Arapahoe Basin vs Hesperus Ski Area
Arapahoe Basin (Colorado) and Hesperus Ski Area (Colorado) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.
| Stat | Arapahoe Basin | Hesperus Ski Area |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical drop | 1,683 ft (513 m) | 623 ft (190 m) |
| Summit elevation | 12,477 ft | 8,898 ft |
| Base elevation | 10,794 ft | 8,278 ft |
| Lifts | 9 | 1 |
| Runs | 107 | 38 |
| Beginner terrain | 4% | 32% |
| Intermediate terrain | 34% | 37% |
| Expert terrain | 62% | 31% |
| Night skiing | No | - |
Arapahoe Basin has the bigger vertical (1,683 ft vs 623 ft); Arapahoe Basin has more runs (107 vs 38); Arapahoe Basin skews more expert (62% expert terrain).
Which pass covers them?
| Resort | Pass coverage (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Arapahoe Basin | Ikon Pass: unlimited days |
| Hesperus Ski Area | Not on a major pass; lift tickets only |
No single pass covers both, so skiing both means separate passes or lift tickets. 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
Related comparisons
Arapahoe Basin vs Winter Park ResortArapahoe Basin vs VailArapahoe Basin vs Beaver Creek ResortArapahoe Basin vs Breckenridge Ski ResortArapahoe Basin vs Steamboat Ski ResortArapahoe Basin vs Telluride Ski ResortArapahoe Basin vs SnowmassHesperus Ski Area vs Winter Park Resort
More detail: Arapahoe Basin stats · Hesperus Ski Area stats