Arapahoe Basin to reopen May 27 for limited spring skiing; reservations required

SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- This is not a drill. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, A-Basin will officially reopen for spring skiing May 27 -- with some major changes. This comes after Gov. Polis ordered all ski areas to shut down in March to slow the spread of COVID-19. Summit County and Eagle County -- the homes of ski giants Breckenridge and Vail -- were among the first hot spots in Colorado.

According to a release from A-Basin Sunday, the reopening comes after Summit County's variance request was approved by the state health department.

However, it's not going to be a free for all.

"Mostly this opening is for all of our pass holders," said CEO Alan Henceroth. "We will sell a very small number of lift tickets."

There will also be significant changes to operate in compliance with the variance:

• Reservations are required -- do not show up without a reservation.
• Physical distancing will be enforced and guests must wear face coverings in designated areas.
• Tailgating and other gatherings will not be allowed.

"We have been given an extraordinary opportunity," said Alan Henceroth with A-Basin in a statement. "We need to take this very seriously and we need to respect the guidance given by our Summit County and State of Colorado health officials. We have to open in a responsible way. We need everyone to help."

The mountain will be open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, see here.