Arapahoe Basin
Ski rentals near Arapahoe Basin
A-Basin tops out at 13,050 feet with 350 inches of snow a year. Rent Performance or Demo gear at Exit 241 and arrive with edges that hold.
33 miles from the shop
Arapahoe Basin: rent in Idaho Springs, ski the mountain
Arapahoe Basin is the high-altitude option: more than 1,400 acres of terrain, a summit at 13,050 feet, and an average of 350 inches of snowfall each season. The East Wall is the draw for expert skiers, with steep chutes and a hike-to ridge that stays in condition long after other terrain has softened.
It is not only for experts. A-Basin keeps dedicated learning areas at the base, and the groomed runs off the lower lifts are a good place for intermediates to build confidence at altitude.
Altitude is the thing people underestimate. Drink water on the drive, take the first runs slowly, and make sure your boots are comfortable before you leave the shop — a boot that pinches at 7 AM will be unbearable by noon at 12,000 feet.
- Performance skis from $45 with sharp edges for the steeps
- Demo skis from $55: Elan Ripstick, Rossignol Sender, Black Crows Camox
- Grip Walk boots welcome on Performance and Demo
- Boots fitted before you climb to 13,000 feet
On the mountain
What A-Basin is known for
- More than 1,400 acres of terrain
- Summit elevation 13,050 ft
- About 350 inches of annual snowfall
- The East Wall for expert skiers
- Dedicated learning areas at the base
The drive
The drive over Loveland Pass
- 33 miles west on I-70 over Loveland Pass
- Performance and Demo skis suit the steeps
- Hydrate on the drive — the base is high
- Return by 7 PM to the Idaho Springs shop
- Call ahead if the pass is slow
Check COtrip for road conditions before you leave; closures on I-70 are the one thing we cannot tune around.
Good to know
Arapahoe Basin questions
How far is Arapahoe Basin from Idaho Springs?
Arapahoe Basin is 33 miles west of Maison de Ski, up I-70 over Loveland Pass. Rent gear at Exit 241 before the climb so you arrive ready to ski.
What skis should I rent for the East Wall?
The East Wall is steep, high and often firm, so most skiers are happier on Performance or Demo skis with sharp edges. Elan Ripstick, Rossignol Sender and Black Crows Camox are all on the demo rack.
Does A-Basin get a lot of snow?
Arapahoe Basin receives about 350 inches of snowfall a year and tops out at 13,050 feet, which is why its season tends to run longer than most Colorado resorts.
Can I rent Grip Walk boots with my skis?
Yes, if you book Performance or Demo skis. Sport skis use standard alpine bindings and do not accept Grip Walk soles.
High altitude, sharp edges
Rent Performance or Demo gear at Exit 241 so your first run at 12,000 feet is not on a dull edge.