Skiing in Colorado: 9 Tips for Ski & Snowboard Beginners at Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin, or A-Basin as the locals call it, is a skier’s paradise known for its challenging terrain and stunning views. But don’t let its reputation intimidate you! With a little preparation and the right mindset, A-Basin can be a fantastic destination for beginners. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to have a fun and safe experience on the mountain.
1. Choosing the right equipment
Any skier worth their wax will tell you that the right equipment will make or break your day. You can hit the Easy Button by renting from Base N’ Edge Rentals, our on-site shop staffed with fit experts. The Sports Package is ideal for beginners, and you can reserve online ahead of time to get on the slopes faster. Here’s a list of items we recommend always bringing:
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Layers! The temperature and conditions can change on a dime in high alpine environments. One of the benefits of our close lockers and parking lots is you can pop down for an extra layer during the day, so always bring a couple options for snow, rain or shine.
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Helmets. Wear them. End of story.
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Sunscreen is a necessity even on a cloudy day. At 11,000 ft + you need to protect your skin from UV rays and windburn.
If you forget anything or drop a glove off a lift (it happens!) we’ve got everything you need at the Arapahoe Sports Store.
2. Selecting Beginner-Friendly Trails
Unlike many other mountains, some of A-Basin’s toughest terrain is accessed from base lifts. That means you can take a lift from the parking lot directly onto some of North America’s most challenging runs. While that makes it a veteran’s favorite, it’s important for beginners to know before you go!
Molly Hogan is the first stop for many beginners. The magic carpet and small-scale lift make it the perfect place to get comfortable and practice. It’s an easy transition to take the Black Mountain Express lift to access green trails including Sundance, Chisholm and Wrangler. Each of these provide easy cruising with spectacular views. If you’re ready to tackle some blues, hop Lewanee Express to the top of the resort and take your pick of half a dozen blue trails (we love Lewanee Face to Dercum’s Gulch to High Noon for a top-to-bottom blue run).
Be sure to check our Terrain & Lift Status page before you go to see the latest on what’s open.
3. Lessons and Instruction
At A-Basin we’re very proud of our incredible ski and snowboard instructors. Each one is a passionate athlete dedicated to helping you learn and have a great day on the mountain. We offer everything from private lessons to multi-week programs with small class sizes. Check out the lessons page to learn more!
4. Understanding Trail Signs and Markings
Be sure you understand trail signs and markings before hopping on a chair lift.
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Green Circle: Beginner
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Blue Square: Intermediate
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Black Diamond: Advanced
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Double Black Diamond: Expert
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Crossed Out Circle: Closed Trail
If you’re coming from out of state, remember a Colorado skiing may be more challenging than your home mountain; a green here may feel like a blue run back home. Our ski patrol keeps the slopes well marked with caution signs, but it is always the responsibility of the skier/rider to be alert and aware of changing conditions. For your own safety, never duck a rope or take a closed trail.
5. Ski Tips for Beginners
While we recommend first timers take a lesson, here are a few skiing tips for beginners:
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Get familiar with your gear to start. Make sure everything fits properly and is comfortable. Practice getting in and out of your skis on a level area.
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Start on a gentle slope to get a feel for your skis. The Molly Hogan magic carpet is ideal for your very first turns.
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Keep your knees bent and your weight centered. Resist the urge to lean back or lock out your knees.
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Focus on making gentle turns and maintaining balance.
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Don't be afraid to fall; it's part of the learning process!
6. Dealing with Different Snow Conditions
From groomed corduroy to deep powder to spring slush, you can encounter a wide variety of snow conditions on any given day on the mountain. We recommend beginners stick to groomed trails, as unmarked obstacles may exist in the trees or ungroomed powder. Beginners may be more comfortable on runs serviced by Black Mountain Express lift during storms because visibility can be very low on the upper mountain on cloudy days. A-Basin stays open much later than many resorts and spring skiing is a unique and fun experience here. On sunny spring days beginners will enjoy forgiving “corn” snow conditions along with the sun!
7. Safety First
We always say, “Have fun, be safe!” Skiing and snowboarding involve risk and it’s your responsibility to behave safely on the hill. Always stay in control, ski/ride at your ability level, look uphill at trail crossings, understand trail markings and yield to others.
For beginners in particular, it’s important to be aware of where you are in relation to other skiers. Give yourself space so you have the ability to make a mistake without impacting others. When we respect each other and respect the mountain everyone is safer.
8. Après-Ski Activities
There is no après like the 6th Alley Après. Our lively base bar and two-story deck are famous for the friendly locals, award-winning Bloody Marys and stunning views. Cap the perfect day on the mountain with a hot drink and a pile of nachos with local bands on the weekends. If you’re calling it before last chair, Black Mountain Lodge at the top of Black Mountain Express has fresh BBQ daily and unmatched views of the East Wall (Insider Tip: stand at the back corner of the deck for the optimal spot for a group photo).
If you’re comfortable on blue runs, you can access il Rifugio at Snow Plume at 12,456 feet making it the highest-elevation restaurant in North America! This European-style bistro specializes in wine and charcuterie pairings featuring both imported and local-to-Colorado meats and cheeses. Also off Lewanee Express is Steilhang Hut, a German-style restaurant that’s a great spot to have a pretzel and a beer before the last run down. Bonus: unlike some other Colorado ski resorts, you can enjoy our après without a second mortgage.
9. Connecting with the Arapahoe Basin Community
One of the things that makes us special is our people. There’s a reason A-Basin is a local’s favorite: we’re all about community. From your instructor to your bartender to your lift buddy, we’re all here to enjoy the beauty of nature and the freedom of sliding down a mountain together. This is a place where everyone is welcome, no matter their skill level or what they drove into the parking lot.
Check Out A-Basin Today!
We hope that if you want to learn how to ski or snowboard, you come spend a day (or a lifetime) with us at The Basin! Learn more about visiting in our comprehensive Field Guide.
