KEYSTONE — Arapahoe Basin on Wednesday unveiled a long-term master development plan that includes lift-served skiing in the dangerous steeps known as The Beavers just beyond its operating boundary.

The meeting in Keystone was the first step in what will likely be a several-year federal review process as the 900-acre, high-alpine ski area sculpts its future.

And the future looks steep.

With a 4,200-foot lift that climbs 1,500 vertical feet over daunting cliffs and precipitous conifer glades, Arapahoe Basin’s growth plan would add 412 acres and put it alongside North America’s most revered big-mountain playgrounds, like Jackson Hole, Alta, Crested Butte and Squaw Valley.

(Read about A-Basin’s new Double Down two-year ski pass.)

But it’s not a push for more skiers. The master plan – which includes a year-round zip line course and utilitarian additions like a short surface lift, expanded snowmaking capacity and chairlift replacement – would accommodate a mere 360 additional daily skiers.

It’s about creating a fuller, safer ski experience, said the ski area’s chief, Alan Henceroth, noting that several new intermediate blue runs will surround the steep new terrain.

Read more about the plan.

See a map and read more about the plan on COO Alan Henceroth’s blog.