Arapahoe Basin vs Buttermilk

Arapahoe Basin (Colorado) and Buttermilk (Colorado) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.

StatArapahoe BasinButtermilk
Vertical drop1,683 ft (513 m)2,001 ft (610 m)
Summit elevation12,477 ft9,882 ft
Base elevation10,794 ft7,881 ft
Lifts98
Runs10750
Beginner terrain4%24%
Intermediate terrain34%46%
Expert terrain62%30%
Night skiingNoNo

Buttermilk has the bigger vertical (2,001 ft vs 1,683 ft); Arapahoe Basin has more runs (107 vs 50); Arapahoe Basin skews more expert (62% expert terrain).

Which pass covers them?

ResortPass coverage (2026-27)
Arapahoe BasinIkon Pass: unlimited days
ButtermilkIkon Pass: 7 daysMountain Collective: 2 days

One pass covers both: Ikon Pass. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →

Stay near Arapahoe Basin

Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Arapahoe Basin

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More detail: Arapahoe Basin stats · Buttermilk stats