Why Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is Highly Rated for Advanced Skiers

Arapahoe Basin's 4.73/5.00 rating means it has been awarded the silver award for Best Resort for Advanced Skiers in the World. Arapahoe Basin have thoroughly earned through its legendary challenging terrain that truly sets it apart from other resorts. Expert skier Max couldn't put it better when describing A-Basin as "incredible terrain... if you love skiing, Arapahoe Basin is on the shortlist of places that could be considered Mecca." The mountain's reputation for steep, technical runs is well-documented by our users, with Aiden, an expert skier, highlighting that "when it snows there's unlimited rocks and cliffs and jumps all around the mountain to play in." Many Snomad community members emphasize the resort's dedication to the advanced skier experience, with MarQuis pointing out that A-Basin offers "some of the steepest slopes in Colorado," while Paul notes that the mountain "seems to focus on gnarly terrain over groomed runs."

The demanding conditions and technical challenges of A-Basin create an authentic playground for skilled riders seeking to push their limits. Expert skier Troy shares that despite arriving early after an 18-inch snowfall, "I could still easily find fresh pow in the trees if I looked for it," showcasing the mountain's ability to maintain quality conditions even on busy days. One Snomad user, Liberty, particularly recommends "hitting the back bowls" for advanced skiers, while Brayden describes the experience as "long steep runs and powder fields lending to a day filled with adventure." The mountain's high elevation contributes to its challenging character, with Carter noting that "majority of this resort is above the treeline" creating "wide open ski runs with outstanding beauty." Even when discussing the mountain's difficult nature, Jordan, an advanced snowboarder, acknowledges that A-Basin "is a difficult mountain but has a lot to offer if you're up for the challenge/have the skill level."

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!