This Is Where Locals Actually Ski in Colorado—With the Longest Season, ‘Beach’ Tailgating, and North America’s Highest Restaurant
Colorado has no shortage of famous ski resorts.
Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone—they’re on every must-ski list for a reason.
But ask a local where they actually go on powder days, and you’ll hear the same answer over and over.
Arapahoe Basin.
Locals call it A-Basin, and it’s become a favorite for skiers who want fewer crowds, an easy drive from Denver, extreme terrain, and a tailgating scene that has to be seen to be believed.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip there.
Why the Season Is So Long
A-Basin often opens as early as October and can stay open well into summer during strong snow years.
That’s not an exaggeration.
“A-Basin’s staff and location contribute to our long season,” says Becky McDill, the resort’s Ski and Ride School director.
“Positioned on the Continental Divide with a base elevation of over 10,000 feet, we’re blessed with early and late season snow that sticks around for a long time.”
But McDill says the real secret is the people.
“Without the passion of our management team and entire staff, we would not be able to provide such a long season for our guests. It’s our employees that ultimately make the season last so long with a lot of hard work and dedication.”
The sweet spot for visiting is February and March.
But chasing a storm and getting there right after fresh snowfall is always the move.
How to Get There
Fly into Denver International Airport, rent a car, and head west.
A-Basin sits about 65 miles from Denver—take I-70 and exit onto U.S.-6.
The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours, but make sure you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle because the roads get snowy in winter.
Driving is the best option for flexibility and setting your own schedule.
But for those who’d rather skip the winter road stress, the Snowstang express bus runs round-trip service from Denver’s Union Station directly to A-Basin.
It’s affordable and completely stress-free.
Where to Stay
Here’s something that makes A-Basin different from most Colorado resorts: there’s no slope-side lodging.
“People come to A-Basin in the winter to ski and enjoy our mountain—we’re a no-frills, no-bells-and-whistles kind of place,” says McDill.
“This is what keeps our vibe alive and our base area that small and friendly place.”
For nearby accommodations, look at Dillon, Frisco, or Silverthorne.
Staying in Denver and commuting to the mountain is also totally doable.
But for multiple ski days, Dillon is the move—it’s one of the best small mountain towns in the state.
Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge is a top pick.
It’s a 20-minute drive to A-Basin, sits right on beautiful Dillon Reservoir, and has a great walking trail around the water.
Plus it’s affordable, has free parking, continental breakfast, and is pet-friendly.
The Block Hotel & Commons in Silverthorne is another solid option for a more modern stay.
Stylish rooms, rooftop hot tub, a bar, community kitchen, and coworking space—also about 20 minutes from the resort.
Where to Eat on the Mountain
A-Basin may not have slope-side hotels, but the dining doesn’t disappoint.
Black Mountain Lodge is the go-to for a mid-mountain lunch.
Beautiful views of the East Wall, seriously good barbecue, and a pulled pork sandwich that shouldn’t be skipped.
The bacon bloody mary is easily one of the best in Summit County.
Il Rifugio at Snow Plume is the showstopper.
It sits at 12,456 feet—making it the highest-elevation restaurant in North America.
The vibe is European bistro, the menu features wine and charcuterie, and eating there genuinely feels like dining on top of the world.
Steilhang Hut is the spot for German classics—soft pretzels, bratwurst, and a cold draft beer between laps.
Where to Après
6th Alley Bar & Grill is right at the base, steps from the parking lot.
Two-story deck with views of the slopes, laid-back vibe, and a menu covering all the post-ski essentials: nachos, wings, tater tots, burgers, cold beer, and bloody marys.
They run weekly events too—Taco Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, and Wingo Thursday (that’s wings plus bingo).
It’s the perfect spot to wind down after a day on the mountain.
The Beach—A-Basin’s Legendary Tailgating Scene
This is what sets A-Basin apart from every other resort in Colorado.
The Beach is the front-row parking area, and it’s become legendary for tailgating.
Advance reservations are required, but it’s worth it.
This prime stretch of lot offers true ski-in, ski-out access straight from the car to the slopes.
But the real draw is the scene.
Locals roll out chairs, tables, grills, and coolers, turning the parking lot into a full-on social hub.
Expect funky outfits, big groups sharing food, dogs wandering by, and plenty of music and laughter.
It genuinely feels like a beach day—just with layers and ski boots instead of flip-flops.
For the true local A-Basin experience, tailgating at The Beach is a must.
Other Things to Do
For a slower-paced day, A-Basin offers snowshoe tours.
Rental packages include all the gear, a chairlift ride, and a self-guided hike for exploring the winter scenery at your own pace.
Tickets and Passes
A-Basin offers several options: full season pass, midweek pass with unlimited Monday-through-Friday access, and multiday passes for three, four, or five days.
The Ikon Pass is a popular choice for frequent skiers.
It gets you into A-Basin plus more than 60 other resorts across the U.S. and around the world—great for anyone planning to explore multiple mountains.
Rentals
Base N’ Edge Rentals at the resort has everything needed—skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, pants, and jackets.
Is It Too Advanced for Beginners?
A-Basin has a reputation as an expert mountain, and the numbers back it up—73 percent of the terrain is geared toward advanced and expert skiers.
But that shouldn’t scare beginners off.
There are plenty of runs for beginners and intermediates, plus an excellent Ski and Ride School.
Options include half-day and full-day group lessons, private sessions, adaptive programs, kids’ clubs, and guided tours.
