Arapahoe Basin

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The nation's highest, and one of Colorado's oldest ski areas also remains one of its most down-to-earth. Lift ticket prices for the original rope tow in 1946 cost $1.25 per day. Even now, ticket prices remain reasonable.

Hugging the Continental Divide at 13,050 feet, this winter playground is a place where you can park for free right at the base and be on a lift in minutes. Ski directly up to the famous base lodge, a former NASA rocket-tester hub transported from Colorado Springs to the mountain in 1965, for some tasty hamburgers. This mountain has a reputation for extreme terrain and short lift lines.

A-Basin's altitude allows it to stay open well into summer, and in springtime, the sun-and-fun atmosphere has caused the base area to be coined the Beach. Due to its popularity, the Beach fills up fast! Book a spot by calling 888-ARAPAHOE (272-7246). In a Beach spot you can easily fit two large cars, with picnic tables already provided. There are nine spots available for reservation. All Beach spots are free until February 12, 2010. Spaces after that date cost $150 Friday through Sunday through the end of April, 2010. Monday-Thursday spots cost $100. Find out more about A-Basin's Beach.

A-Basin hosts the hilarious, annual Cardboard Derby, where entrants slide gigantic cardboard structures towards a bumpy finish line. For the less intrepid, just bring a lawn chair and portable barbeque. There's no lodging here and there won't be anytime soon; for a bed, head just down the pass to Keystone Resort.