Photos: Last Day of Season at A-Basin as Much About Surfing as Skiing

Last month, we reported about Arapahoe Basin extending the 2014-2015 ski season by planning to remain open on the weekend of June 12-14. This decision was greeted with delight by plenty of locals, who turned out in force: A-Basin estimates that more than 2,500 people headed to the hills "to get...

By Michael Roberts

June 15, 2015

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Last month, we reported about Arapahoe Basin extending the 2014-2015 ski season by planning to remain open on the weekend of June 12-14.

This decision was greeted with delight by plenty of locals, who turned out in force: A-Basin estimates that more than 2,500 people headed to the hills "to get in some late-season turns" before the lifts closed at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

But the real transition from winter sports to the summer variety took place at Lake Reveal, A-Basin's natural alpine pond, where adventurous attendees went from snowboarding to surfing in a matter of seconds.

Since debuting for the season on October 17, 2014, A-Basin received 338 inches of snow. And while it's unlikely that a ski-able amount will fall for a few months, the resort won't be idle for long. It'll reopen for summer operations on July 2, with the stage-two finish of the USA Pro Challenge bike race slated to take place there on Tuesday, August 18.

Check out more photos of the final-day festivities below, courtesy of Arapahoe Basin.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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