Alan Henceroth Named to Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Arapahoe Basin COO Recognized as a "Sport Builder"
In a major institutional announcement celebrating Colorado’s rich winter sports legacy, Alan Henceroth, the long-standing Chief Operating Officer of Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, has been officially named to the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Known throughout the industry as a visionary leader who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves, Henceroth’s induction under the "Sport Builder" category highlights over forty years of sustained dedication to Colorado's ski industry.
The formal induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
A Forty-Year Legacy on the Slopes
Henceroth’s career is defined by steady, hands-on leadership and deep roots in the Colorado mountains. Over the decades, his roles have spanned all levels of ski area operations:
- Early Career: He began his journey as a ski patroller and supervisor at Keystone Resort, also working as a Forest Technician with the U.S. Forest Service across Alaska, Washington, and Utah.
- Joining Arapahoe Basin (1988): Henceroth joined A-Basin as the Ski Patrol Director, a role he held for a decade.
- Operations Director (1998): He was promoted to Director of Mountain Operations, overseeing daily slope maintenance and growth initiatives.
- Chief Operating Officer (2005–Present): For more than two decades, he has guided Arapahoe Basin as its COO, managing its evolution into a modernized yet core-skier-focused destination.
Strategic Growth and Modernization
Under Henceroth’s stewardship, Arapahoe Basin underwent some of its most significant physical and operational transformations. Key milestones include:
- The massive 400-acre Montezuma Bowl expansion, which opened new terrain for advanced skiers.
- The construction of the modern Black Mountain Lodge and the installation of the Black Mountain Express Chairlift.
- Crucial guest experience enhancements and infrastructure upgrades that modernized the mountain while preserving its legendary, laid-back vibe.
Cultivating a "Rad" Work Environment
Beyond physical expansions, Henceroth is celebrated for shaping a unique corporate culture that is highly regarded across the ski industry. He remains deeply connected to the daily experience of both guests and staff.
"Even as Chief Operating Officer, Alan Henceroth pulls his weight and more around Arapahoe Basin. On any given day, he’s parking cars, changing trash bags, and chatting with guests".
This egalitarian leadership style has helped foster what many describe as a "rad work environment"—one where community, hard work, and a shared passion for snow sports are placed at the forefront.
Celebrating the Class of 2026
Henceroth joins a historic Class of 2026 that heavily honors snowboarding pioneers who helped transition the sport from a fringe activity to a global phenomenon. Fellow inductees include:
- Trent Bush: A sport builder who has driven snowboard culture, gear, and event organizing for forty years.
- Tim and Tracey Canaday: The co-founders of Denver-based Never Summer Snowboards.
- Jeffrey Grell: The inventor of the revolutionary high-back ("Hyback") snowboard binding.
- Chris Pappas: An early Colorado snowboarding pioneer and advocate who coached generations of riders.
Tickets for the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame Celebration on October 10 are now available to the public, with all proceeds directly supporting the Colorado Snowsports Museum, a non-profit organization.