The Black Mountain Express lift will start at 9:00 a.m. MST to shuttle guests to the beginning of the intermediate High Noon trail at mid-mountain.

“We’re extremely excited to be the first ski area to open in Colorado,” said Alan Henceroth, Arapahoe Basin COO. “The staff and I can’t wait to see skiers and riders out on the hill having fun. That’s what we live for.”

New at A-Basin for the 2012-13 season is the Pika Place Learning Area, scheduled to open November 2012. Situated in the base area adjacent to the Black Mountain Express lift, Pika Place is geared toward younger guests and first-time riders. Pika Place features a new trail, a new conveyor lift and Ace’s Kids Park, a beginner-level terrain park with smaller versions of popular features found in A-Basin’s other two terrain parks.

Guests can receive the guaranteed lowest price on A-Basin lift tickets by purchasing them in advance at ArapahoeBasin.com. Current lift ticket window pricing will run through December 21, 2012, with adult (19+ years) full-day tickets priced at $64, youth (15-18 years) window tickets priced at $54 and child (6-14 years) window tickets priced at $32. Children under age 5 ski free.

A-Basin also offers several season pass products, including the two-season Double Down Pass ($499; on sale through December 31, 2012). For season pass pricing and snow conditions, please visit ArapahoeBasin.com or call 888-ARAPAHOE (272-7246).