SAM Magazine—Denver, Nov. 19, 2024—Alterra Mountain Company closed the purchase of Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, expanding Alterra’s portfolio to 18 mountain destinations. A-Basin president and COO Alan Henceroth, who has been with the resort for 36 years, will continue to lead the resort and oversee daily operations with his longtime team. 

“A-Basin is considered legendary for a reason and has always been more than just a ski area to many—it is a home to passionate, dedicated skiers and riders who share a spirit of adventure and a love for Colorado’s mountains,” said Alterra president and CEO Jared Smith. “The team at Alterra is excited to work with the leaders at A-Basin to ensure its spirit and culture thrive.”

“In 2019, we partnered with Alterra Mountain Company on Ikon Pass, knowing they respect and embrace everything that makes A-Basin unique,” said Henceroth. “As we move forward, I am confident that the spirit of The Basin will not only remain but grow stronger than ever as we continue to work with leaders on the mountain on a 10-year master development plan to address parking, enhanced snowmaking, and improvements to the experience for skiers and riders of all skill levels.”

Over the last 27 years, A-Basin expanded the ski area to 1,428 acres, replaced all its lifts and most of the buildings, and opened the two highest elevation restaurants in North America, Il Rifugio and Steilhang Hut. In 2018, A-Basin pledged to be carbon neutral by 2025 and, recently, was able to officially commit to using 100 percent renewable electricity.

Alterra entered an agreement to purchase A-Basin in early February. The protracted closing period was due, at least in part, to a Department of Justice inquiry into the transaction. Whatever the DOJ’s concerns were must have been satisfied, hence the acquisition’s closing.

There will be no changes to Arapahoe Basin local season passes or Ikon Pass winter access for the 2024-25 ski season.