DENVER – Get ready for some Independence Day skiing for the first time in eight years, Colorado! Arapahoe Basin will officially close for the season after some stars-and-stripes skiing and riding on the Fourth of July.
The ski area just over Loveland Pass from Interstate 70 west of Denver officially opened on Oct. 19 last year, so the epic 2018-19 season at Arapahoe Basin will have lasted about 8 ½ months.
It’s the first time that the ski area has been open on July 4 since 2011 – but this season still pales in comparison to that of 1995, when A-Basin stayed open until Aug. 10.
March and May proved to be a major boon to the ski area, with heavy snow and below-normal temperatures. Almost 7 feet of snow fell in March, and the ski area started June with 106% of its average snowfall for the year. The ski area has extended its season several times already this season.
It will be open this weekend for skiing and snowboarding for the final weekend of the season.
The Black Mountain Express and Lenawee lifts will be running from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Fourth. The ski area says the upper parts of the mountain still have the best coverage, but there is no beginner skiing or riding.
Adults can pay $69 for a full-day lift ticket or show a season pass to any ski area in the world from 2018-19 for a $59 ticket.
The 6th Alley Bar and Grill will be serving from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Independence Day.
A-Basin is advising people to carpool because of the large number of visitors expected.
“We love that we’re able to do this. If we can offer a good experience this late in the season then we will, and we think it’s pretty amazing,” said Arapahoe Basin COO Alan Henceroth.