Why Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is Highly Rated for Advanced Skiers

Arapahoe Basin has fantastic advanced terrain. It's no wonder that the resort received our 2025 Gold Award for **Best in North America for Advanced Skiers **. Scoring an incredibly respectful 4.73/5.00, Arapahoe Basin offers an uncompromising playground for those seeking serious challenges. The mountain's steep terrain is consistently praised by our users, with expert skier Max describing it as "incredible terrain" that places A-Basin "on the shortlist of places that could be considered Mecca" for dedicated skiers. Expert snowboarder Aiden highlights the abundance of "rocks and cliffs and jumps all around the mountain to play in" when fresh snow falls, while MarQuis, an advanced snowboarder, calls it home to "some of the steepest slopes in Colorado." The Pali lift, specifically mentioned by several reviewers, serves as the gateway to some of the most demanding runs on the mountain.

The technical nature of A-Basin's runs creates an environment where skilled skiers can truly test their abilities across varied and challenging conditions. Expert skier Paul explains that while the mountain caters to all levels, he specifically visits "to get off the groomers and find some rocks to jump or trees to thread." Advanced skier Eric calls it "the skier's ski resort" for those who "love long runs, trees, and off-piste." The mountain's reputation for difficulty is echoed by Jordan, an advanced snowboarder, who describes it as "a difficult mountain but has a lot to offer if you're up for the challenge/have the skill level." Expert skier Troy adds that despite the family-friendly areas, there's "incredible skiing if you like steep runs, deep powder, and trees," making A-Basin a true advanced skier's paradise that rewards those with the skills to tackle its demanding terrain.

Want to know if this resort is right for you? Read our full resort guide to see how Arapahoe Basin Ski Area stacks up across all 20 of our community-rated categories!