The end of an abysmal snow season is drawing to a close in Colorado and despite the widespread dryness, it looks like two Centennial State ski areas will have their lifts spinning into May.

According to an announcement from Arapahoe Basin, their closing day will take place on May 3 – the same date that Copper Mountain will close, as well. With both of those spots shutting down operations until next fall, local lift-served skiing and snowboarding will officially be finished for the season.

This means that Arapahoe Basin will have offered skiing and snowboarding for a stretch of 190 days this season after opening on October 26, 2025. A May closure at Arapahoe Basin is relatively rare, with most seasons stretching into June – sometimes July. And keep in mind – the latest Arapahoe Basin has ever closed was August 10 in 1995. It’s also worth noting that the 190-day stretch this year is a couple months shorter than the 2018-2019 season – a 259-day stretch between opening date on October 19 and closing day on July 4.

Despite closing on the same day as Copper Mountain, this does still mean that Arapahoe Basin will have had the longest 2025-2026 season. Copper Mountain opened on November 7.

Arapahoe Basin has encouraged guests to dress up for closing weekend as typical late-season celebrations have been cut relatively short – a few themes shared by the resort include Swimwear Day, Derby Day, Denim/Jorts Day, and May the 4th (be with you).

Live music will be played in the base area on May 2 and May 3 from 12 to 3 p.m. Lift tickets will cost $39 from April 27 through May 3 and beer specials will be on tap at 6th Alley.

As of April 23, the statewide snowpack in Colorado is at just 16 percent of the norm for the date – on par with what’s typical around June 3 per the USDA.

Plan a visit to Arapahoe Basin here.

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