After hinting for weeks that it was a possibility, officials of Arapahoe Basin ski area confirmed on Thursday that it will be open for skiing on the Fourth of July — for the first time since 2011, and only the second time since 1997.
“The Legend,” which has been offering weekend-only skiing for weeks, will close for the summer when the lifts stop turning on Independence Day next Thursday. The season opened there on Oct. 19.
“We love that we’re able to do this,” said Alan Henceroth, the area’s chief operating officer. “If we can offer a good experience this late in the season, then we will, and we think it’s pretty amazing.”
Nearly 7 feet of snow fell on the area since March, which helped the cause for diehards not wanting to hang up their skis and boards, as did lower-than-normal temperatures in March and May. The area will offer top-to-bottom skiing with two lifts in operation and “several” runs, according to a news release. There will be no beginner terrain, and visitors are encouraged to carpool because limited parking could be very crowded.
The lifts will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The 6th Alley Bar and Grill will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last call at 3:30 p.m.
