Arapahoe Basin, CO – Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, the only resort still open in Colorado, will close for the 2011-12 ski season this Sunday.  As hard as the staff has tried to keep the ski area that’s known for its late seasons open through May, unseasonably warm weather and lack of snowfall has brought the ski season to an early end.

“This was a very tough decision.  Sometimes Mother Nature tells us it is time and, sadly, it is time to close,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin COO.

Arapahoe Basin’s season often extends into June, and has reached July and even August in the past. Snow base depths, however, dwindled to only 32 inches on open terrain on Tuesday, and large areas of terrain surrounding the base area are now snowless.

The season did have its high points, though, with persistent high pressure delivering bluebird skies for days on end, and an early opening.  A-Basin had one of its earliest openings on record on October 13, 2011 and by Sunday will have been open for 207 days.

A-Basin will hold a final party to see the season off this weekend. On Saturday, take part in the Huck, Rock and Roll slopestyle event in the Treeline Terrain Park beginning at 10 a.m.  Compete for a chance to win cash prizes, sponsor gear and a RAMP snowboard.  John Truscelli and the Stolen Band will begin their free concert at 1 p.m. in the base area.  A-Basin will also be holding a luau and pig roast on Saturday. On Sunday, enjoy live music in the base area from 1 to 4 p.m. and get your last turns in on the slopes.

Arapahoe Basin will be holding its inaugural Chili Festival on Saturday, May 19 and its Festival of the Brewpubs on May 27, with free live music in the base area.  A full calendar of summer events are also planned.