Industry News
[UPDATED: 8:25 a.m. PST, December 2, 2025]
Arapahoe Basin, known as the “legend” for its long season and local vibe, is committed to significant infrastructure investments as outlined in its Master Development Plan (MDP). The proposed MDP, first introduced in 2023 before Alterra’s 2024 acquisition of Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin), is set to keep the “Legend” alive for decades. A-Basin sits in the White River National Forest, 15 Miles east of Dillon, Colorado. Because the resort is on United States Forest Service land, it needs to have its MDP approved by the US Forest Service before it can begin implementing any upgrades. The US Forest Service accepted the MDP in September 2025; this means the proposals align with current guidelines and the ski area’s permit, but it does not mean the plan is approved yet. Importantly, all individual projects in the MDP are subject to approval under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before the installation can begin.
As part of its MDP, A-Basin is planning large lift infrastructure upgrades. The resort is planning to build a pulse gondola from the Upper Last Chance parking lot to a newly expanded base area. Currently, skiers and riders must board a bus to reach the base area from the parking area. This gondola would allow A-Basin to eliminate the bus service and improve access to the mountain. The addition of “Moose Hollow” and “Upper Upper” parking lots will provide a modest increase in available parking for resort guests, easing congestion during peak times.
A-Basin is planning to build a new gondola that would rise from the base area to a new beginner area called Sawmill Flats, with a skier services center with ski rentals, food, and restrooms. The gondola will significantly improve navigation around the mountain and will ease congestion on Black Mountain Express. From Sawmill Flats, a new high-speed quad, the Wrangler Express, would rise to the bottom of Lenawee Express, opening a new beginner trail, Wrangler Middle. Combining the new gondola and Wrangler Express lifts will give skiers and riders a second way up to the Lenawee Express, ultimately easing access to Montezuma Bowl and Beavers Lift. In addition, a new maintenance facility is planned near the Pallavicini lift in the base area.
A-Basin is keeping winter alive with snowmaking upgrades. The mountain currently has 75 acres of snowmaking coverage. This master plan calls for adding 65 acres, bringing the total to 140 acres. This represents roughly 10% of the mountain’s 1,400 skiable acres, which is relatively small for a major Rocky Mountain resort. However, its high elevation and reliable natural snowfall allow A-Basin to boast one of North America’s longest seasons, typically spanning from October to June or July.
Alongside snowmaking upgrades, a new remote mitigation avalanche tool is being installed. The Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS) will be installed on the East Wall and Montezuma Bowl areas. A-Basin currently uses a wide range of avalanche mitigation systems across the mountain, including hand charges and cable-pulley equipment. The modern system will increase safety for patrollers, skiers, and riders. Most RACS systems can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of weather or visibility, to prevent the accumulation of large, dangerous avalanches.
The master plan outlines a 10-year timeline for potential improvements. The resort is seeking approval of its MDP from the U.S. Forest Service and NEPA. It is positioning the proposed upgrades as part of its long-term strategy to maintain Arapahoe Basin’s identity and competitiveness in the Colorado ski market.
More parking, beginner lifts, and snowmaking. I’m not sure that this qualifies as “improvements” in my book.