Major city · United States
Arapahoe BasinA-Basin
Arapahoe Basin is a day trip or a half-day stop from Summit County: drive 20 min from Keystone, 30 min from Breckenridge. Skip it if you want a resort town with nightlife.
Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) is a high-altitude ski area on Loveland Pass, known for its long season (often October to June), steep terrain and local vibe. It has no lodging or restaurants beyond a base lodge, so most visitors come from nearby towns. The mountain expanded 80% in 2006–07 with the Montezuma Bowl, adding diverse terrain. Cell service is unreliable.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Dec–Apr for snow; Oct–Nov and May–Jun for early/late season
- avoid Jul–Sep (closed for summer)
- Airport
- DEN
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Arapahoe Basin911 ▾
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
- Summit County Sheriff (non-emergency)970-668-8600
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Arapahoe Basin, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA-Basin is safe; main risks are altitude sickness, cold weather and icy roads on Loveland Pass.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 970-668-8600 Summit County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDEN Denver International Airport (About 1.5–2 h drive via I-70 and CO-6).
- Getting aroundYou need a car or the Summit Shuttle (free, but limited schedule).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- BeerBeer (draft)$6–9
- Budget bedHostel bed in Keystone, a night, per personUS$50
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel in Breckenridge, a night, per roomUS$250
- High-end bedMid-range hotel in Breckenridge, a night, per roomUS$400
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DEN Denver International Airport (About 1.5–2 h drive via I-70 and CO-6)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Best
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
Best
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Apr
Best
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
May
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
Best
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Nov
Best
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Dec
Best
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: Oct–Jun. Avoid: Jul–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C) low), wettest Mar (9 rain days), driest Oct (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Arapahoe Basin: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
8 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
8 rd
Mar
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
9 rd
Apr
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
9 rd
May
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
8 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Oct
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
6 rd
Nov
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
7 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car or the Summit Shuttle (free, but limited schedule). Parking fills by 11 AM on weekends.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Keystone
goDoor to door: 20 min
Drive 20 min west on CO-6
Larger resort with night skiing and more dining.
Door to door: 30 min
Drive 30 min via CO-6 and CO-9
Historic town, many restaurants and shops.
Silverthorne / Dillon
goDoor to door: 25 min
Drive 25 min via I-70 west
Outlet shopping, grocery stores, lake views.
Loveland Ski Area
goDoor to door: 15 min
Drive 15 min east on CO-6
Another high-altitude, no-frills ski area.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Keystone
Closest lodging, 20 min drive; check Keystone guide
Breckenridge
30 min drive, more dining and nightlife; check Breckenridge guide
Silverthorne / Dillon
25–30 min drive, budget options and grocery stores
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–120 (lift ticket only, no lodging)
- Mid
- $150–250 (lift ticket + meal + transport)
- High
- $300+ (lift ticket + dining + gear rental)
Trip budget
| Hostel bed in Keystone1 × 1 night × US$70 | US$70 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × US$150 | US$150 |
| Lift ticket (1 day, peak season)1 × US$150 · check | US$150 |
| Car rental (1 day, from Denver)1 × US$80 · check | US$80 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$45 |
| Trip total≈ US$495 per person per day, bed included | US$495 |
check
2026 estimate in USD; lift ticket prices vary by season and day. Check official site for current rates.
Prices of common things
| Lift ticket (1 day, peak)check | $100–200 |
| Burger at base lodge | $12–18 |
| Beer (draft) | $6–9 |
| Parking | Free |
| Summit Shuttle (free) | $0 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cell service is very poor or absent – agree meeting points in advance.
- Parking lots fill by 11 AM on weekends and powder days.
- Altitude: base is 3,280 m (10,780 ft); drink water, go easy the first day.Altitude: base is 10,780 ft (3,280 m); drink water, go easy the first day.
- No lodging or restaurants on site – plan meals and accommodation in advance.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 911
- Summit County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- 970-668-8600
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Arapahoe BasinA-Basin
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
- Summit County Sheriff (non-emergency)970-668-8600
Embassy
The nearest US embassy is in Denver (check address). Most visitors do not need a visa for short stays; check visa requirements.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Denver → A-Basin (car): about 1.5–2 h, no tolls
- Keystone → A-Basin (car): about 20 min
- Breckenridge → A-Basin (car): about 30 min
No cell service – download maps and agree meeting points before arriving.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Arapahoe Basin. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr for snow; Oct–Nov and May–Jun for early/late season · avoid Jul–Sep (closed for summer) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add place pages for A-Basin with verified opening/closing dates and parking status.
- Add eat pages for base lodge food options.
- Add transport page for Summit Shuttle schedules.
Sources
Ask about Arapahoe Basin
Loading…
Was this useful?