Deep powder is in sight from the I-70 corridor. Whether you drive yourself or snag a ride on the Snowstang, this is the year to find out what you have been missing at Loveland Ski Area.
Loveland Ski Area is bringing back all the things you love about the season at its 1,800-acre mountain playground. Thanks to the return the Ridge Cat and demo days, sane lift ticket prices, and fantastic après, the area’s long-standing tradition of powder days and family fun is within reach. And this year, Loveland is adding some sweet icing to its frosty, high-country cake. New guided snowcat skiing tours and facility upgrades, will make the mountain that’s just one hour from downtown Denver even better this season.
New This Year: Loveland’s Valley Lodge is expanding! Loveland Ski Area is currently working on a massive expansion of the Valley Lodge and facilities to enhance the guest experience at Loveland Valley. The result? Increased seating capacity in the cafeteria, a larger rental shop, and increased capacity at the Ski & Ride School check-in area. The Valley Lodge will be open and fully accessible to guests throughout the 21/22 season with work expected to be completed by the spring.
Loveland Snowcat Tours: Have you ever wanted to ride a snowcat to hidden powder stashes in the Colorado backcountry but the cost and hassle kept you from booking a trip? Now, it’s easy. Loveland Ski Area is launching a guided snowcat operation in Dry Gulch (just east of Lift 8) in January 2022. Advanced to intermediate skiers and riders will get an authentic backcountry snowcat experience in terrain that looks out on the iconic peak The Citadel (13,294 feet) on the Continental Divide. Book a seat for yourself or or reserve the entire cat for a group outing to access advanced terrain outside the ski area boundary. The full schedule, reservation platform, and pricing options all come online in December.
Tickets: Affordability is one of Loveland’s highest priorities and its lift ticket and pass options speak to that ethos yet again this season with peak ticket rates set at $94 for adults and $38 for children (ages 6–14). Better yet, Loveland’s 4-Pak is one of Colorado’s best lift ticket deals. For just $199 (available through Nov. 21, 2021), you get four lift tickets to use any day of the season. Big bonus: There are no blackout dates.
Loveland is also bringing back Advance Purchase Lift Tickets this year, allowing guests to buy lift tickets in advance at a discounted rate. Pick your dates as soon as possible on Loveland’s online calendar because the earlier you buy, the more you save. Of course, full-price tickets are also available at the on-site ticket window for those just-gotta-go, spontaneous days.
Season Passes: If unlimited access to the snowiest ski area in the Front Range is waht you seek—did we mention Loveland boasts an average of 35 feet per year?!— Loveland Ski Area offers outstanding season pass prices and perks. Pass holders get discounts throughout the ski area, including lift tickets for family and friends, and 102 bonus days at partner resorts from Colorado to Canada and Japan, thanks to its membership in the Powder Alliance, one of the world’s most powerful reciprocal season pass programs. Current pricing is valid through 12/1/21, so grab them while you can!
Lessons: The Ski & Ride School is back for another year of all-ages fun with half-day group lessons, private lessons and 3-Class Pass options, which includes three half-day lessons and a season pass for one low price. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your skiing or snowboarding skills, Loveland has options for everyone from children ages 4-14 to adults.
Retailers: Looking for great prices on great gear? From souvenirs to a fresh kit, Loveland’s Valley and Basin Sports Shop locations have it. With skis from Icelantic, Atomic, Elan, Liberty, Völkl, and Nordica and snowboards from Never Summer, Rome, and Jones, guests have great options no matter which location they visit.
Big Adventure: Loveland’s Ridge Cat returns after being closed last year due to COVID-19. Loveland Ski Area is excited to bring back its signature free in-bounds snowcat skiing for season pass and/or ticket holders. The 18-passenger Ridge Cat provides access to big mountain fun along the Continental Divide, including Field of Dreams, Velvet Hammer, Tickler, 13,010, and Marmot. The cat operates first-come, first-served, conditions permitting.
Guests can also take advantage of Loveland’s gear demo opportunities, including its Hat Trick Demo program, Christy Sports collaboration event (Nov. 20, 2021), and a plethora of independent brand demo days (think Icelantic and Never Summer). Check Loveland’s events page (skiloveland.com/events/) for all the details.
Photos courtesy Loveland Ski Area
