Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is celebrating its 80th anniversary during the 2026-27 winter season with special lift ticket deals, free skiing for 80-year-olds, giveaways, events, and a birthday celebration planned for early December.
The Colorado ski area first opened in 1946 and will spend the upcoming season celebrating the people, traditions, and skiing culture that have defined The Legend for eight decades. A-Basin has not yet announced an opening date for the 2026-27 season, but says it will open as soon as weather and conditions allow.
“80 years is a pretty incredible milestone. We are filled with pride as we look back on the memories we’ve created together and the excitement for the many more still to come.” – Arapahoe Basin President and COO Alan Henceroth
80-Year-Olds Ski Free Every Wednesday
The headline anniversary promotion will give 80-year-old skiers and snowboarders free skiing every Wednesday throughout the 2026-27 season. The offer will also apply during A-Basin’s birthday weekend on December 5th and 6th.
For everyone else, the ski area will offer limited-edition $80 lift tickets every Wednesday and during the birthday weekend. Early and late season tickets will be available for $50.
A-Basin is also launching an 80 Day Scan Challenge. During the first 80 days of the season, skiers and riders who scan an A-Basin or Ikon Pass will be entered to win one of 80 prizes. The grand prize is a trip to Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing.
Birthday Weekend Brings New Events
The 80th anniversary celebration will run December 4th through 6th, with a mix of skiing, demos, music, food, and mountain traditions.
Saturday will feature a free ski and snowboard demo village, a live DJ, and an 80th Anniversary Moonlight Dinner at Black Mountain Lodge. Guests can skin, snowshoe, or ride the lift to the lodge for a multi-course meal and celebration. The evening will also include the premiere of an anniversary short film and the burial of an A-Basin time capsule.
Sunday will bring another demo village along with prizes and giveaways at Lenawee Express.
New Deals and Events
The 2026-27 season will also mark the first winter with unlimited skiing and riding at A-Basin included with the Ikon Base Pass. Ikon Pass holders will additionally receive 50 percent off all-inclusive lessons for friends and family.
Other events include a Fall DJ Series throughout November and the Turkey Trot on November 29th.
Throughout the anniversary season, A-Basin says its focus will remain on the steep terrain, long season, independent culture, and community atmosphere that have made The Legend one of Colorado’s most distinctive ski areas.