| Loveland Ski area is the closest big mountain ski area | | | | aware of the following differences between Loveland |
| to Denver, Colorado, so it is easy to see why locals | | | | and a ski area like Vail: |
| like to ski there - less driving time. However, it's also | | | | 1.) The weather on The Ridge can be severe, and |
| a great place to ski. The high altitude means that the | | | | can change quickly. Don't assume that because the |
| snow quality is often very good - high altitude and | | | | weather is nice on lower lifts, it will be nice on the |
| colder temperatures mean that the snow stays soft | | | | Ridge. If the weather is bad, go lower on the |
| and fluffy for a long time. | | | | mountain, perhaps even down to Loveland Valley, |
| If you are an expert skier with a taste for the | | | | Loveland's beginner and intermediate area. |
| adventure, The Ridge is a great place to ski. Served | | | | 2.) Do not enter closed areas. Beautiful, fluffy |
| by Chairlift 9, the Ridge runs for several miles along | | | | powder snow like you see in ski movies is inherently |
| the top of the vast basins that comprise the | | | | unstable, and if you enter a closed area, you could |
| Loveland Ski Area. To access most of the Ridge, you | | | | easily trigger an avalanche. If you stay inbounds, the |
| will have to do a little bit of uphill hiking. It's not | | | | ski patrol does an excellent job of controlling the |
| generally a huge gain in vertical feet, but the high | | | | danger, but if you duck the ropes and head out of |
| altitude (between 12,500 and 13,000 feet or 3800 to | | | | bounds, you are putting yourself at risk. This warning |
| 4000 meters) may have you breathing hard, | | | | is particular aimed at snow riders who are not from |
| especially if you are from sea level. | | | | Colorado. If you don't understand Colorado snow, |
| However, the effort expended in the short uphill | | | | don't assume high-altitude Colorado is like the snow |
| hikes is often rewarded by some of the best skiing in | | | | back home. |
| the world. The short uphill sections discourage many | | | | 3.) Loveland is a ski area, not a fancy resort. There's |
| skiers and untracked powder can be found for days | | | | no onsite lodging, no real estate, no fancy shopping, |
| after a snow storm. It's often helicopter skiing | | | | and no cute ski town. The base lodge cafeteria is |
| without the helicopter. | | | | fine, reasonably priced, and functional. It's not a 5-star |
| Another great advantage of Loveland Ski Area, if | | | | dining experience. If you have non-skiing guests with |
| you have a car, is that you can park right at the | | | | you, they could be bored. |
| Base Lodge. So, if you've got extra gear, multiple | | | | You won't meet the rich and famous at Loveland. |
| pairs of skis, etc., you can bring it all with you and | | | | You will meet ordinary Colorado skiers, ranging from |
| easily get back to the car to sway gear, skis, etc. | | | | families with little kids to extreme skiers riding crazy |
| Loveland is a great place to ski, but you should be | | | | lines on The Ridge. |