At most beaches, the season is just kicking off on Memorial Day. Here in Colorado, the long weekend marks the beginning of the end.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area – home of the legendary “beach” – announced it will shut down its bullwheels June 4 this year, officially ending Colorado’s lift-served ski season six days after Memorial Day. Portions of the highest ski area in North America – such as the popular Pallavicini Lift serving the Summit County ski area’s famed steeps – already have closed for the season.
Known as one of Colorado’s first ski areas to open and last to close, A-Basin officials say that the area no longer makes it a goal to stay open into the summer. The area has been known to remain open through the Fourth of July holiday, although since beginning snowmaking operations in fall of 2001, the area has focused on earlier openings at the expense of the later closing date. The most recent time Arapahoe Basin remained open through July 4 was in 1997.
RUNNING
Olympic legend Snell to speak in Boulder
Legendary middle-distance runner Peter Snell, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in 1960 and 1964 who is an exercise physiologist in Dallas, will speak at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Boulder High School Auditorium.
Snell, who was voted New Zealand’s top athlete of the 20th century, will explain “How Slower Running Can Make You Faster.”
He will be joined by U.S. Olympic team consultant Dave Martin, 1972 Olympic 1,500-meter bronze medalist Rod Dixon and Alan Culpepper, a two-time Olympian from Lafayette.
The event marks the launch of a foundation dedicated to the legacy of the late Arthur Lydiard, one of the most influential coaches in running. Snell was a disciple of Lydiard. Tickets are $20 in advance (Fleet Feet and the Boulder Running Co. in Boulder). Tickets at the door will be $25.
RAFTING
Price is right for South Platte excursions
Denver’s cityWILD is offering free raft trips down Confluence Park on the South Platte River every Saturday in June and July. The nonprofit organization uses wilderness experiences such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, camping and hiking to foster leadership and personal development in underprivileged urban children. Starting June 3, rafting guides with cityWILD will ferry anyone 8 and older down the rapids at Confluence Park. Guides, equipment and instruction are provided at no charge. Riders must sign a waiver. Click over to citywild.org for more info.
