Arapahoe Basin might be known for its snowy slopes in the winter, but come summer, this resort transforms into a different type of adventure destination.

One of the most notable summer offerings at this Summit County resort is the ‘Via Ferrata Tour’ – a high alpine adventure that offers no shortage of great views and great moments as participants climb 1,200 vertical feet up a cliffside. Designed to be a safe and approachable experience that’s reminiscent of rock climbing, the full-day tour tops out at about 13,000 feet of elevation, on the ridge above the famed ‘East Wall’ of the classic ‘local’s favorite’ ski resort.

The tour kicks off with a trip up a chairlift, followed by an off-road vehicle ride to about 11,800 feet of elevation.

After a safety briefing and some instruction on proper via ferrata technique, this tour takes participants through a rocky tundra and to the base of a massive cliff. The cliffside has been fitted with permanent rungs and wires to use as mandatory climbing protection with a via ferrata double-clipping safety system. This allows climbers to move up the mountain wall with less fear of a fall.

Once traveling up the cliff, participants systematically move between metal protection securely placed on the rock wall using the aforementioned two-clip system that ensures that there’s always at least one point of attachment to the rock wall throughout the entire climb.

Climbing up the cliff requires the use of metal rungs and rock holds, as climbers work their way over and around natural obstacles on the rugged terrain. Meanwhile, a massive panoramic mountain view fills the scene.

Once at the ridgeline summit, the full-day tour includes a charcuterie-style lunch that’s served before starting the return trip down a similar route.

I’ve climbed a few different via ferratas around the state at this point. Something that really impressed me with the one at Arapahoe Basin was the vertical nature of the route, as well as the extremely scenic wraparound view. As the climb moves higher and higher, it’s impossible not to be awestruck by the beauty of the area and filled with the feeling of mountain escape. This via ferrata felt a lot like actual rock climbing in a great way.

Harnesses, ropes, helmets, and the via ferrata clipping system are used during the tour, but prior experience with rock climbing isn’t required. Granted, it’s probably best that those tackling the route aren’t scared of heights.

Those not looking to tackle the full-day tour may want to check out a half-day option that travels to an abandoned mine with about 900 feet of vertical gain. That said, I’d recommend the full-day tour if you can swing it.

The Arapahoe Basin Via Ferrata experience is priced at $159 for a half-day and $209 for a full day, though depending on when you book during the year, early-bird pricing may be available.

Learn more about this experience here.

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