Industry News
Brought to you by Ikon Pass
Arapahoe Basin ski area in Colorado just announced that they will open for the 2019/20 ski season TODAY, October 11th, 2019!
This is unprecedented…
Arapahoe Basin is opening today to beat Keystone to be the first ski resort open in North America this season.
Keystone just announced today that they will open tomorrow, October 12th, 2019.
The Ikon Pass VS Epic Pass rivalry is really heating up!
Arapahoe Basin is on the Ikon Pass this year.
Loveland has reported that they will not open this weekend:
“Things are looking great on the upper section of the mountain. Our snowmaking crew still has a good amount of snow to make on the bottom half. Loveland will not open this weekend. Here’s a video from today.” – Loveland, CO, 10/11/19
“The race to be the first to open in Colorado and the country is always a treat. Vail has announced that Keystone is opening tomorrow. I know Loveland is right on their tail. Congratulations to both resorts.
We are proud to announce that we will open Black Mountain Express today, Friday, October 11, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. There will be $15 lift tickets, $5 beers and $5 apres ski dishes in the 6th Alley. Starting tomorrow, we will be open with normal operating hours. Mug Club sales begin Saturday.
Our team has done an extraordinary job making snow, grooming snow, getting the annual tramway licenses, hiring staff, training staff, etc. etc. etc. We have been having fun. I can’t wait to get my skis on. As I write, the cat drivers are putting the finishing touches on the snow. The lift ops and the ski patrollers are getting their gear in order. The staff gets an A+ for this one.
Today we will be hosting an extraordinary Friday Afternoon Club. Come join us for a few turns, a quick bite and a beverage with friends. Ski season is here. Thanks so much for being part of Arapahoe Basin.” – Al Henceroth, COO Arapahoe Basin, 10/11/19
ARAPAHOE BASIN PRESS RELEASE:
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Summit County, Colorado, kicks off the 2019-20 ski season in North America today, Friday October 11. It will begin operations at 3:30 p.m. for opening day and keep the Black Mountain Express Lift turning until 5:30 p.m., servicing the High Noon intermediate run. Special lift ticket pricing on Oct. 11 is $15 at the ticket window. The party continues in the 6th Alley Bar & Grill until 6:00 p.m. Today only, all draft beers and appetizers in the 6th Alley are $5, each.
The lift will open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 12 to continue the festivities. A-Basin hosts the longest ski and ride season in Colorado, open from mid-October to early June, often later. This past season, the ski area opened October 19, 2018 and continued winter operations through July 4, 2019. A-Basin was only closed for 99 days, the shortest amount of time in its history.
“We did this because the snow is really good, our people are anxious and we are ready to go. We thought it would be fun,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin COO. Check out his blog for more insight: https://
The Banana Terrain Park will open October 12 with four features. A-Basin started snowmaking on October 2, 2019, and will continue to make snow as conditions permit with the goal of opening more terrain as soon as possible.
HOURS AND PRICING BEGINNING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Beginning Saturday, the 6th Alley Bar & Grill will open at 8:00 a.m. and serve lunch and après snacks starting at 10:30 a.m. The Black Mountain Lodge will serve lunch starting at 10:30 a.m. The Legends Café will open at 7:15 a.m. and serve breakfast until 10:30 a.m., and lunch after that.
Ski and snowboard rentals will be available at A-Basin beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Arapahoe Sports Retail Shop will be open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Snowsports lessons and uphill access are not yet available.
Lift tickets at the window will be $95 for adults, $80 for youth (ages 15-18) and $51 for children (6-14) with discounts available for military and seniors (70+). Kids 5 and under ski free but must pick up their free season pass in the Guest Services office.
Anyone wanting to join the A-Basin Mug Club can purchase their mug Saturday morning in Marnie’s for $45, beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Additional opening weekend details can be found on ArapahoeBasin.com.
— IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MEDIA WISHING TO ATTEND THE CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY —
You are welcome to join or request an interview, but we need to know in advance to accommodate you. Please read these instructions carefully. We may not be able to assist you if you show up unannounced.
MEDIA PARKING
We will set aside parking for satellite trucks in the lower lot if you RSVP. There is no parking in the admin lot without prior approval. Parking is otherwise first-come, first-served. DO NOT DRIVE ON THE SNOW AT ANY TIME. If you plan to join us and need a parking spot, please email Katherine ASAP with your name, telephone number and media outlet in which your story will run.
MEDIA COMP TICKETS
If you will need a lift ticket, please email Katherine or Leigh ASAP with your telephone number and media outlet in which your story will run. If we have to issue your ticket on Saturday, please be patient.
INTERVIEWS
Staff are available for interviews today and tomorrow. Please try to schedule your interview in advance.
CELL SERVICE AND INTERNET
Cell phone service and wireless internet are limited at A-Basin on opening day. Only AT&T works, and our WiFi network is open to the public, which will slow it down. If you need to upload large media files, we suggest heading toward Dillon where there is more reliable coverage.
