Arapahoe Basin announced that they will kick off their 2016-2017 season on Friday, October 21st! Here are the full details courtesy of this morning's press release:

Starting at 9:00 a.m., skiers and snowboarders will be able to access the intermediate High Noon trail via the Black Mountain Express lift. Arapahoe Basin is generally the first ski area in Colorado to open, and also often the first ski area to open its lifts to the public in North America.

“This is going to be a tremendous start to the ski season at Arapahoe Basin and in the state of Colorado,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin Chief Operating Officer. “We’ve been fortunate to have optimal conditions for our snowmaking team to get a base on the High Noon trail, and offer our guests skiing and snowboarding in October.”

Tickets and passes are on sale at ArapahoeBasin.com or on-site from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Current lift ticket window pricing will run through December 16, 2016, with adult (ages 19-59) full-day tickets priced at $76, youth (ages 15-18) window tickets priced at $64 and child (ages 6-14) window tickets priced at $38. Children age 5 and under ski free every day of the season. Information about season passes and multi-day tickets can be found at ArapahoeBasin.com.

Other skier services available on opening day include ski and board rentals in the Winter Sports Center (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and retail sales, temporarily located in the Kids Center (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Snowsports value season private lessons are available starting opening day. Dining options include: limited hot and grab-and-go breakfast items at the 6th Alley Bar & Grill from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; full lunch and après service in the 6th Alley Bar & Grill starting at 10:30 a.m.; and lunch service at Black Mountain Lodge (mid-mountain) starting at 10:30 a.m. A-Basin Mug Club sales start opening day at 8:00 a.m. in Marnie’s Bar on the 2nd floor of the A-Frame; mugs are $45 and entitle the owner to beverage discounts in the 6th Alley Bar & Grill and a free beer to kick off the season. Mugs are sold on a first-come, first-served basis; limit one mug per customer – must be 21 years of age.

Abasin Snow Forecast → http://opsw.co/1avhywy

Cheers to the start of the 2016-2017 ski and ride season here in North America!

SAM COLLENTINE