Why Arapahoe Basin Isn't Changing Ikon Pass Access Next Season

Colorado's Arapahoe Basin Ski Area confirmed on June 25th, 2024 that Ikon Pass access will remain unchanged next season despite the ski area's pending acquisition by Ikon Pass purveyors Alterra Mountain Company.

Arapahoe Basin Communications Manager Shayna Silverman explained why Ikon Pass access won't change next season in a phone conversation with POWDER:

"At this time the deal between Dream Unlimited Corp. (Arapahoe Basin's current owners) and Alterra Mountain Company still has not closed. This decision was made because we wanted to make sure our pass holders know what to expect next season.

But truthfully, we do not expect any further information beyond this until after the deal closes."

To clarify, skiers will get 5 days on the Ikon base pass or 7 days on the full Ikon Pass.

When asked if the deal is expected to be completed soon, Silverman wasn't able to provide an answer, but confirmed that Ikon Pass access won't change for the entirety of the Winter '24/'25 season, regardless of when the deal is finalized.

A-Basin officials also announced the implementation of a new parking reservation system next season along with the news about Ikon Pass access.

Taking notes from ski areas like Palisades Tahoe and Alta Ski Area that have already implemented parking reservation systems, Silverman provided insight as to why it's necessary for Arapahoe Basin to follow suit:

"Everyone knows we started limiting lift tickets in 2019 to preserve the skiing experience. And when we did that, it wasn't the most popular decision either. But we really see [a parking reservation system] as the next step in preserving the experience.

Parking has always been a pinch point on busier days of the season. So if we can do something to manage that, and again, I just want to reiterate, it's only on weekends and holidays between mid December and mid May.

On Loveland Pass, people have been turned away on arrival and asked to come back after 1pm to try to get a spot (in recent seasons). If you've ever experienced that, you know exactly why it needs to change."

Arapahoe Basin's parking reservations will cost $20, but are only required on weekends and holidays. Unrestricted season pass holders are able to purchase a $150 season parking pass starting on July 9th, and cars with four or more passengers are welcomed to park for free.

Parking reservations will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis from mid-December through mid-May.

Change is scary, especially when it comes to our favorite ski areas, but Silverman provided reassurance for those worried that parking reservations will dramatically affect the skiing experience at A-Basin:

"I don't think it's wrong to be concerned. I think people are worried because they're passionate about this place, which is really an awesome thing.

I've been in the ski industry for a bit and I've just never seen a following like what we have here at A-Basin. People really love this mountain and there's a reason for that. So I understand why the unknowns can be really worrisome to people. But The Basin is The Basin because of who we are.

It starts with our leadership team. It starts with Al and it goes from there. We are The Legend because of the culture and the people and the community we've built here. And no matter what, that's not going to change. And our mountain's not changing, we have this awesome terrain. It's still going to be here.

It's going to be ready for you to ski and ride next season. And we're going to get through all those changes together."

Due to the pending nature of the acquisition, Silverman wasn't able to provide further details about Ikon Pass access in future seasons, or changes that could occur under ownership by Alterra.

Stay tuned in here at POWDER Magazine as we keep tabs on this developing story.

Related: Ikon Pass Access Will Be "Unchanged" at Arapahoe Basin Next Season

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