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Arapahoe Basin beats out Wolf Creek, Keystone to open ski season in Colorado

Snow cats, ski patrol and maintenance workers work on final preparations at the base area of Arapahoe Basin Ski Area ahead of opening day on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2026 at 11 a.m. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is the first ski area to open in Colorado for the 2026/27 season. (Web camera screen grab, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area).

In an early morning post on its website, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area announced it will open its slopes for its 80th anniversary season at 11 a.m., Wednesday, with access to the slopes via Black Mountain Express and skiing and riding on High Noon run.

The Black Mountain Express chairlift will spin until 4p.m. today, then seven days a week for as long as possible.

A-Basin beat out fellow ski areas Keystone Resort, Loveland Ski Area and Wolf Creek Ski Area to become the first mountain in the state to offer sliding on snow this season.

Colorado Tourism said in a statement Wednesday morning the resort plans to continue snowmaking, and open more terrain as quickly as possible along the Front Side of the mountain.

Colorado Tourism said Arapahoe Basin’s opening day will also feature giveaways, treats to welcome the first guests in line, and live music all day in the base area.

Parking reservations are not needed on opening day and are only required on weekends from Jan. 2, 2027, to May 2, 2027.

“Opening day marks the start of an exciting season for Colorado’s mountain communities, bringing visitors who support local businesses and jobs,” Colorado Tourism Office Director Timothy Wolfe said. “From world-class skiing to vibrant mountain towns, Colorado offers winter experiences that keep travelers coming back year after year.”


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