Featured Image: Lucas Herbert, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Another ski season is here and Colorado's high country has claimed the coveted first-to-open title. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area announced plans to open for winter 2026-27 today, October 28, at 11 a.m. Black Mountain Express, The Basin's central four-person lift, will be running, with access to the High Noon run.
High Noon is typically the first run open for the season at A-Basin, with its steep pitch providing fast and fun turns to those looking for an early start to the season. Black Mountain Lodge and the 6th Alley Bar & Grill, two of the more iconic eateries in the wide world of skiing, will both be open, with the former serving up lunch all afternoon and the latter opening up at 9 a.m.
No parking reservations are required, so don't let that hold you back. Ticket bundles , day tickets and passes are on sale. Plus, Ikon Pass holders can score 50% off friends and family tickets for the rest of October, which can be used at any point this season. Be a team player and lock in a screamin' deal for your pals while you can.
Opening day at Arapahoe Basin, which is often the first ski area in North America to ramp up operations for the season, is an experience every skier should strive to take part in at least once. With this season being A-Basin's 80th anniversary , the occasion is even more momentous.
And while the skiing is always fun, it's the people that make it a real party. Breakfast in the lot, giveaways in the lift line, live music at the base and more stoke than you'll know what to do with: Those are some of the key ingredients you can count on. Congrats to The Basin for being the first to open for the season, and we'll see you on the hill!
Winter is picking up steam at The Basin | Photo: Riley Risser, Arapahoe Basin
