Arapahoe Basin

Arapahoe Basin was the first ski area to be built in Summit County. It has changed—but not too much—since its construction in the 1940s, and most of A-Basin's dedicated skiers like it that way. It's America's highest ski area, with a base elevation of 10,780 feet and a summit of 13,050 feet. Many of the runs start above the timberline, ensuring breathtaking views (and the need for some extra breaths). Aficionados love the seemingly endless intermediate and expert terrain and the wide-open bowls that stay open into June (sometimes July). "Beachin' at the Basin" has long been one of the area's most popular summer activities. If you've got your heart set on slope-side accommodations or fine dining, look elsewhere: A-Basin has no rooms and serves only the most basic cafeteria food. You'll have to set up your base camp in nearby Keystone, Breckenridge, Frisco, or Dillon, and shuttle in for the day.