Featured Image: Curtis DeVore, Courtesy of Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin, The Legend, A-Basin, May-Bay, The Basin, The Center of the Universe; there are many nicknames at Arapahoe Basin, but no matter what you call it, the 2026 season is officially coming to a close. Sad but true, A-Basin has announced the ski area will shut down for the winter on May 3.
Despite this being the earliest Arapahoe Basin closing day in recent memory (maybe ever?), they still managed to operate for 194 days this winter, the longest of any resort in Colorado. It was a tough year with poor snowfall and tricky conditions. Still, the crew at The Basin made the best of the situation and were able to keep the iconic Pali Chair running through March, open Montezuma Bowl, and host plenty of stellar events throughout the year.
Lift tickets will be just $39 starting April 27 through closing day, there will be food and beverage specials at the famous Sixth Alley Bar and Grill, and costumes are highly encouraged. Typically, A-Basin hosts many "official unofficial" holidays during May. From denim day to swimwear day, Star Wars day (May 4) to derby day, they'll all have to be packed into one epic weekend this year.
Never miss a May-Basin party; it's that simple!
Photo: Curtis DeVore (1 and 2), Ian Zinner (3 and 4)
The ski area announced the decision to close on April 24, stating, "With a waning snowpack, Mother Nature has deemed it our time. A-Basin will be closing for the winter season on Sunday, May 3. May is well known for officially unofficial days here at The Basin. So, as a final sendoff, we’re serving up one large closing day with the works."
"Get your costumes ready and one final spring wax," the ski area said with what we can only imagine were tears of excitement and sadness. "We're serving up one large closing day with the works." And with live music on both Saturday and Sunday, there's no reason not to get up and get down. We'll see you at A-Basin for one final send-off at The Legend!
