When I arrived to Colorado seven ski seasons ago, I heard of the infamous years of Arapahoe Basin being open on July 4^th and I finally experienced skiing on the 4^th of July this year.  It not only represented our day of independence, but strengthened the belief that America is beautiful from sea to shining sea and the mountains in between.  It’s a day to remember of bikinis, lifers, 3 generations of families skiing together, guys without shirts, girls without bottoms.  We saw it all today and it was amazing.

I arrived early enough to get first chair knowing the first few runs will be the best snow and least crowds and I was correct.  It didn’t take long for the lift line to fill and by 8:30 it was completely full.  I have skied hundreds of days at Arapahoe Basin and I’ve never seen a crowd so deep so early ever.    The spirits were high as always.  I overheard an 84 year old man reminisce how he would make circles all the way down the run but he was too bushed to continue.  His grandson, and maybe daughter or daughter in law came to his rescue.   I met guys who have been skiing at Arapahoe Basin for over 30 years.  Girls were freely skiing in bikinis and guys in shorts without shirts.

As for the snow, it was fantastic, bumpy in some areas and smooth in many others.  It quickly started to take form of mashed potatoes as soon as I finished my 3^rd run.  I finished my fourth to keep in theme for today’s event.  It was a stellar, epic day at A-Basin and I look forward to receiving my t-shirts in the mail!

Tags: 2011, arapahoe basin, biggest lift lines, bikinis, glenn plake moves, july 4th, ski, Skiing, waterfalls

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