Arapahoe Basin Ski Report
Rate this placeNearby: Loveland Keystone Resort
Last Updated: January 2, 2026
Arapahoe Basin kicks off the new year with a fresh layer of powder this January 2, 2026. Arapahoe Basin ski resort in Colorado, United States offers a range of terrain suitable for all skill levels, with some of the best expert-level skiing in the state.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
Overnight temperatures held steady at a chilly 26°F, laying the groundwork for one new inch of snowfall—just enough to refresh the trails and keep early-season turns smooth and enjoyable. The current snowpack sits at 18 inches, which is still trailing the average for this time of year by over five inches. While the base could use a boost, the snow water equivalent remains a solid 4.6, suggesting a decent density and skiable consistency across groomed runs. Only an additional inch of snow is forecasted over the next 72 hours, so expect bluebird skies paired with crisp corduroy.
Despite the thinner-than-usual base, Arapahoe Basin is buzzing with energy as it enjoys its spot in the spotlight as one of the first North American resorts to open for the 2025/26 season. Recent headlines highlight the resort’s Master Development Plan and extended season into mid-June—a promising sign for diehard skiers looking to stretch their season well into spring. With Lake Reveal recently making an early appearance and terrain expanding steadily, A-Basin remains a go-to for those chasing high-alpine stoke and early-season laps.
Snowstake Cam
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Loveland Basin.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Loveland Basin
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Arapahoe Basin.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Arapahoe Basin
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Arapahoe Basin impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The resort is situated in the Arapaho National Forest and is known for its high alpine terrain and challenging skiing and snowboarding.
Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Arapahoe Basin include:
1. The Continental Divide: Arapahoe Basin is located on the eastern side of the Continental Divide, which runs through the Rocky Mountains and separates the watersheds that flow to the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.
2. The Tenmile Range: The resort is surrounded by the stunning Tenmile Range, which includes peaks such as Lenawee Mountain, The Spine, and The Steeple. These mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for skiing and snowboarding at Arapahoe Basin.
3. High Alpine Terrain: Arapahoe Basin is known for its high alpine terrain, with a base elevation of 10,780 feet and a summit elevation of 13,050 feet. This elevation provides for long runs and challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
4. The East Wall: One of the most famous aspects of Arapahoe Basin is the East Wall, which offers some of the most challenging and extreme terrain in Colorado. The East Wall is only accessible by a hike or snowcat ride and provides steep chutes, cliffs, and deep powder for expert skiers and snowboarders.
Overall, Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort offers a unique and challenging skiing experience in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, with a variety of terrain and stunning mountain vistas to enjoy.
The resort's East Wall is a particular highlight, boasting challenging runs with steep chutes and tree runs. A lesser-known fact about the resort is that it was one of the first ski areas in the US to allow snowboarding in 1984. For beginners, the Molly Hogan run is a gentle slope perfect for getting comfortable on skis. After a long day on the slopes, the 6th Alley Bar & Grill is a popular apres ski spot, serving up hearty meals and drinks.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 7 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 10500 per hour |
Base Elevation | 3286 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 900 Acres |
Established | 1946 |
Run Count | 105 Trails |
Arapahoe Basin FAQ
How much snow did Arapahoe Basin receive over the past day?
The ski area received 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Arapahoe Basin today?
Weather today, snow likely, mainly after 4pm. cloudy, with a high near 31. breezy, with a west wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%. total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
What are some ski resorts near Arapahoe Basin?
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Colorado ski resorts are anticipating a strong round of snowfall this week, with the heaviest accumulations forecasted in the northwestern and southwestern mountains. Steamboat, near Dry Lake and Tower sensors, is expecting up to 13" in the next five days. The Tower sensor, currently showing the deepest snowpack in the state at 44", suggests Steamboat could see excellent powder conditions. ... Read more
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