Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado is making slight changes to its parking reservation system for the upcoming 2025 winter season.
The ski area introduced a reservation system ahead of the 2024-25 season, requiring drivers to book parking spots online in advance and pay $20 for weekends and holidays from December 21 through May 4. This applied to the main parking lots on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Next season, the system will remain in place but with some adjustments. Reservations will be required only on Saturdays and Sundays, from January 3 through May 3. The reservation window will run from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., with parking free after 1 p.m. Holidays and December will no longer require reservations.
“We started in December as a trial before the busiest months of January and February,” said Shayna Silverman, A-Basin’s communications manager. “Now that guests understand the system, we feel comfortable reducing the reservation days.”
This change comes as Arapahoe Basin prepares to offer full access to top-tier Ikon Pass holders for the first time. The lower-tier Ikon Base Pass will still provide five days of access. This access update follows the acquisition of Arapahoe Basin by Alterra Mountain Company, which owns the Ikon Pass. The ski area previously opted out of the competing Epic Pass due to parking and crowding concerns.
Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin’s Chief Operating Officer, shared positive results in his March blog post. He noted zero days where parking caused highway issues on Loveland Pass, and no visitors were turned away due to parking or road problems. Additionally, 42% of guests used sustainable travel options, such as carpooling or shuttles, on reservation days.
“Our goal is to preserve the unique A-Basin experience,” Henceroth wrote. “By adding parking reservations and offering unlimited Ikon Pass access, we can better manage busy days, support slower days, and remain reliable for our staff, guests, and community.”
Other updates for next season include increasing the number of reservation dates a person can hold at one time from two to four. Carpool drivers with four people will receive free parking when holding a reservation.
For guests who prefer shuttle service, A-Basin recommends the Snowstang from Denver or the Swan Mountain Flyer from Summit County.