The Skiers' Guide to Loveland Ski Area

Loveland Ski Area sits just before the Eisenhower Tunnel along Interstate 70, making it one of the closest major ski areas to Denver—only about an hour's drive away. This independently owned resort stands out for its old-school charm, affordable prices, and lack of crowds despite its proximity to Colorado's capital.

The resort features two distinct areas: Loveland Basin for intermediate to expert skiers, and Loveland Valley dedicated to beginners. With a top elevation reaching 3,965m and a base at 3,291m, Loveland boasts impressive high-alpine terrain across the Continental Divide.

Our Snomad community gives Loveland an overall rating of 4.39/5, with particularly high marks for experts (4.75/5) and family friendliness (4.77/5). As Jessica, an advanced snowboarder from the United States, puts it: "Family run ski area that makes you feel like a local. More affordable than the big mountains and amazing terrain."

Loveland offers 94 runs spread across its expansive terrain, with something for every ability level. The resort receives consistent snowfall and maintains excellent groomed runs (4.44/5) while also providing plenty of challenging terrain for those seeking adventure.

Loveland Valley serves as a dedicated learning area, keeping beginners separate from the main slopes. "Loveland Valley is a whole side of a mountain dedicated to newcomers with bunny hills and magic carpet rides," explains MarQuis, an advanced snowboarder. Meanwhile, Loveland Basin caters to more experienced riders with varied terrain including steep chutes, bowls, and tree runs.

The lift system, rated 4.42/5 for efficiency, includes 6 chairlifts that provide access to diverse terrain. "The lift lines are tiny, so you can get a lift and ski the run back to the lift base to do it all again in 15 min average each time," shares Sarah, an advanced skier from the US.

Advanced and expert skiers particularly enjoy the terrain accessible from Lift 9, which serves the high alpine bowls. Ryan, an expert snowboarder, notes: "Extreme terrain wise, you have a nice area of steep ridge line skiing up to 13,000 feet." A unique feature is the Ridge Cat, a snowcat service that transports skiers to otherwise hard-to-reach powder stashes, typically operating from March until closing day.

For off-piste enthusiasts (3.89/5), the resort offers numerous options including "tree skiing at Cats Meow and the areas left of Chets dream where you can find untouched powder," according to a former lift operator.

The dining options at Loveland receive a 3.16/5 rating from our users, reflecting the resort's functional but limited food services. Unlike larger destination resorts, Loveland focuses more on skiing than gastronomy.

Kate, an advanced skier from the UK, mentions that "great restaurants are spotted around" the mountain, though they're relatively basic. The main lodge offers standard ski resort fare—burgers, soups, and sandwiches—that will keep you fuelled for the slopes without breaking the bank.

William, an advanced skier, succinctly captures the resort's philosophy: "Loveland is the place for ski purists. It is all about the ski and not the après." Dana, an intermediate snowboarder, reinforces this point by noting there are "not many options for eating," suggesting visitors plan accordingly.

Several users mention bringing their own food, which is welcome at the resort. This approach aligns with Loveland's reputation for value, with 4.58/5 for money being one of its highest-rated attributes.

With an après-ski rating of 3.20/5, Loveland clearly isn't targeting the party crowd. The resort has a decidedly low-key approach to post-ski entertainment, which actually appeals to many of its loyal visitors.

William, an advanced skier, points out that "Loveland is all about the ski and not the après." This sentiment is echoed throughout user reviews, with many appreciating the focus on skiing rather than socialising.

The resort does feature a small bar in the base lodge where you can grab a local craft beer after a day on the slopes, but don't expect the rowdy scenes found at larger resorts. MarQuis, an advanced snowboarder, mentions the "first come first serve tailgate area," suggesting that many visitors create their own après atmosphere in the car park—a quintessentially local Colorado experience.

For those seeking more vibrant nightlife, most visitors head back to Denver or stay in nearby towns, as Laura notes: "Skiing there is like it used to be before skiing became overpriced resort experiences."

Loveland excels as a family destination, earning an impressive 4.77/5 rating for family friendliness. The separate Loveland Valley area provides a dedicated learning environment away from faster skiers, making it ideal for children and beginners.

"Loveland is brilliant," writes Chris, a beginner snowboarder. "They offer a beginners pass for around $50 which gets you access to only the beginner slope." This affordable approach makes family skiing more accessible, a point highlighted by Jackson who calls it "very family friendly" and "great for beginner skiers."

The resort's manageable size means parents can keep track of children more easily than at sprawling mega-resorts. Kirsten, an expert skier, enthusiastically states: "We love Loveland! The staff is so lovely. Parking and lifts are easy. Skiing is fun. There is so much for different levels. It is also family/kid friendly!"

The ski school quality (4.23/5) receives positive feedback, with Chad noting that instructors "taught well" and had his inexperienced friends "running the greens by end of the weekend." A regular bus service between the Basin and Valley areas makes it easy for families with different ability levels to split up and reunite throughout the day.

Accommodation options at Loveland are rated 3.39/5, reflecting the resort's day-trip focus rather than destination status. Unlike many ski resorts, Loveland doesn't have on-site lodging, which is actually part of its charm for many visitors.

Sarah, an advanced skier from the US, explains: "We live in Denver so it's the nearest and quickest option to ski - we can drop the kids at school in Denver, be in Loveland in an hour, ski all day and be back to pick them up at 3.30. Perfect." This sentiment is echoed by many users who appreciate Loveland's accessibility from Denver.

For those wanting to stay overnight, options exist in nearby towns along I-70. Patrick, an intermediate snowboarder, suggests that "the distance from Loveland back to Denver is worth staying over night up at the lodge," referring to accommodations in the surrounding area.

Some visitors prefer to base themselves in Denver or other Front Range cities, combining urban amenities with day trips to the slopes. As Chris, an advanced snowboarder, notes: "It is before the Eisenhower tunnel so you can avoid the wintertime traffic nightmare west of the tunnel."

Loveland's approach to sustainability focuses on practical measures suitable for its high-alpine environment. The resort has invested in energy-efficient snowmaking systems that help maximise coverage while minimising water usage—crucial given its early season opening and high elevation.

Being independently owned allows Loveland to implement sustainable practices without corporate constraints. The resort's relatively compact footprint and focus on skiing rather than extensive development helps maintain the natural character of the Continental Divide.

Their environmental initiatives include ongoing forest management to promote healthy tree growth and protection against wildfires and bark beetle infestation. The resort's proximity to Denver also inadvertently promotes sustainability by reducing travel distances for the majority of its visitors, many of whom are day-trippers from the Front Range urban corridor.