Learn to speak the A-Basin Ski Area Language

In my opinion, regular visitors to the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area are some of the luckiest people in the world. After all, how many areas of the country offer so many expertly carved trails amid such jaw-dropping natural beauty? It has taken me several trips to A-Basin to gain my composure when I take in the full height of this 13,050 ft. mountain, especially when it’s coated with a blanket of fresh fallen snow.

As your chair lifts you high into the sky, you too will be captivated by the beauty of the legendary Arapahoe Basin. But you may also find yourself a little confused by the “language”. Don’t be. Here are a few of the key phrases to help you “speak local” on your next trip to A-Basin. (In case you haven’t guessed, A-Basin means Arapahoe Basin.)

A-Frame – this is the local’s term for the buildings at the base of the mountain, which encompass the Sixth Alley Bar, Legends Café, Coffee Corner and Arapahoe Sports.

Abe Ace’n – the official mascot of the A-Basin since 2008.

Backcountry – the area outside of the boundaries of the ski area, which is unmaintained and unpatrolled. Remember, if you choose to ski in backcountry, you are on your own.

BML – the abbreviation for the Black Mountain Lodge, a restaurant located mid-mountain and accessible only by lift.

The East Wall – is an expert slope found on the East side of the front upper mountain, which is known for its powder runs and hiking terrain. It is also the highest skiable terrain in North America.

Pali – this is the nickname for the A-Basin’s Pallavicini lift, which provides access to the advanced Pallavicini slopes in one easy lift. Frequent visitors pronounce it "Polly."

Zuma Bowl – this is the nickname for the Montezuma Bowl, a 400- acre expansion of Arapahoe Basin that offers intermediate, advanced and expert terrain.

There are many more “Arapahoe-isms”, as you will discover as you get to know the terrain of Arapahoe Basin, but dropping a bit of this local lingo into your conversations will do a lot to make a great first impression.