* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 7 and 14 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Rocky Mountain National Park and the Medicine Bow Range, and The Mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, and the Indian Peaks. * WHEN...From 11 PM Friday to 11 PM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and road closures are possible.
It’s a crisp start to December at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, with overnight temperatures dipping to 4.5°F and a snowpack depth of 13 inches—trailing the seasonal average by nearly 46%. 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.
Wind
Humidity
While early snowfall has dusted the slopes and allowed A-Basin to be among the first ski resorts to open in North America, coverage remains thin in places. However, there’s optimism in the air: the five-day forecast is calling for up to 6 inches of fresh snow, with nearly the entire total expected in the next 72 hours. That incoming powder could make a noticeable difference for holiday riders and help ski patrol expand open terrain.
Despite the slow start to natural snowfall, A-Basin is buzzing with anticipation. The mountain is hosting the 2025 IFSA Freeride World Tour Challenger Stop #3, bringing elite athletes and energy to the slopes. Snowmaking efforts have been challenged by warmer-than-average temps, but cooler nights should improve conditions. With a base elevation of 10,780 feet and a reputation for late-season skiing, A-Basin is still poised to deliver the high-alpine thrills it's known for. Keep your eye on the skies—this week's forecast could give winter the boost it needs to settle in for good.
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.
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.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Arapahoe Basin impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
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 |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, patchy blowing snow after 11am. mostly sunny, with a high near 14. wind chill values as low as -15. blustery, with a west northwest wind 13 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
Arapahoe Basin is expected to receive up to 6.5" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Heavy snowfall is expected across northern Colorado in the coming days, especially near Steamboat Springs, where nearby sensors like Dry Lake and Tower forecast up to 22–23 inches over the next 5 days. Elk River and Columbine are also projecting significant snowfall totals (17–23 inches), suggesting Steamboat Resort could see some of the best powder in the state. Ripple Creek ... Read more