4,000 ski at Colorado resort on July 4th

By The AP
Tuesday, July 5, 2011

KEYSTONE — About 4,000 skiers and snowboarders got in one last day on the slopes on Independence Day, the last day of the season at Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin ski resort.

Resort spokeswoman Kimberly Trembearth says it’s the latest the resort has closed since 1997, when it kept running till Aug. 10.

In 2003, the resort stayed open till July 2. It usually stays open until early June.

Arapahoe Basin is known for opening early and closing late because of its elevation, which captures snow sooner and holds onto it longer than many other resorts. The resort’s high point is 13,050 feet above sea level.

Arapahoe Basin’s website says it averages 350 inches of snow a year. The resort also uses snow-making equipment.