Arapahoe Basin, CO (Monday, May 9, 2005) - The winter ski season continues at Arapahoe Basin. The Colorado ski and snowboard area is 99% open and has received over three feet of snow since late April. A-Basin boasts a 60” midway base, one of the largest bases of the season.

Due to unprecedented ski conditions for this time of the year and with the other ski areas in the region closed, A-Basin has been extremely busy on the weekends. Ski area officials are encouraging skiers and riders to take advantage of the free shuttles from the River Run lot at Keystone just a few miles down the road to avoid difficult late morning and afternoon parking situations at the base of the mountain.

“If you are not able to make it to the ski area prior to 10:00 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday until closing day, we suggest taking the shuttle from Keystone. It’s convenient and there is no worry of having to squeeze illegally into a spot along the highway where you will be towed,” said A-Basin's General Manager, Jim Gentling.

Colorado State Patrol Captain Ron Prater is also concerned about the parking situation on Highway 6 adjacent to the ski area. “Oversized loads and hazardous material vehicles must be routed over Highway 6 past the ski area. We must keep the highway open and we have a zero tolerance policy in effect when vehicles are parked along the highway. These vehicles will be towed. We encourage parking in the River Run parking lot and use the shuttle. We can’t ignore these violations due to the safety issues.”

Crowds turn out for A-Basin's "Shakin' at the Basin Free May Concert Series," creating parking problems along U.S. Route 6 over Loveland Pass. (photo: Arapahoe Basin)

The free shuttle from the Keystone’s River Run parking lot will run every Saturday and Sunday in May and also on Monday, Memorial Day from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

A-Basin also encourages skiers and riders to carpool. Fill a vehicle with four people or more, take them all to the ticket window (even if some of them have passes) and receive a discounted lift ticket for those in the car who need a ticket for $30.

Arapahoe Basin heats things up this May with the "Shakin' at the Basin Free May Concert Series". Every Saturday in May A-Basin will have free live entertainment from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the base area of the ski area. A-Basin is scheduled to close for the season on June 5, 2005.