These Are The Best Resorts in the West for a Weekend Getaway
These are the resorts to choose when you've got no time to lose, according to SKI's Reader Resort Survey. Check them out here.
Ahh Loveland—where the lifts are slow, the parking is still free, and skiing is as it was intended to be. As one of the last independently owned ski areas in Colorado—one without a resort-like base area and highfalutin’ amenities—Loveland Ski Area has flown under the national radar for decades. But those who know, know. Walk into Loveland’s base lodge and you’ll get the gist of the place: Old-timers wearing 40-year-old North Face jackets huddle in groups around the cafeteria-style tables and klatch about which runs are skiing well; dads use the communal microwave to heat up oatmeal brought from home for the kiddos; and never-evers up from the big city for the day clonk around in their jeans and rental boots.
The soulful gem of Colorado’s Front Range stepped it up a couple years back with over $5 million in upgrades, including the resort’s first high-speed quad. By speeding up ride time from eight minutes to a zippy three minutes, the resort has been able to disperse skiers higher on the mountain more quickly and get you from I-70 to the hill in no time.
The Ridge remains the go-to for blown-in powder that stays fresh for days after a storm, but this season skiers can expect expanded snowcat skiing in Dry Gulch on Loveland’s northern boundaries, too. Season pass holders have access to 32 partner resorts—Powder Alliance members and more—making Loveland a legit escape from the Epic and Ikon madness that surrounds it.
Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
422″ | 1,800 | 11 | 94 |
Loveland is part of the Powder Alliance, which entitles its season pass holders to three free days at the 14 other Powder Alliance resorts.
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do at Loveland Ski Area, Colo.
Loveland’s first high-speed quad, Chet’s Dream, replaced Chair 1, a fixed-grip triple, increasing capacity and reducing ride time by five minutes.
Loveland’s 4-Paks are the hottest deal in town. Purchase this unrestricted, transferable ticket bundle in advance and ski for $42.25 per day. Be sure to purchase them by Nov. 22 (not sold at ticket windows).
These are the resorts to choose when you've got no time to lose, according to SKI's Reader Resort Survey. Check them out here.
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Wolf Creek and Arapahoe Basin mark the start of the season, opening last weekend with limited terrain but plenty of early-season stoke.
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Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, and Monarch Mountain join a growing list of Colorado hills already open for business.
Thanks to October storms, three Colorado resorts will open ahead of schedule.
Younger brands and younger testers means even more fun.
Not to be outdone by the West, the two Eastern Resorts will also start spinning lifts this weekend.