Loveland Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
The closest ski and snowboard area to Denver, Loveland Ski area has a friendly local vibe and lets skiers and snowboarders skip the often heinous I-70 ski traffic. Most skiers and snowboarders continue driving past on their way to Breckenridge or Vail, often leaving the slopes at Loveland empty. Between the main Loveland ski area and the learning and racing focussed Loveland Valley, the ski and snowboard area offers 1,800 acres of skiable terrain.
Loveland’s ski and snowboard terrain sits on the east side of the continental divide, and straddles the entrance to the Eisenhower Tunnel, which cuts through the divide. Loveland’s chairlifts reach high up to “The Ridge,” where skiers and snowboarders have a huge selection of wide open alpine bowls to choose from.
Served by Chair 9, this is where skiers and snowboarders will find the majority of Loveland's advanced and expert terrain. While some of the terrain here on The Ridge is accessible by traversing, a short hike is required to access some runs. On a clear day, the views and the prospect of fun, steep skiing will make the hike go by quickly! Conditions depending, Loveland shuttles skiers and snowboarders down the ridge in a snowcat. The “Ridge Cat,” accesses some of the best sustained pitches on the mountain, like the Marmot run, as well as some tight, rocky chutes will will challenge any skier or snowboarder. All of this terrain is above treeline, which means it is exposed to the elements. It’s not recommended to ski the ridge during snowstorms or when visibility is poor, it’s easy to get lost in whiteout conditions up there. There is, however, some fun terrain to be had at Loveland when visibility is poor. There are plenty of powder stashes to be found between Chair 4 and Chair 8.
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love Loveland. Chair 4 and Chair 6 serve a wide array of intermediate runs, that range from groomed to glades. Bennett’s Bowl of of the Ptarmigan chair provides a nice training ground for those polishing up their skills to take on The Ridge. There is beginner terrain weaved in throughout these lifts as well, providing beginners with ample options for exploration. The learning area at Loveland Valley, a free shuttle ride away from the main base area, is great for families, too.
Under good conditions, it only takes 60 minutes to drive from Denver to Loveland ski area. This makes Loveland the closest skiing and snowboarding to the city of Denver. Its location on the east side of the Eisenhower tunnel also helps to avoid traffic that backs up on the approach to the tunnel from the west side. On snowy weekends, this can save hours of driving.
Travel Resources:
Travel Directions to Loveland
Road Conditions
Under good conditions, it only takes 60 minutes to drive from Denver to Loveland ski area. This makes Loveland the closest skiing and snowboarding to the city of Denver. Its location on the east side of the Eisenhower tunnel also helps to avoid traffic that backs up on the approach to the tunnel from the west side. On snowy weekends, this can save hours of driving.
Travel Directions to Loveland
Road Conditions
Loveland is not a “destination” ski and snowboard area like Keystone and Breckenridge, so there is no lodging at the ski area itself. Great access from Denver, Boulder and the front range makes for quick and easy day trips, however. Loveland does, however offer “ski and stay” packages at hotels in nearby Georgetown and Summit County.
Loveland Ski and Stay Packages
Our Favorite Snowboards For Loveland
Local Food Picks
Skiing and snowboarding high up on the continental divide is a great way to work up an appetite. Loveland locals are often hard core skiers and snowboarders who pack their lunch for the lift rides, however, there are plenty of on-mountain dining options for those who want to take a break. The Alpine Restaurant and Bar in Georgetown is a great place to stop by after a day of skiing and snowboarding for delicious calzones and a drink.On Mountain Dining
The Alpine Restaurant
Our Favorite Skis For Loveland
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Loveland?
Loveland has some of the cheapest skiing and snowboarding lift tickets in Colorado. The base price of lift tickets is low, and many discounts are available. Children and seniors receive discount Loveland lift tickets. Buying tickets off-site (a list of off-site ticket locations can be found below) to save even more money off the prices at the ticket window at the base area.Loveland Off-Site Ticket Locations
Loveland Weather Information
Loveland sees not only a large annual snowfall of 422”, but also plenty of sunshine. The days when the sun comes out provide an awesome opportunity to explore the terrain on The Ridge. Loveland is high up on the continental divide, however, which does lead to high winds at times. These winds can drive temperatures down to the single digits and impair visibility. A good set of goggles can help see in flat light conditions, so can skiing and snowboarding in the trees.Loveland Ski Report
Loveland is one of the cheapest ski and snowboard areas in Colorado, and also the closest to Denver. While it doesn’t have the extensive facilities, lodges and villages of the Summit County ski and snowboard area, Loveland has some great skiing high up on The Ridge and great beginner access over at Loveland Valley. Few crowds, fun terrain, and mellow vibes make Loveland a great smaller Colorado ski and snowboard resort.
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Discover Seasonal Kids Ski & Snowboard Rentals
Bringing the kids out to Loveland and don’t want to spend time getting fitted up for rentals? Here at evo we know how much better time spent on the slopes is than time spent picking up rental gear. That's why we've created our seasonal kid's ski and snowboard rental program. They offer kids full season use of skis, boots, and poles or a snowboard, boots, and bindings. Put the era of long gear rental lines every weekend behind you! Learn more:
