Arapahoe Basin Ski Area to become an Alterra Mountain Company property
After 27 years of ownership, Dream Unlimited Corporation will sell Arapahoe Basin Ski Area to Alterra Mountain Company, the resort said in a release Monday.
The deal is expected to close later in 2024, adding Arapahoe Basin to Alterra’s portfolio of destinations in Colorado.
Arapahoe Basin’s Chief Operating Officer, Alan Henceroth, will remain at the helm managing the resort’s daily operations as well as future capital investments including plans for expanded parking and snowmaking.
“Change is a rich part of our history at A-Basin. Through different ownerships and eras, we’ve always been able to keep the vibe alive at our mountain,” Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin Chief Operating Officer said. “Since 2019, we’ve worked alongside Alterra as a destination on Ikon Pass and I am certain of their commitment to our history, culture and attitude.”
A skier jumps a cornice in the Pallavincini zone Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Dillon, Colorado. Pallavincini zone opened for the first time for the 2023-24 winter Wednesday.
Arapahoe Basin has a long history in Colorado and was founded by Colorado Ski Hall of Famer Larry Jump in 1946 as one of the state’s original ski areas.
In 1997, after several changes of hand, Arapahoe Basin was purchased by Dundee Realty, later known as Dream. At the time, the resort only had 490 skiable acres.
Over the last 27 years, Dream and Arapahoe Basin expanded the ski area to over 1,400 acres, replacing every lift, many of the buildings, and opened the two highest-elevation restaurants in North America: Il Rifugio and Steilhang Hut. The historic A-Frame building has remained the same and become one of the most iconic lodges in the ski industry, the ski area said.
“At its core, Arapahoe Basin represents the true skier and rider mindset with big mountain challenges, a welcoming base area, home-cooked meals, and the friendliest staff in the business all equating to a uniquely authentic experience,” a spokesperson for the ski area said.
Recognizing the innate value of the unique culture found at each of the mountain communities, Alterra Mountain Company’s goal is to preserve, sustain, and support its two most important resources: the mountains and the people.
“Arapahoe Basin is considered legendary for a reason. From its unparalleled terrain to its commitment to sustainability, A-Basin has a team that has a passion and commitment for this unique place and its traditions, making it an ideal fit for the Alterra Mountain Company family,” Jared Smith, President and CEO of Alterra Mountain Company said. “A-Basin was a key addition to the Ikon Pass in 2019 and we have since then worked alongside their dedicated team and look forward to continuing our shared goals and values.”
All Arapahoe Basin staff still work for Dream with the primary objective to deliver the same incredible experiences the ski area has provided for the last 27 years under the Canadian realty company until the closing of the deal. There will be no changes to the 2023-24 Ikon Pass winter access or any of the Arapahoe Basin passes, the ski area said.
A skier skis fresh snow in Montezuma Bowl Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Dillon, Colorado.
Opening day of Montezuma Bowl Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Dillon, Colorado.
