A lot has changed at Arapahoe Basin since it first hauled skiers (who paid $3 for a lift ticket) up to the single rope tow in an Army weapons carrier in 1946. But one thing that hasn’t changed much is its down-to-earth attitude. Perhaps it’s because the ski area’s base elevation, close to 11,000 feet, weeds out those who aren’t truly there for the skiing. Another perk of its elevation is that the resort remains open from October to June. The most exciting of A-Basin’s recent improvements is Montezuma Bowl, an expansion of 400 acres, including 36 trails and a quad lift, that nearly doubled the area’s skiable terrain. A $349 bonus pass buys unlimited skiing at A-Basin plus five days valid at Breckenridge or Keystone, one of which can be used at Beaver Creek or Vail. Dillon, Colo., 888-272-7246, www.arapahoebasin.com
Go West, get a break at these resorts
Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California
Rumor has it that Kirkwood is situated in a honey hole for weather. In other words, it sees lots of storms and, because of a relatively high elevation at 7,800 feet, some of Tahoe’s lightest fluffy stuff. One novel offering at Kirkwood, known for challenging terrain, is private guiding, in which skiers and snowboarders can cut any lift lines with a private guide, who leads them to the best powder stashes on the mountain and helps fine-tune their form. Kirkwood also offers clinics for skiers interested in accessing the backcountry from the lift when Kirkwood’s backcountry-access gates are open. Three new or improved terrain parks will debut this season, but for many, the draw of Kirkwood is the surroundings: restaurants, night life, and glowing Lake Tahoe. Kirkwood, Calif., 209-258-6000, www.kirkwood.com
Moonlight Basin Resort and Big Sky Resort, Montana
Situated on the same peak, Moonlight Basin and Big Sky have 5,512 acres of skiable terrain, 220 ski runs, and 4,350 feet of vertical drop, not to mention views of three states and nearby Yellowstone National Park. The two have an astounding variety of terrain, from wide-open bowls and chutes to forested trails and meandering cruisers. The town of Big Sky offers access to other activities like an 85-kilometer-long network of Nordic ski trails, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and sleigh riding. Gold New England Pass holders who are staying in Big Sky’s lodging ski for free for 10 days. Big Sky, Mont., Moonlight Basin, 877-822-0432, www.moonlightbasin.com and Big Sky Resort, 800-548-4486, www.bigskyresort.com
Kate Siber can be reached at kate@katesiber.com.