Arapahoe Basin’s parking reservation system, which was slated to go into effect this weekend, has been postponed two weeks due to limited terrain caused by below normal snowfall.
A-Basin is reporting a 21-inch base, about half of what it normally has on this date. Only nine of its 147 runs are open with five of nine lifts in operation.
“As a ski area, we take pride in being flexible, updating our policies and operation as we need to support our people as best we can,” according to a statement released by resort officials. “This decision to push back two weeks was made with our skiers, riders, and staff in mind as we are experiencing below-average snow totals this winter.”
Asked whether snow conditions were depressing skier visits to the area, thereby obviating the need for the reservation system to kick in, spokeswoman Shayna Silverman said she couldn’t comment on skier numbers.
“Basically, the reasoning is that we recognize that skiing and riding is limited at this time,” Silverman said. “The product is not what it usually is at this time of year due to weather and conditions.”
Those who already booked parking reservations for this weekend and next weekend will be automatically refunded.
The parking reservation system was instituted last winter to prevent full lots on peak days, thereby forcing skier traffic to be turned away with no other parking options. When it goes into effect on Jan. 17, reservations will be required only on weekends. The parking reservation requirement is scheduled to last through May 3.
Most parking reservations cost $20. Carpool parking will be free for cars with four passengers or more, although a reservation will still be required. Even on days when the reservation requirement is in effect, parking will be free after 1 p.m. with no reservation required.
