[ Venue ] The Black Mountain Lodge at Arapahoe Basin.

Yes, there are lots of venues that are available for private parties, weddings and special events.  We've decorated quite a few of them, and I'm always trying to take photos as we set up.  Today's photoblog is all about the Black Mountain Lodge at the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.  

One of the things that makes this area so special is that it is one of the oldest ski areas in Colorado.  If you want to see an at-a-glance bit of information for this venue, well, here you go!

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

Lucky for you, I'm skimming the Basin's web pages about the Black Mountain Lodge, and it looks like this venue can hold up to 300 guests.  But remember, there is no lodging available here.  There are some items that they provide at no extra charge, and here's what those are.

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

As we were setting up our flower decor, I noticed the photographer taking a few photos with the east wall as the back drop.  And, if any of you know the basin, then you know that the east wall can be afun, yet dangerous place to ski and / or ride.  You can hike and drop in on one of the chutes, or haul ass and traverse as far and as high as you can.  Either way, it's an alpine adventure that's a classic.  

I also noticed an oxygen bar set up in the main room.  We recommend that any parents or older relatives,  that you suspect to possibly have troubles adjusting to the altitude, spend a few days in Denver, which is at 5,280 feet.  Breckenridge is almost twice that, claiming 9,600 feet as its elevation.  And this venue is even higher yet, at 11,550 feet of elevation.  

This is a fun, unique addition to your party that will be the talk of the night, and for weeks after the event.  The air even comes in flavors.  Please contact us to learn more how to put the finishing touches on your event, including an oxygen bar!

This is what one of the ski runs looks like in the summertime.  Pure and classic Colorado.  In the image below, Meredith (A-Basin wedding contact) checks on all the vendors as they prepare and set up in their appropriate spaces.  

The DJ and musicians were practicing and gettin' a pre-ceremony jam on while the wedding party arrives for photos and last-minute touches around the rooms.

So, now you've gotten a glimpse at the Black Mountain Lodge.  And I mean just that, a glimpse.  You see, there are 360 degree views of mountains, ski runs and the Continental Divide that I couldn't fit into these frames.  So, take my word for it, your guests will talk about the venue, the setting, and even how they rode a chairlift to a wedding at almost 12,000 feet.  Thanks for reading!