FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VAIL, Colo. — September 22, 2026 — For more than four decades, Alan Henceroth has dedicated his career to Colorado snow sports, helping guide Arapahoe Basin Ski Area through tremendous growth while remaining fiercely committed to the spirit, culture, and character that have defined the mountain since its founding in 1946.
This year, the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame is proud to welcome Henceroth as a member of the Class of 2026, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to Colorado skiing and his lasting influence on the ski industry.
2026 Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame event and ticket information HERE.
The honor comes as Arapahoe Basin prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary during the 2026–27 season. Founded as a scrappy, independent ski area in 1946, A-Basin has evolved significantly over eight decades, but its commitment to an authentic mountain experience remains central to its identity. Henceroth has played a defining role in carrying that legacy forward.
“Few leaders in Colorado skiing embody the spirit of stewardship, innovation, and community commitment as Alan. For more than three decades at Arapahoe Basin-rising from ski patrol and operational roles to COO-he has guided one of Colorado’s most storied ski areas with a rare combination of humility, vision, and authenticity,” said Bill Jensen, Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Class of 2008. He goes on to say, “Under his leadership, ‘The Legend’ has not only preserved its unique character, but it has become a national model for how a ski area can thrive while staying true to its values.”
Henceroth joined Arapahoe Basin in 1986 and rose through the ranks, serving as Ski Patrol Director in 1988, Director of Mountain Operations in 1998, and Chief Operating Officer since 2005. During his tenure, A-Basin expanded its terrain and infrastructure through landmark projects including Montezuma Bowl, The Beavers, The Steep Gullies, Black Mountain Lodge and multiple lift improvements, while continuing to focus on the quality of the experience rather than simply increasing the number of visitors.
Perhaps nowhere was that philosophy more evident than in 2019, when Henceroth helped lead A-Basin’s decision to leave the unlimited Epic Pass after nearly two decades of partnership with Vail Resorts. Facing record crowds and increasing pressure on the mountain’s infrastructure, A-Basin chose to prioritize the quality of the skier and rider experience, subsequently limiting daily lift-ticket sales and unrestricted season-pass sales and joining the Ikon Pass on a limited basis. A-Basin’s own history notes that the changes achieved the resort’s goal of reducing skier visits by 20 percent during the 2019–20 season.
For Henceroth, putting skiers and riders first has never meant making business decisions; it has shaped the mountain’s culture.
“Alan has built a unique culture of openness, tolerance and fun at A-Basin that employees and guests recognize and appreciate,” said Melanie Mills, President and CEO of Colorado Ski Country, USA. She continues, “He is the most accessible resort chief I know in Colorado, giving his time and attention to his team at A-Basin, to A-Basin supporters and to A-Basin critics.”
He is known for his hands-on approach and visibility at A-Basin, whether helping direct traffic, working alongside employees, or communicating directly with guests. Through his long-running Al’s Blog, Henceroth has offered an unusually candid look at the realities of operating a ski area, writing about everything from snow and weather to parking, crowds, staffing, mountain operations, sustainability, and the decisions that shape the guest experience. A-Basin continues to describe the blog as regular behind-the-scenes updates from its COO.
Henceroth’s commitment to preserving the mountain’s history extends beyond his leadership of the resort. In 2020, he co-authored Arapahoe Basin: A Colorado Legend Since 1946, helping document the people, places, traditions, and stories that have shaped one of Colorado’s most storied ski areas.
Environmental stewardship has also become an important part of Henceroth’s legacy. Under his leadership, A-Basin established an ambitious goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2025. The resort achieved that goal two years ahead of schedule, announcing in 2024 that it had reached a net-zero carbon footprint following its transition to 100 percent renewable electricity. Its sustainability efforts have included renewable energy, waste reduction, transportation efficiency, ecosystem stewardship, and wildlife management.
Before joining A-Basin, Henceroth worked as a ski patroller and supervisor at Keystone Resort and as a forest technician with the U.S. Forest Service in Alaska, Washington, and Utah. Those experiences helped establish the foundation for a career rooted in mountain operations, public-land stewardship, and a deep understanding of the communities and people who make Colorado’s mountain culture unique.
“The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame seeks to recognize those whose contributions have materially shaped the past, present, and future of skiing and riding in our state. Alan Henceroth’s career exemplifies that standard. He has protected a cherished piece of Colorado’s ski heritage while guiding it into the modern era with integrity and deep respect for the mountain and its community,” said Bill Jensen in nominating Henceroth.
Today, as Arapahoe Basin enters its ninth decade, Henceroth’s influence can be seen not only in the lifts, trails, lodges, and terrain developed during his tenure, but also in something less tangible: the continued belief that a ski area can grow and modernize without losing its soul.
For Henceroth, the work ultimately comes back to something simple: creating opportunities for people to enjoy the mountains.
That philosophy has guided more than four decades of leadership—and helped ensure that as Arapahoe Basin celebrates 80 years of history, its future remains firmly connected to the spirit that made it a Colorado legend in the first place.
The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame will honor Alan Henceroth and the Class of 2026 at the annual Hall of Fame Celebration on October 10, 2026, at The Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek.
For more information about the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame and the Class of 2026, visit our event page HERE.
