Celebrate America the Colorado way.

Independence Day is usually the masterpiece of summer celebrations: fireworks, picnics, barbecue, and ... skiing? Yep! Winter just doesn't want to say goodbye up at Arapahoe Basin, where you can don your best red, white, and blue shorts and enjoy our "purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain," on July 4. 

Thanks to elevation and our many spring snow storms, Arapahoe Basin is inviting you up for a little slope-style freedom on the 4th of July. It is open for skiing and snowboarding, so bring your barbecue for a little tailgating before or after you take to the mountain. Two lifts and several runs will be open, though no beginning skiing is available. Lift hours will run from about 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., according to A-Basin. There will also be live music from 11 am. to  2 p.m.

"Spring conditions exist and conditions will change throughout the day. There is only one run from mid-mountain to the base. The best snow conditions are on the upper mountain where several runs are available. Ski and ride with care," the resort says. 

The A-Basin staff offers the following condition update: 

"... Conditions on the Upper Mountain are still great, with good coverage from Humbug as far over as West Wall. Lake Reveal is making itself known, so be sure to wear your best pond skimming gear. Treeline Terrain Park will be open again with three rail features, and as always the deck scene at Black Mountain Lodge will be going off. Come enjoy another summer day skiing The Basin!"

This is the second time in recent memory that A-Basin has been open on Independence Day. The last time the snow stretched until July 4 was in 2011. Believe it or not, the resort stayed open until August 10 in 1995, so while this year is rare, it's not unheard of! 

Lift tickets are $69, or $59 if you have a season pass from any other ski area. You can find out all the details about July 4th on the slopes on the A-Basin website.