Boulder is nestled in the Rockies, and is surrounded by our neighboring ski areas. Within 2 hours lie some of the finest skiing in the world. And, the good news!  Spring Skiing in Colorado is Spring Magic! While the snow can be getting rather sparse, and the rocks and mud can make an appearance, the high mountain blue skies and sun make up for it. “Rock Skies” are called for, as is sunscreen.

Spring Skiing Will Be Here Sooner Than You Think!

One of my brother’s coping methods for the first big snows or big chills is to remind us that Spring Skiing is almost upon us. My personal favorite for soaking up the mountain sun and sky has bee A-Basin. If the altitude is insufficient there, you are “lower 48” out of luck.

Arapahoe Basin, affectionately known as A-Basin, holds the prestigious title of being the highest ski area in North America. Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, its summit elevation of 13,050 feet (3,978 meters) offers skiers and snowboarders unparalleled views and experiences. This elevation not only provides some of the longest ski seasons in the region, often extending from October to June, but also ensures a consistent quality of snow, characterized by its dryness and lightness, ideal for all types of winter sports enthusiasts. For the major athletes and adventurers, you can climb up higher than the top of the top lift for even more excitement and access to additional runs. These runs are not “jogs.” They are marathons! The face at the bottom is home to The Pallavicini area. This cliff face  is A-Basin’s legendary, front-side advanced and expert terrain. Served by a lift of the same name, the primarily double-black Pallavicini was home to helmets long before they became de rigour on the rest of the mountain. I made it down “Pally” once. Alive. Unbroken. I said “made it down.” I did not say I “skied” it. I was not on top of my skies very much at all.

The high altitude of A-Basin challenges even the most seasoned skiers with its steep, rugged terrain and varied runs that cater to all skill levels. However, it’s the area’s backcountry feel, with vast expanses of untouched powder and natural obstacles, that truly sets it apart from other ski resorts. A-Basin’s commitment to maintaining its unique, laid-back atmosphere, while offering some of the most extreme and exhilarating skiing in North America, cements its status as a bucket-list destination for those seeking adventure at the highest of elevations. The ski area’s dedication to conservation and sustainable practices ensures that its pristine alpine environment will be preserved for future generations of skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge is Power!

 

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
  • First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
  • Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
  • Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
  • Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
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