[VENUE] The Black Mountain Lodge at the Arapahoe Basin Ski and Snowboard Area

This is just one of a number of posts that we’ll be doing on the options you have when exploring ideas for a wedding in the  Rocky Mountains.  From Keystone, as you head east on highway 6 towards Loveland Pass, which crosses the Continental Divide, you’ll run into theArapahoe Basin Ski and Snowboard Area.   

According to their website, "accommodating up to 300 guests, the Black Mountain Lodge showcases views of the Continental Divide...while guests arrive in 'Alpine Style' when they use the new Black Mountain Express chairlift. This high speed, detachable quad chairlift will whisk your guests up to mid- mountain in 3 minutes."

"Arapahoe Basin's infamous 'Beach' scene cannot be replicated by any other ski resort in Colorado. The Early Riser parking lot is home to a stretch of prime real estate known as the "Beach." The Beach backs up to the three lower mountain chairlifts, snow and great skiable terrain.

Come Saturday and Sunday, it is home to birthday celebrations, events, employee parties and crazy costumes.

Due to its popularity, the Beach fills up fast! There are 10 spots total. Each spot has enough room to park two vehicles and comes with a picnic table."

Recently, Summit County wedding photographer Kay Beaton took a couple who was getting married at Keystone's Warren Station up the road past A Basin to the switchback you see on the left side in the photo above.  From there, you have the ski runs as the backdrop for your photos.  

This would be a good spot to go for a quick photo session before heading up to the Black Mountain Lodge for your wedding. 

The Legend's Cafe in the A-Frame

"The true heart of A-Basin can be found in this alpine styled A-Frame. Large windows provide breath-taking views of the Continental Divide and Ten Mile Range. A tiered deck awaits outside offering the perfect view to watch the sun set over the mountain. This setting works remarkably well for those who are looking for an old time ski vibe. The Legend's Cafe can cater up to 350 guests."

"The base area lodge provides an intimate outside venue on the second level, the choice between a valley or mountain setting is up to you."  I would look at your guests as a whole, and determine whether or not they would enjoy riding up and down the chairlifts, or if the base lodge would be sufficient.  

Quick Information:

• Ceremony Site - Yes
• Outside Catering - No 
• Parking Availability - Yes
• Kosher - Yes
• Valet Parking - Yes
• Outdoor Space - Yes
• Handicapped Accessible - Yes
• Capacity - Upwards of 350 guests
• Style - Ski Area Rustic/Alpine Style

Local lodging options include the Key to the Rockies, and fellow new media pioneer, Summit Cove.  The team over at Summit Cove first prompted our flower shop to join Twitter over 3 years ago now.  I would also talk to the crew at the Serenity Spa and Salon in Keystone, as they would be the most convenient to work with on this side of the county.

The "Black Mountain Lodge offers a south facing deck with a mountainous backdrop" known as the East Wall.  This advanced terrain is accessible in the winter via a short hike or a steep traverse.  Either choice is an adventure.

These photos were taken as we were setting up.  The linens had just been set on the left side of the room, as the tables are placed and layout finalized.  

 The East Wall

According the website the following items are provided.  The photo above shows the room being set up.

Each venue will provide the following at no extra charge:

• Chairs set up for your ceremony
• Ceremony Arbor
• Cake Table
• Gift Table
• Guest Registry Table
• Cake Cutting Service
• White or ivory table linens and rolled silverware
• Dancing space
• Dinnerware, flatware and glassware
• Emergency Medical Technicians for lift serviced events

 Meredith takes in the view for a moment before helping set up the flowers inside.  We call it research, and these mountains, venues and resources are what we've learned along the way.  Check back for more real weddings at Arapahoe Basin and the Black Mountain Lodge.

Please comment below if you've  found this post helpful, if you have further questions, or want us to help you plan your Arapahoe Basin wedding with clean mountain style, a wildflower look, or even an urban lounge meets the mountain feel.  Whatever you dream, we can help bring it to life.  Thanks for reading.