Arapahoe Basin's Beloved Zuma Bowl Finally Opens This Weekend

The bowl is back.

For the first time this season, Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, is dropping the ropes on Montezuma Bowl, or Zuma.

The zone comes back into play on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with two main trail options: Cooper and Gentling. But there will be more for skiers to choose from, including limited openings from Long Chute all the way to Durance, in Miner’s Glade, and the runs off Mountain Goat Travers (like Torreys, Grays, Bierstadt, and more).

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What does “limited” mean? Those runs might not be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but they’ll be open for the majority of the day.

Arapahoe Basin does that to protect snow quality, a similar-sounding measure to its “limited and directed” openings earlier this season, which, in Colorado, has seen much less snow than usual. 

As of Friday, March 6, Arapahoe Basin has about half of its 147 named runs open, with seven lifts operating. The ski resort’s sporting a snow depth of 40 inches.

The latest round of snow to hit Colorado should make those first turns in Zuma memorable. The ski resort’s seen “at least” seven inches of new snow, according to a social media post. And the National Weather Service calls for five to nine inches total throughout Friday, with a few more flakes falling overnight. Chilly weather on Saturday should keep the new snow crisp and cold.

Zuma’s opening won’t be the only weekend action at Arapahoe Basin. The ski resort is also hosting an International Women’s Day event on Sunday in partnership with Smartwool. 

“We’re inviting women of all ages, skill, and ability levels to join us for a day of laps, pro tips & tricks, networking, and plenty of good vibes,” the resort said in an email. 

The event includes a morning and afternoon portion, so you can drop in after catching some fresh turns at your own pace. 

While it’s been a slow season, this weekend is lining up to be a great opportunity to experience some winter you might’ve missed.

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