Expert skiers only: Arapahoe Basin expansion adds backcountry-like terrain with chutes, glades and more
ARAPAHOE BASIN — The shouts from the chairlift drift down to ski area boss Alan Henceroth.
“How is it, Al?”
“Are you getting it ready?”
“Where’s the good snow?”
Henceroth, who started as a ski patroller 29 years ago and now runs Arapahoe Basin ski area, peels the skins off his skis, transitioning from uphill to downhill after a short hike from beyond the ski area’s soon-to-change boundary.
“Still pretty good on the north-facing stuff,” he hollers to the passersby above. “We’re getting there.”
After almost 10 years of planning and four years of federal environmental review, Henceroth and his Arapahoe Basin team are preparing to open snowy, steep terrain west of the 960-acre ski area. The 468-acre expansion into the Steep Gullies and the Beavers — including steep chutes, glades and a couple intermediate runs — marks A-Basin’s step into the big leagues of steep skiing, joining expert destinations like Alta, Jackson Hole, Crested Butte and Silverton Mountain.
“This is a big piece for the Basin. It’s going to be completely different than what we have now,” Henceroth said. “The best part of my job is when someone comes up and tells me what a great day skiing they had. I think there’s a lot more of those to come, especially with this project.”
Ski area expansion plans across Colorado in the last two decades have largely focused on growing intermediate terrain for the vacationers who float resorts’ financial boats: Peak 6 at Breckenridge in 2012; Arapahoe Basin’s push into Montezuma Bowl in 2007; Telluride’s expansion into Prospect Bowl in 2001; Vail’s addition of Blue Sky Basin in 2000.
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ARAPAHOE BASIN, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 10: Skiers ski in the off piste, or out of bounds, area called The Beavers at Arapahoe Basin on February 10, 2017 in Arapahoe Basin, Colorado. Arapahoe Basin ski area will be developing this area for the upcoming 2017-18 ski season. The Beavers is backcountry terrain that the Forest Service recently approved for expansion, the least controversial terrain expansion at a ski area in recent memory. Arapahoe Basin will begin installing lift towers and clearing runs in the area this summer, with an opening set for the 2017-18 ski season. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
ARAPAHOE BASIN, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 10: Skiers ski in the off piste, or out of bounds, area called The Beavers at Arapahoe Basin on February 10, 2017 in Arapahoe Basin, Colorado. Arapahoe Basin ski area will be developing this area for the upcoming 2017-18 ski season. The Beavers is backcountry terrain that the Forest Service recently approved for expansion, the least controversial terrain expansion at a ski area in recent memory. Arapahoe Basin will begin installing lift towers and clearing runs in the area this summer, with an opening set for the 2017-18 ski season. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)