Arapahoe Basin is determined to open as soon as possible, and now, it’s welcoming Ikon Base Pass holders with unlimited early-season access. On October 7, the ski resort announced the new perk, stoking the pre-season psych for skiers and riders across Colorado and beyond.
“25/26 Ikon [Base Pass] now offers unlimited early season skiing and riding at A-Basin from opening day through Friday, December 19, 2025,” A-Basin wrote in a Facebook post. “Expand your early season and get more out of The Legend with endless fall turns, free tunes every Saturday in November, and the best vibes.”
The resort has yet to announce an official opening date. But A-Basin is always one of the first ski resorts to open its slopes every year. Last season, opening day was November 2. In 2023, A-Basin opened on October 30. That means Ikon Base Pass holders could have as much as a month and a half of unlimited access to the ski area.
Then, from December 20 to closing day, Base Pass holders will still have 5 days left on their passes to visit A-Basin. None of the days prior to December 20 count against their limited A-Basin days.
If you’re hoping to cash in on the Ikon Base Pass unlimited early season access to A-Basin, and don’t yet have your pass, make moves sooner rather than later. October 9 is the final day to buy Ikon passes before prices go up for winter.
Ikon Base Pass: More Access to Arapahoe Basin
Not only does an Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass get you access to A-Basin, but it also allows you to partake in the resort’s many on-slope events and activities. As mentioned, every Saturday in November, the ski area offers free tunes. It also hosts a Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Uphill Race. DJs play sets at Black Mountain Lodge every Saturday. There’s even a Mimosa Bar at The Perch every Sunday.
Ikon and Ikon Base Pass holders can access all of that. And full Ikon Pass holders still have unlimited access to A-Basin from opening day to closing day.
The parking reservation system, which was put in place in 2024, remains the same this year. So don’t forget to plan ahead!
Starting in December, reservations are required for all lots on weekends and holidays and can only be made online in advance for $20. Parking in the admin lot is $40 a day, and reservations are required from December to May. Reservations are also required for The Beach all season long (and prices vary).
While opening day at A-Basin remains TBD, the resort promises on its site, “WE WILL OPEN FOR WINTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.”
In just a handful of weeks, the lifts will start spinning, and skiers and riders will start making their first turns of the season. If you want to be among them, take advantage of this sweet new perk with the Ikon Base Pass.
