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Sometimes rapid growth isn't all it's cracked up to be. Arapahoe Basin has found that to be true and, because of it, announced it will no longer be part of Vail Resort's season pass portfolio next season.

Since 1946, Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin - or as the locals call it A-Basin - has offered skiers and snowboarders some of the most challenging terrain found at any ski area in North America. But over the years, numerous expansions off the backside of the 13,050-foot summit have opened up additional terrain opportunities for intermediate skiers and riders.

Many ski and snowboard resorts in the West rely upon a nearby town that is base for food, lodging and off-slope fun, so SnoCountry took a look at three well-known towns that act as hubs for the mountains that surround them.

The 2018/19 ski and snowboard season has officially arrived in Colorado with a number of ski resorts opening, taking advantage of the recent storms which dumped snow by the feet, not inches, on their slopes.

The snow guns are firin’, the supply chain is hummin’ and everyone is primed for a new ski and snowboard season across the West.

Here we go! The season’s first, strong coastal storm will take aim at the East during the weekend bringing some wild weather. Meanwhile, we enjoy some mild skiing/riding in the West.

While Wolf Creek took the First To Open title for the 2018-19 season last weekend, Arapahoe Basin and Loveland are following close behind and will be the first resorts to open for seven-day-a-week runs starting this Friday and Saturday. Killington will once again take the honors of first to open in the East this Friday.

Fall and the first tastes of winter continue to duke it out across North America. With occasional bursts of cold and spurts of snow continuing in this week’s forecast, it’s a reminder that winter, truly, is not far away.

The ropes were dropped on and the lifts were spinning Oct. 12 at Wolf Creek Ski Area, signaling the beginning of another ski and snowboard season across the West.

While it looks like Colorado’s Wolf Creek Ski Area will win the #RaceToOpen this season, but numerous resorts are also preparing early openings for the 2018-19 season.

Some of the images coming from the Rocky Mountain region have us excited, but also taking a double look! More snow will fall along some of the range, which we’ll discuss, and also how this winter looks to shape up.

Copper Mountain Resort officially kicked off the 2018-19 snowmaking season early Sunday morning near the top of the Excelerator lift on Andy’s Encore trail. Meanwhile, Loveland Ski Area received three inches of new snow, and just over the Continental Divide, Arapahoe Basin also reported a fresh coat of snow.

October has arrived, and with it comes the annual #RaceToOpen between Colorado’s Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin, which has claimed the crown outright the past two years.

When visiting a ski resort for the first time, most people check out the trail map to plan their day. But whereas 30 years ago it was a paper map, today it is likely to be on a smartphone or computer. 

As summer fades to fall, skiers and snowboarders across North America are chomping at the bit to strap on the boards when Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Ski Area, Vermont’s Killington Resort and Maine’s Sunday River prepare for the annual #racetoopen for the 2018-19 season.

Summiting a 14,000-foot peak is a popular pastime in Colorado, since 56 of the 68 14ers in the continental U.S. lie within its borders. And a handful are close enough to cop in a single day.

Willy Booker, head of Burke Mountain Academy which hones some of America’s finest ski racers, bemoans that kids are less active and athletic today and don’t get outdoors enough. 

One way to remedy that is to have fun at a mountain resort this summer.

Bragging rights to long ski and ride seasons belong to a handful of resorts across the country and the fun-loving die-hards who enjoy some of the best turns of the year with goggle tans and fun parties to end the year. 

Meteorologist Steve Glazier enjoyed April riding at Colorado's Arapahoe Basin this week. (Steve Glazier)

Record cold temperatures are on tap for the weekend of April 7-8, allowing snow pack to last a little longer while creating opportunities for spring snowfall in some areas!

Lunch at Summit Chalet includes view of Minnesota's Lake Superior. (Lutsen Mountains)

Refueling at lunchtime is a long-standing tradition among skiers and riders. And doing so on the mountain – rather than in a crowded base lodge – suits those who don’t want to lose their edge while they pause to eat.