Surprise Powder Day Blankets Arapahoe Basin, Colorado With Needed Snow

It's no secret—the winter 25/26 season hasn't been ideal in Colorado.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (A-Basin), known for having one of the longest seasons in the country, was able to kick things off on Sunday, October 26, 2025, but Mother Nature didn't exactly cooperate throughout November and December.

Consistent warm temps and clear skies plagued powder-hungry skiers during the early season, but could today's surprise storm be a sign of better things to come?

Arapahoe Basin is reporting nine inches of "surprise" snow, and ski patrol is evaluating the potential to open more terrain. Terrain is limited today, January 6, 2026, but Silverman confirmed that more will open later this week.

"This fresh snow is exactly what we need to get some more terrain open," wrote A-Basin representative Shayna Silverman in an email to POWDER. "Our patrol is currently on the hill evaluating Lenawee Parks as well as terrain on the west side of our upper mountain. Folks can expect new terrain today and later this week."

Speaking of Silverman, check out the video below of her scoring fresh tracks in today's powder. Keep reading for more.

Video: Arapahoe Basin Powder Day, January 6, 2026

Video by: Lucas Herbert, Arapahoe Basin.

Arapahoe Basin is not reporting an official season-to-date snowfall total, but according to OpenSnow's estimation, the mountain has received less than 100 inches. That's significantly behind schedule for A-Basin's reported annual average of 350 inches, according to Colorado Ski Country USA.

A-Basin is expecting another small storm to deliver 3-6 inches on Friday, January 9, 2026. It's not a lot, but any snow will certainly be celebrated by skiers longing for soft turns and off-piste adventures.

The weather is expected to dry up with the arrival of an extended high-pressure system, but remember, it's still only early January. There's plenty of time for Mother Nature to get her act together and blanket A-Basin with that cold smoke powder its known for.

In the meantime, enjoy these powder skiing shots from Lucas Herbert captured this morning, January 6, 2026. Here's hoping they scratch your itch.

Photos: Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, January 6, 2026

Related: Do You Enjoy Skiing Moguls? (Poll)