Arapahoe Basin Oktoberfest 2024 in Colorado

Every fall, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, also known as A-Basin, hosts its annual Oktoberfest party, celebrating Bavarian culture with plenty of beer, live music, brats, pretzels, and fun activities. Typically held on a Saturday in September at Mountain Goat Plaza, Arapahoe Basin Oktoberfest is one of the largest events at the ski resort, marking the end of the summer season on the mountain.

Beer & Food

For $30, attendees can purchase a Stein and three beer pours, with draft beer sourced from Denver's Prost Brewing Co. and other local brewers. The food lineup includes delicious options like knockwurst, pork schnitzel sandwiches, braised red cabbage, German potato salad, pretzels, and apple strudel. Food and beer vendors in the base area operate from noon to 4 pm, with live music starting at 1 pm, featuring lively Austrian folk music, great beer, and pretzels bigger than your face!

Activities

In addition to food and drinks, Basin Oktoberfest offers free chairlift rides to the summit, with the event kicking off each day at 11 am and running until 4 pm. Celebrations feature live music and dancing in the base area. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and a free 20-hole disc golf course.

Tickets

Admission includes an exclusive A-Basin Stein and a beer of your choice. For those who prefer a more flexible arrangement, separate beer and food options are available. Here's a sneak peek into the event schedule

History of the Arapahoe Basin Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest originated from a royal wedding in Munich, Germany, in 1810, celebrating the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen with a grand horse race. The festivities were so enjoyable that the citizens decided to repeat them annually, giving rise to the world’s largest beer festival and an important aspect of German culture. Over the years, the festival evolved, introducing beer tents in the 1890s, which have since become a signature element of the celebration. Today, Oktoberfest is celebrated worldwide, including in Vail and Summit County, honoring this rich Bavarian tradition.