With temperatures beginning to fall across Colorado, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is preparing to make its first snow of the 2026-27 ski season.
The ski area recently shared an update showing that its snowmaking operation and crew are ready to begin work once temperatures become cold enough. A-Basin centers its snowmaking around working with natural weather conditions rather than trying to replace them. The mountain plans to make enough snow to help get its season started before relying on natural snowfall to build out the mountain.
Small Crew Focused on Front Side Terrain
Arapahoe Basin operates its snowmaking program with a relatively small team. Snowmaking manager Blair and a four-person crew are responsible for focusing on getting Front Side terrain ready to open.
The crew works to produce snow efficiently while keeping its operation small and nimble. That approach allows the team to focus its resources on the terrain needed to get skiers and snowboarders onto the mountain as quickly as conditions allow. The Front Side will be a key area for early-season operations as Arapahoe Basin works toward opening for the winter.
Waiting for Colder Temperatures
The biggest factor now is weather. Arapahoe Basin says its snowmaking systems and team are ready, but temperatures still need to drop before production can begin. Arapahoe Basin plans to share additional information about its snowmaking operation over the coming weeks as preparations continue.
The ski area has not announced an opening date in this update, leaving colder temperatures and mountain conditions as the next major milestones.