Industry News
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (A-Basin) in Colorado is thrilled to announce the successful opening of its newest terrain expansion, The Beavers, yesterday, November 26, 2018. The 468-acre terrain expansion is served by a new four-person chairlift running from 9:00 am to 3:15 pm daily. The 34 new runs of the expansion include two new intermediate groomed runs, open bowls and some of the best glade skiing in Colorado.
“We’ve been fortunate to have received good snow in October and November. This past week’s storm of an additional 22” has given us the opportunity to put the finishing touches on the new terrain. The conditions are fantastic,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin Chief Operating Officer. “We couldn’t be more excited to open this new, lift-served terrain to the public.”
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Located to the west of the current ski area boundary, the new 468-acres of skiable terrain brings the ski area’s total acreage to 1,428-acres. The new terrain will accommodate a wide range of skiers, from intermediates to experts.
The expansion also includes the extreme terrain of The Steep Gullies (129-acres) for experts only. This terrain will open as soon as conditions permit. The Steep Gullies are some of the most advanced and challenging terrain in Colorado. The terrain is not lift served and all skiers using this terrain will be required to take a 20-30 minute hike back to the bottom of the Pallavicini Lift.
About the Terrain
The Beavers
The terrain in The Beavers will run the gamut from intermediate (blue square) groomed runs to most difficult and extreme (black and double-black diamond) tree skiing. The terrain is rolling and varied, with open bowl skiing at the top and glades on the west side and the lower 2/3 of the terrain. Look for two new groomed intermediate runs, Loafer and Davis, in the 2018-19 season.
The Steep Gullies
The Steep Gullies will be the most challenging skiing at Arapahoe Basin. These steep, narrow chutes vary in pitch and width and will be rated as “extreme” (double-black diamond). All terrain in The Steep Gullies will be designated as “hike back,” meaning that guests will hike or skin back to the bottom of the Pallavicini Lift upon completion of their run.
Fast Facts
Acreage
- 468 total acres
- 339 lift-served acres in The Beavers
- 129 hike-back acres in The Steep Gullies
Chairlift stats
- To be installed Summer 2018, opening 2018-19 ski season
- The Beavers chair will be a fixed-grip quad (4 people per chair)
- Lift manufacturer: Leitner-Poma
About the hike back trail
- The hike back trail will lead from the bottom of The Beavers & The Steep Gullies terrain to the bottom terminal of the Pallavicini Lift
- Hike time is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on equipment and fitness level
- Guests may use skins to make their way back to the lift
