Checking out Loveland Ski Area

With Loveland being almost always the first ski resort to open, I wanted to check out why it's so popular even though a small area. I found out the three reasons: closest ski area to Denver, cheap lift tickets, and a nice variety of terrain.

I happened to go to Loveland on Thanksgiving day, which, surprisingly, wasn't too crowded, but it was awfully cold throughout Colorado. With the wind chill, it was well below 0. So unless you were covered from head to toe (including all those tiny spaces exposed on your face), you weren't protected from the elements and joined the crowds inside the lodge for a few hours.

Taking the lift up the south side, we rode the bowls (try Lift 1 to 6 to 2). The views were amazing - you'd never think these open spaces would be so close to Denver. It was pretty awesome. The wide areas are good for beginners, but riding in and out of the trees and through a park area made for more advance skills. If you want to get out the wind, take Lift 1 straight up. If you're looking for more of a challenge, when it's open, head over ridge up top.

The terrain is cool, but the people can be a little strange (think old Star Wars bar scene). You've got a little bit of everything at Loveland, including a lot of old school and hippie types. It makes for great people watching in the lodge. Whodathunk there are still people skiing and boarding in jeans? or a leather jacket! The thing is that they really think they're are "IT". So yeah, take it all in as you enjoy the great outdoors!

Because Loveland is first resort open, several ski teams come to practice up here. When I was there, the French Ski Team was rolling in. If you need lessons, there's a great program. And best idea yet is that Loveland has a special rental deal that sets you up with everything you need to wear and ride for one price. Great for visitors who didn't plan on riding.

Because Loveland is a smaller resort, they don't have lodging right by the mountain. If you choose to want to stay as close as possible, you'd be in a nearby town (check out www.SkiLoveland.com for more info), or if you plan on checking out more ski areas in the vicinity, stay centrally in Summit County.

So overall, for the price and location, by all means ride at Loveland! You've got to experience it at least once and soon enough you'll be slapping on their bumper stickers like everyone else! Easy and fast to get to mean more ride time.