DENVER – Arapahoe Basin will end its partnership with Vail Resorts after the 2018-19 ski season as the resort discusses possible other partnerships with other resorts and resort groups, the ski area announced on Monday.
“A-Basin has seen exceptional growth both in popularity and skier visitation after investing 40 million dollars over the last 15 years. While the mountain still has plenty of room for skiers and riders, the ski area is feeling a pinch on parking and facility space. Due to these constraints, Arapahoe Basin believes its staff can take better care of its guests by separating from Vail Resorts,” said a press release from Arapahoe Basin released Monday morning.
The release says that Vail Resorts passes for this season will remain valid at A-Basin for the rest of the season.
The ski area said that “at this time, there are no new partnerships to announce” but said that it would be discussing “opportunities with several resorts and resort groups.”
“Skiers and riders that call A-Basin home can feel good knowing the resort will still offer tremendous value and exceptional mountain experiences,” the release said. “These actions are designed to preserve that special culture and vibe people expect when they choose to spend a day at The Basin. The future for Arapahoe Basin is very bright.”
Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass got a new competitor this year, as Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass was unveiled, which provides access to Copper Mountain, Winter Park and Eldora in Colorado.
Arapahoe Basin has seen parking lots fill up by 10:30 a.m. on some weekends this year and introduced some paid parking spots this season as well, as the numbers of skiers and snowboarders riding and skiing in Colorado continues to increase.
Parking is full at the moment. Please join us this afternoon!
— Arapahoe Basin (@Arapahoe_Basin) January 13, 2019
A-Basin also opened new terrain this year and another new restaurant atop the mountain.
“Looking forward, we strive to provide ready and easy access for our guests,” COO Alan Henceroth said in a statement. “Our goal is to minimize waiting and crowding and maximize experiences and fun.”
Vail Resorts briefly owned the ski area until it had to divest its ownership in August 1997 and was acquired by Dundee Resort Development and Dream Unlimited Corporation.
Vail Resorts said that it would replace its Keystone A-Basin Pass with the Keystone Plus Pass, which provides access at Keystone with holiday restrictions, unlimited spring skiing at Breckenridge and five days at Crested Butte.
"We want to thank Arapahoe Basin for their partnership for over 20 years," said Vail Resorts Chief Marketing Officer Kirsten Lynch. "We are disappointed but given the success they have had and their recent investments into the resort, we respect that this is the right time for them to move in a different direction."