Arapahoe Basin Snow Report and Forecast
Updated 15 May 2026 11:44 NZST
Snow Forecast for Arapahoe Basin
Snow and Weather from 15 May.
For Forecast detail, see below.
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Arapahoe Basin Snow Forecast Highlights
When will there be fresh snow in Arapahoe Basin?
| Next Snow Expected | 17 May |
|---|---|
| Next Snow Amount | 5cm |
| Next 48 Hours | 5cm |
| Next 7 Days | 29cm |
Forecast for today in Arapahoe Basin
Max 15℃
Min 3℃
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 3℃ to daytime highs around 15℃
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Fri
15
Snow unlikely
Clear sky.
Forecast times for Arapahoe Basin are in Denver (US/Mountain) time zone.
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Arapahoe Basin 7-Day Snow Forecast Overview
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| Fri 15 | Sat 16 | Sun 17 | Mon 18 | Tue 19 | Wed 20 | Thu 21 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | W F4 | W F3 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | W F3 | |
| 3,980m | 9℃
| 9℃
 +1cm
| 4℃
 +5cm
| -5℃
 +22cm
| -3℃
+1cm
| -1℃
+2cm
| 3℃
|
| SW F3 | SW F3 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | W F3 | ||
| 3,635m | 11℃
| 12℃
| 6℃
+5cm
| -3℃
+22cm
| -1℃
| 1℃
+2cm
| 5℃
|
| SW F3 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | W F3 | ||
| 3,290m | 15℃
| 14℃
| 8℃
+3cm
| -1℃
+22cm
| 2℃
| 3℃
| 7℃
|
| Snow Line | varying 3,819m | varying 3,569m | 3,290m | 3,290m | varying 3,399m | ||
| Max Town | 15℃ | 14℃ | 8℃ | -1℃ | 2℃ | 3℃ | 7℃ |
| Min Town | 3℃ | 1℃ | -2℃ | -12℃ | -13℃ | -9℃ | -10℃ |
This table shows the average forecast snowfall, the maximum temperature, and expected general weather at resort, lower and upper mountain levels. For daily forecast details, see below.
Snow Forecast near Arapahoe Basin
| Ski Area | 48 Hr | 7 Day | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breckenridge | 6cm | 25cm | |||||||
| Loveland Ski Area | 5cm | 24cm | |||||||
| Copper Mountain | 7cm | 23cm | |||||||
| Keystone | 4cm | 23cm | |||||||
| Winter Park | 2cm | 19cm | |||||||
| Elk Meadows | 1cm | 12cm |
Snow Reliability
Arapahoe Basin is renowned for its snow reliability, typically receiving an average of 350 inches of snowfall annually. The snow depth can vary greatly, so for the latest snow conditions, check J2Ski for up-to-date information.
Understanding and predicting Snow Conditions in Arapahoe Basin
Here are our tips for making the most of a trip to Arapahoe Basin, with the help of the J2Ski Snow forecasts and reports. You can find some great skiing in Arapahoe Basin, but like any mountain, snow conditions change throughout the season, from day to day, and even from hour to hour.
Whether you’re sticking to the marked pistes or venturing off-piste, here’s what you need to know:
Pistes (Groomers) or Off-Piste
These can be a world apart, regarding snow conditions, even ignoring the difference between the natural terrain features to be found off-piste and the generally controlled surfaces and slopes of a pisted (groomed) run.
- Piste Conditions can range from fresh powder to firm, icy surfaces, particularly after warm spells or a busy day on the mountain with the passage of many skiers.
- Off-Piste Conditions are far more variable. Wind and sun can quickly transform fresh snow into wind crust or slushy layers, whilst cold weather can preserve stashes of powder many days after a snowfall.
WARNING - skiing off-piste (out-of-bounds) at Arapahoe Basin is not always controlled (slopes made safe from avalanche risk) or patrolled. Always check local advice, ski with safety kit (and know how to use it), and never ski alone.
Analyzing Weather and Snowfall Forecasts
Whilst no forecast can tell you exactly how snow conditions in Arapahoe Basin will develop, checking the forecast regularly should give you an idea of what to expect.
New snowfall can bring fresh powder and refresh the surfaces of pisted runs. Powder can be tracked out quickly at busy times, but in less crowded and shaded areas, fresh snow can linger for days.
Changes in weather conditions, such as milder temperatures, rain or wind, can degrade snow quality. Conversely, cold, stable weather can preserve conditions for extended periods.
Predicting Future Snow Quality
Regularly check our snow and weather forecasts for Arapahoe Basin for changes that may affect snow quality. Forecast snowfall depth and recent snowfall are good indicators of what to expect.
Use historical data and recent snow reports to understand past snow conditions and anticipate future changes.