A-Basin gets approval for expansion

I’ve got a soft spot for A-Basin. My first run down a Colorado trail was just after parking in “Last Chance,” slinging my ebay purchase K2 skis across my shoulder, and making those first baby steps on Sundance. In that first year I imagine I skied every trail, every glade, and I’ve seen Palivicini opened mid-day a number of times due to fresh powder.

So the fact that A-Basin is adding more terrain is particularly exciting. Don’t get me wrong, the East Wall is a good replacement for a bowl. The Montezuma Bowl addition will only give us a choice, and give A-basin a little bit o’ media, and add 34 trails to A-Basin for the 2007-08 season.

Here’s the scoop straight from the press release.

“Arapahoe Basin is moving forward with the construction of the Montezuma Bowl expansion project, its largest expansion since its inception 60 years ago. A-Basin received final approval last Thursday from the White River National Forest to construct Zuma Lift, which will provide access to approximately 400 acres of intermediate and advanced skiing in Montezuma Bowl.”

The Terrain The new terrain will run the gamut of blue, black and double black rated runs, 34 in all. The skier and rider will discover cornices, chutes, gladed runs and wide-open bowls. Several runs will be groomed nightly providing [intermediate skiers and riders] with additional cruising terrain. Hike back terrain past the lower lift terminal will also be available for the adventurous skier or rider who has more interest in experiencing a remote, back country feel.

The Chair Leitner Poma fixed grip quad 9-minute ride time Summit elevation 12,472 feet 4,100 feet in length 1,100 vertical feet Uphill capacity of 1900 people per hour 147 chairs