AS SEEN IN THE 2011-2012 FREESKIER RESORT GUIDE (November 2011 Issue)
The information in this Resort Directory is meant as a tool for the reader to research and plan for, and maybe let off a little mental steam before, this season. Few resorts can claim to be in the highest percentile of North America’s hundreds of resorts, which isn’t meant to take away from those not included in the Freeskier Resort Guide.
Each resort, from South to North and East to West, has its own niche. At each resort no matter how small, you can get off the lift and let gravity pull you down the hill, which is the basic premise of skiing. So dive into this extra information as an added bonus to our Resort Guide and start planning your winter trips before that nervous energy makes you scratch holes in your skin like an addict kept from their drug of choice.
Located just 53 miles west of Denver off I-70, Loveland offers easy access and amazing snow conditions without the hassle. Two time reigning champ, Loveland is again pushing to be the first resort to open for the season in North America and is looking at a mid-October opening day. The season starts early and goes late with closing day usually falling somewhere in early May.
Loveland got absolutely hammered last season with 568” of snow, just four inches shy of their all time record and early predictions are calling for last season’s La Niña pattern to continue into 2011-2012. Their elevation and location bring an average of 422 inches of snow to the area each season, the second most in Colorado.
Pick a powder day and head up Chair 9 to 12,700 feet high atop The Continental Divide where the terrain is open, steep and deep and the lines are limitless. Charge right off the lift or get hiking and explore some of the outer reaches of The Ridge where you will likely have the place to yourself.
With plenty of snow, convenience and simplicity, Loveland is hard to beat. The laid back feel keeps skiers coming back year after year. And the snow doesn’t hurt either.
LOVELAND 4-PAK
Freeskiers looking for more powder for their dollar can take advantage of Loveland’s 4-Pak: Four transferrable tickets to use any day of the season for just $129. That’s less than $33 per day. They are actual lift tickets that you can use yourself on four different days or share with friends and family all on the same day, any day of the season. No black outs. No restrictions. 4-Paks are only available through 11/20/11.
BACKCOUNTRY GATES
Loveland’s 1,650 acres of terrain are enough to satisfy the toughest customer, but those looking for more can access one of Loveland’s two backcountry gates for some out of bounds fun. Venture out the gate at the top of Chair 1 and drop into Loveland Pass via The Mine Dumps or cruise out the gate off Chair 8 and access Dry Gulch. Just be sure you know what you are doing. Ski with a partner and have the proper equipment.
WEBSITE: SkiLoveland.com
SNOW PHONE: 303-571-5580 X221
ACERAGE: 1,650 acres
VERTICAL DROP: 2,210 feet
YEARLY SNOWFALL: 422 inches
