maintaining its commitment to true skiing and riding enthusiasts, operating at some of the highest elevations in North America. Today, under new ownership, the resort continues to honor the vision of its founders by fostering a spirited and authentic winter experience for all levels of riders.
