Founded by five pioneers of skiing, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened in December of 1946 with one tow rope and a $1.25 lift ticket. Since then, Arapahoe Basin has undergone two terrain expansions and several renovations and upgrades, but the ski area has maintained the same local, laid-back vibe. The vision for A-Basin began with Larry Jump (and his wife, Marnie), Thor Groswold, Sandy Schauffler, Dick Durrance and the legendary Max and Edna Dercum. You can find runs named for these pioneers on "Founders' Ridge" in west Montezuma Bowl.