KEYSTONE, Colo. (CBS4)- Arapahoe Basin enjoyed a sizable expansion five years ago and now it has been given the preliminary okay to grow again.

The U.S. Forest Service has accepted A-Basin’s master plan for an expansion that includes new lifts and more reservoir storage for more snowmaking.

A-Basin will also be able to access about 400 acres of new terrain in an area called “The Beavers” that is already popular with the locals.

“A lot of things going out there avalanche wise, I think it would be really good to add that area to our ski area avalanche mitigation plan. We know people are going to love it. It’s phenomenal and beautiful and it makes perfect sense. It just all fits together very well,” said Arapahoe Basin CEO Alan Henceroth.

There is still a lengthy process before construction can begin. That includes environmental studies and final approval from the Forest Service.

Getting all of those things in order could take a couple of years.

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