Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Arapahoe first opened as a ski-resort for the 1946- 47 season, with just one tow. The resort continued as a small enterprise until the mid 1970s, when following a buy-out by Ralston-Purina, 4 new chairs were installed. The resort continued to grow in size, and after some takeover shinagans, it ended up in the hands of Dundee Reality who have invested significantly installing new lifts and facilities. In 2007 the Montezuma area opened for skiing, increasing the amount of skiable terrain by 80%. The resort is well known for its relaxed, laid-back feel, which is especially so in spring, when sunny days bring out the party spirit in everybody.

From the base station at 10780ft, there is a choice of 2 lifts - Exhibition lift which rises to Midway Barbecue, or Pallavicini Lift which rises to the mountain ridge. From Midway Barbecue, the Norway lift runs to Snow Plume, high up on the ridge leading towards the summit (13050ft). The view from the top is a breaktakingly beautiful mountain panorama.

For beginners, there's a friendly ski-school at the Molly Hogan Learning Center, which has its own lift and forgiving near-flat terrain. After getting the hang of the basics, take the Exhibition chair to access some excellent beginner trails like Wrangler and Sundance.

The Lenawee and Norway chairlifts service a great range of intermediate trails. A favorite of many is Cornice run, which includes a (small) leap of a wind blown snow cornice.

Experts will think they've arrived in seventh heaven - there's a tremendous amount of qualifty terrrain. On the Pallavicini (or 'Pali') side a whole host of blacks will fully test you, with some seriously steep chutes. On the other side of the mountain, the 'East Wall' directly under the summit has superb double-black terrain. The upper bowl requires a hike-in, but the lower bowl can be reached by a traverse.

There is little accommodation in the ski base itself - most vacationers stay at nearby Keystone, and catch the free shuttle bus.