A-Basin
Arapahoe Basin,
the Last Place Still Open
Roughly 10,940 feet at the base, the longest season in the state, and fifteen minutes past Keystone on US-6. The locals' mountain.
Arapahoe Basin is about 88 road miles from Denver International Airport, roughly a two-hour drive west on I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel and then east on US-6 from Dillon. The base area sits at roughly 10,940 feet, the highest in Colorado, which is why A-Basin routinely runs the longest season in the state, often into June. From Keystone it is about 15 minutes.
Getting there
I-70 west from Denver through the Eisenhower–Johnson Tunnel at 11,158 feet, down to Dillon, then east on US-6 toward Loveland Pass. About 88 miles and two hours from the airport; a little under that from central Denver.
US-6 continues over Loveland Pass, which is the scenic and much higher way in from the east side of the tunnel. It closes readily in winter and is not a route we plan around, although it is a lovely drive in June.
What makes A-Basin different
Two things, and they are related. The base area sits at roughly 10,940 feet — higher than the summit of some resorts — and the terrain above it climbs steeply from there. The result is snow that arrives early and stays absurdly late. Closing day in June is not unusual.
The other consequence is the altitude itself. Arriving from sea level and standing at nearly 11,000 feet within two hours of landing is a genuine physiological event. Drink water, take the first day easy, and do not treat the first afternoon as a full ski day. This is advice we give constantly and that people ignore constantly.
A-Basin also has no lodging at the base and a famously informal culture — the tailgating scene in the lower lot is part of the identity. Practically that means most visitors stay in Summit County and come for the day, which is precisely the kind of trip private transportation suits.
Day trips from Summit County
Most of our A-Basin work is not from Denver. It is from Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco and Breckenridge lodging — fifteen to forty minutes each way, with the vehicle either returning later or waiting.
The waiting option is the good one here, for a specific reason: A-Basin days end unpredictably. Weather moves in, the wind comes up on the East Wall, or the tailgate runs long. A dedicated vehicle removes the need to guess a pickup time in advance.
Rates are hourly and all-inclusive except gratuity, with the first 40 miles of each booking included. Executive Sedan $150/hr (3 passengers, 2-hour minimum), Executive SUV $125/hr (5), Luxury SUV $150/hr, Luxury Coach Van $250/hr (12, 3-hour minimum), Executive/Jet Van $325/hr (9) on a 4-hour minimum. Stretch limousines, party buses and coach buses are quote only. The rate is locked when you book and does not move with demand, weather or the hour of the night.
More on multi-resort weeks: resort-to-resort transfers.
Winter driving on this stretch
Vehicles run state-approved winter tires and four-wheel drive, which satisfies Colorado's Traction Law without chains; two-wheel-drive vans and buses carry the traction devices the state requires. Chauffeurs are asked to carry a cold-weather kit — flares, triangles, solar blankets, water, food.
In a storm the thing that changes is the route, not the trip. Closures are checked before departure and adjustments are made en route at the chauffeur's discretion, and the chauffeur tells you what changed and why. There is no vehicle swap and no cancellation from our side.
The Eisenhower Tunnel is the chokepoint on the way up, and it closes for crashes and avalanche mitigation several times a season, typically for 60 to 90 minutes. The US-6 leg from Dillon is short and generally well maintained.
Detail on closures: powder day and road closure guide.
Gear, groups and the late season
Seasonal capacity rule: from November 1 through April 30 the Luxury SUV is booked at five passengers rather than six. The sixth seat becomes luggage space, which leaves room for roughly seven or eight pieces inside. The Executive SUV is five passengers year round.
Skis, boards and boot bags go on an open roof rack on the SUV, or in a covered box; anything that does not fit comfortably inside goes up top. Boot bags ride inside — nobody wants frozen boots. Exact capacity varies by vehicle, which is why we ask for a gear count at booking rather than guessing. Vans take up to eighteen suitcases with oversized items on the roof.
Late-season A-Basin trips in May and June are a different packing problem — fewer layers, more coolers, and the same skis. Everything still rides the same way.
Alcohol is allowed in the vehicle for passengers 21 and over. Smoking and vaping are not. Damage or excessive cleaning is billed.
Cancellation terms are the same on every booking: full refund at 48 hours or more, up to 50% inside 48 hours, nothing inside 24. Tours run on a 7-day window.
Who is driving
Work runs on Arion's own vehicles and on Arion-trained 1099 affiliate chauffeurs and vetted Colorado PUC-certified operators, depending on the date and the vehicle. Every one of them carries a PUC permit and commercial insurance, and every one is dispatched and answered for by Arion. Colorado PUC permit LL-04689, $1.5 million commercial auto liability, $5 million general liability.
Across the company record: 2,500+ trips, 10,556 passengers, 579,878 miles, zero accidents. More than 65% of those trips were run on Arion’s own fleet with Arion chauffeurs; the balance went to vetted Colorado PUC-certified affiliate operators trained to Arion’s written standards (how we vet them). Chauffeurs on this corridor drive it through the winter as routine work.
Questions we get asked
How far is Arapahoe Basin from Denver airport?
About 88 road miles and roughly two hours: I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Dillon, then east on US-6.
How high is Arapahoe Basin?
The base area sits at roughly 10,940 feet, the highest base elevation in Colorado, with terrain climbing steeply above it.
How long is A-Basin's season?
The longest in the state, typically opening early and running into June some years. The elevation is the reason.
How far is A-Basin from Keystone?
About 15 minutes east on US-6. Breckenridge is 35 to 40 minutes, Dillon and Silverthorne about 20, Frisco about 25.
Can the driver wait while we ski A-Basin?
Yes, and it is the sensible structure here because A-Basin days end unpredictably — wind on the East Wall, weather, or a long tailgate. Billing is continuous hourly with waiting included.
Is there lodging at Arapahoe Basin?
No base village. Most visitors stay in Summit County — Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco or Breckenridge — and come for the day.
Should I worry about altitude at A-Basin?
Take it seriously on day one. Standing at nearly 11,000 feet within two hours of landing from sea level is a real physiological event. Water, and an easy first afternoon.
Do you drive over Loveland Pass?
Not as a plan. US-6 over Loveland Pass is much higher and closes readily in winter. The route we run goes through the Eisenhower Tunnel and approaches from Dillon.
What happens if the Eisenhower Tunnel closes?
We wait it out with you. Closures typically run 60 to 90 minutes. There is no vehicle swap and no cancellation from our side.
Can you take a group with gear to A-Basin?
Yes. Vans seat nine to twelve, and skis ride on the roof rack with boot bags inside. From November 1 through April 30 the Luxury SUV is booked at five passengers rather than six.
Do you run in May and June for late-season skiing?
Yes. Late-season A-Basin trips are a normal booking, and the drive is far easier without winter conditions.
How much does it cost?
Hourly: Executive SUV $125/hr, Luxury SUV $150/hr, two-hour minimum, first 40 miles included; vans from $250/hr. Ask for a quote with your pickup point and date.
Sources
- CDOT COtrip — live I-70 conditions, closures and Traction Law status
- CDOT — Traction and Passenger Vehicle Chain Laws — vehicle requirements on Colorado mountain corridors in winter
- Colorado Public Utilities Commission — Transportation permits — regulation of luxury limousine and charter carriers in Colorado
Ski the highest base in Colorado.
Free quote. The vehicle waits while you do.
Last reviewed: August 24, 2026 by Arion dispatch. Rates, policies and Colorado Department of Transportation rules are subject to change; call (970) 703-4995 for current details.