Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, stands as one of the state's oldest and most beloved ski resorts.
“In 1946, our founders envisioned something here,” said Alan Henceroth, president and chief operating officer for Arapahoe Basin. “That’s amazing considering the concept of a ski resort didn’t really exist then.”
That pioneering spirit continues to guide Arapahoe Basin — or as locals call it, A-Basin. Known for one of the longest ski seasons in the country due to its elevation, the ski area blends its rich history with a forward-thinking approach. The place features a first-class ski and snowboarding experience, multiple restaurants, creative events and live music.
“We’re always thinking about what’s next,” said Henceroth. “We want this place to be in better shape than when we got here.”
A-Basin, the final stop for our power lines at almost 11,000 feet, relies heavily on reliable energy to keep lights on, chairlifts moving and snow machines blowing. Recognizing the impact of energy consumption, A-Basin set an ambitious goal in 2024 to transition to 100% renewable energy. The journey was made possible through a close partnership with Xcel Energy.
“We enrolled in solar and renewable programs and worked closely with the Xcel Energy team,” said Mike Nathan, A-Basin’s sustainability manager. “We can set these aspirational goals for ourselves, but we need the infrastructure and the support to accomplish them. Knowing that there is an established and like-minded team at Xcel Energy is critical. We know they’re a phone call away.”
Up next for A-Basin is to bring electrification to their kitchens. From deep fryers and pizza ovens to stoves and larger appliances, the staff is working with Xcel Energy to reimagine food preparation high in the mountains.
“They’re helping us pursue kitchen equipment that is most easily electrifiable right now, as well as creating a pathway for us to go fully electric down the line,” said Nathan.
Chris Rybak, director of food and beverage for A-Basin, believes they can set an example across Summit County and beyond.
“The opportunity I have is to show the rest of the area and the ski industry that this can be done,” he said. “We can help the environment by using more electricity and still put out a great product.”
That passion is nothing new for the staff at A-Basin. In the early days, ski instructors started composting and recycling programs as the goal to become “the greenest on the mountain” began taking shape.
Today, that mindset is what makes A-Basin a great partner for Xcel Energy, too.
“These are places that are important to people,” said Joe Limone, the Xcel Energy account manager serving A-Basin. “To see how passionate they are about what they’re doing and how they’re setting an example is impressive and fun to be part of.”
As the ski area continues to embrace renewable energy, set sustainability goals and protect the environment, A-Basin hopes to remain a symbol of how tradition and progress can thrive together.
“We have every intention of being a ski area for another 80 years,” said Nathan. “We’re set up for success in the future as we continue to be good stewards.”
Find more on energy efficiency programs through Xcel Energy.
