Only in Colorado can one enjoy winter’s last blast and summer fun all in the same day. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Arapahoe Basin, the highest ski area in North America. Not only are the lifts still open then, but on Sunday, May 26, the resort will host the 12th annual Festival of the Brewpubs.

Basically a large block party at the ski mountain’s base, A-Basin’s festival features some of the best brew in the Rocky Mountains along with the state’s only open ski runs. After hitting the slopes in the morning, sample refreshing beers from Pug Ryan’s, Dillon Dam, AC Golden, Avery, O’Dell’s, Oskar Blues, Wynkoop, Tivoli, Twisted Pine and Elevation all afternoon.

More than just a beer tasting, patrons can dance to live bluegrass music from Hardscrabble. Then munch at the outdoor BBQ or dine indoors at the Legends Cafe and then do some shopping for end-of-season deals at the Arapahoe Sports Store. (The store comes in handy if the temperature takes a dive and you forgot your gloves and hat like we did last year.) Come in costume, come with Fido, come for the skiing or just come and hang out. Only in Colorado can people drink beer at 10,000 feet.

The Festival of Brewpubs is only for those 21 and over, but the skiing is open to everyone. The festival’s $25 admission fee includes a commemorative 4-oz. mug for sampling while the $30 admission fee includes the mug and a ticket for sliders at the BBQ. Lift tickets are sold separately.

A-Basin is only 68 miles from Denver via I-70 West. Exit Loveland Pass (Exit 216) and enjoy the views from the pass over the next eight miles on Highway 6. For those afraid of heights, avoid the pass by continuing west on I-70 to Silverthorne (Exit 205) and take US Highway 6 east for 12 miles. Skiing starts at 8:30 AM and the festival goes from noon–4 PM.

Photos by Carrie Dow

Event Date: 05/26
Event Time: Noon-4 PM
Location: Arapahoe Basin
Price: $25
Type: Beer,Festival,Food,Sports
Website: www.arapahoebasin.com