Arapahoe Basin, CO (Thursday, May 29, 2003) - A-Basin, the highest ski area in North America, continues its legacy of being the last ski area to close in Colorado. Ski area officials plan on keeping the season going through July 6.

Spring conditions exist for top-to-bottom skiing and boarding. Three lifts currently serve 75% of the mountain on a 44-inch midway base. The ski area currently opens at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and 9:00 a.m. weekdays closing at 4:00 p.m. Summer operating hours from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will go into effect starting Monday, June 2.

This Saturday, May 31, A-Basin will hold their 5th annual Summer Solstice Splash. Skiers and riders are encouraged to glide across the glacier lake in the base area to win prizes and celebrate summer. The event will run from noon until 1:00 p.m. with free registration at the top of the lake. Live entertainment starts at 1:00 p.m. in the base area with Flex Luther playing their funk reggae tunes.

On June 2, the adult lift ticket price will drop to $28 (from $35); a half-day ticket starting at 11:00 a.m. will be $20. Child (14 and under) tickets will be available for $12. A free child ticket is offered with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket.

The 2003-2004 Arapahoe Basin Bonus Pass is available for $219 through the A-Basin ticket office or on line at www.arapahoebasin.com until July 6, 2003. The pass includes unlimited skiing at A-Basin plus five non-transferable lift tickets valid at Keystone and Breckenridge for the 2003-2004 ski season. One of those lift tickets can be used at Vail or Beaver Creek.

All skier services at A-Basin are currently available, including ski school, ski rental, retail shop, cafeteria and bar.