Posted on 10/8/2012 by Alyssa Schnarsky

Moonlight Dinners Announced at Arapahoe Basin

 Black Mountain Lodge at Arapahoe Basin MOONLIGHT Dinner Events

Arapahoe Basin has recently announced its Moonlight Dinner Series calendar for the 2012-13 season. Held on Saturdays during the full moon cycle, these dinners allow A-Basin guests to experience the mountain in an intimate yet social evening setting, while also enjoying the natural beauty of the outdoors under the full moon. Executive Chef Christopher Rybak brings years of culinary experience and a passion for innovation to the Moonlight Dinner Series at Black Mountain Lodge. The classically-trained chef gathers inspiration from several regions of the world for these dinners, and puts his own "A-Basin" spin on traditional flavors. "I love holding these Moonlight Dinners because they challenge me to evolve my culinary creativity," said Rybak, who also serves as the Food and Beverage Director for all on-mountain dining options. Please note that because Chef Rybak focuses on sourcing local and sustainable ingredients, these menus are subject to change. These events are an extremely unique experience and always sell-out, sometimes months in advance, so if you'd like to participate in any of the dinners, we recommend making your reservations now! For more information or to make reservations, please call 888-ARAPAHOE or visit them online.

Randonnee Dinner - November 24, 2012

Strap on your skins and head up the hill to Black Mountain Lodge for our "Night in Bavaria" Randonee Dinner. This evening starts under the full moon with a warming aperitif then continues with our hors d'oeuvres buffet of European grilled sausages, air-dried meats and cheeses, and hearth-baked breads. Enjoy the sights and scents of the Alps with our Bavarian Buffet featuring whole-roasted hog with sauerkraut and dumplings, as well as a buffet of traditional foods spanning several cultures and nations. Save your appetite for our desserts before you embark on your moonlight ski down the mountain. This is not a lift-serviced event.  Adult (Ages 13+) $69 plus tax, gratuity included. Cash bar.

Ring in 2013 with Arapahoe Basin's New Year's Eve Celebration! - December 31 , 2012

Ride the Black Mountain Express for a night of celebration to send 2012 off in style. Start the evening with a complimentary cordial while you warm. Then, dive into our iced seafood assortment including shrimp, scallops and oysters. Move on to our Grande Buffet featuring Colorado Angus Beef, Colorado Stripe Bass and Lobster Rouladen. The buffet will also provide a variety of soups, salads, and all the extras to make this a memorable night at 11,500'.  Celebrate New Year's Eve with New York at 10 p.m. with a glass of champagne and party favors along with chocolate-covered strawberries and tasty sweet bites to end the evening. This is a lift-serviced only event. Adult (Ages 13+) $95 plus tax, gratuity included. Cash bar.

A Night in Spain - January 26, 2013

During this full moon, we will be enjoying another night of Spanish-themed cuisine.  Heavily influenced by the cooking styles and foods of the Mediterranean, this dinner is not to be missed!  A fusion of flavors and textures from tapas, entrees, soups, salads and desserts will be on the menu. Cost is $82 per person, gratuity included. This is a lift-serviced event, but feel free to bring your snowshoes and end the night with a moonlight snowshoe down the mountain. Adult (Ages 13+) $82 plus tax, gratuity included. Cash bar.

A Night in France - February 23, 2013

If you missed the last one, here's your chance to experience a "Night in France"! The aromas and flavors will take you on a stroll from the streets of Paris through the gardens of Versailles on this culinary trip.  Start your night with a warming cordial and then help yourself to a variety of French-themed appetizers, entrees and desserts. The cost is $82 per person, gratuity included. This is a lift-serviced event, but feel free to bring your snowshoes and end the night with a moonlight snowshoe down the mountain. Adult (Ages 13+) $82 plus tax, gratuity included. Cash bar.

A Night in Scandinavia - March 23, 2013

Join us for our first full moon Night in Scandinavia. Savor the smells and tastes of Norway, Sweden, Finland and more.  A night like this would not be complete without a taste of Aquavit to warm you up.  The smorgasbord includes smoked fish, reindeer or elk, sides and a collection of desserts from Scandinavia. The cost is $82 per person, gratuity included. This is a lift-serviced event, but feel free to bring your snowshoes and end the night with a moonlight snowshoe down the mountain. Adult (Ages 13+) $82 plus tax, gratuity included. Cash bar.

A Night in Italy - April 20, 2013

Back by popular demand - another Italian dinner under the full moon!  This is an evening that channels Italian passions for food, wine and great friends. This year will take you through the Italian countryside, featuring antipasti, salads, traditional pasta dishes and, of course, a collection of desserts. The cost is $82 per person, gratuity included. This is a lift-serviced event, but feel free to bring your snowshoes and end the night with a moonlight snowshoe down the mountain. Adult (Ages 13+) $82 plus tax, gratuity included. Cash bar.


About The Author
Alyssa Schnarsky

Alyssa Schnarsky is the Marketing Director at SummitCove Vacation Lodging in Keystone and has worked in the vacation lodging industry for over 15 years. When she's not delivering exceptional content on all-things Keystone, you can find her hiking in the mountains, skiing the trees, enjoying a live concert, spending time with her tuxedo cat or planning her next adventure.

Previous Snowmaking at Arapahoe Basin Has Begun! The Bottle Shop Offers Craft Beers, Wines and Colorado Brands Close to Keystone Next