A Basin is the place to ski early or late in the season, or on days that aren’t super cold. Given its lofty perch – the lifts top out above 12,400 feet – windy days in mid-January are pretty intolerable. But when conditions are good, the mountain can rip.

Experienced skiers have two basic options: head far skier’s left to Pallavicini or far right to the East Wall and the gnarly terrain that lies above.

A powder day brings the skiing beneath Pallavicini to life. The fall lines iare clean and you get several hundred feet of sustained steep turns. Between snowfalls, it tends to get nicely bumped and is a good place to do your best Nelson Carmichael impression. Farther to skier’s left, there are steep glades that, while tight in spots, provide enough openings for a fun excursion.

Those looking for a workout head to Montezuma Bowl and pass through the North Pole Hiking Gate or traverse along the East Wall. This section of the mountain gets a lot of wind and is very hit or miss, but each year provides hero shots for those diligent or lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. The other big draw at A Basin is the impromptu party that springs to life on sunny weekends in April. The parking lot at the base fills with lawn chairs and locals alternate sunny runs with music and beers.