Just 53 miles from Denver, Loveland Ski Area is the first and snowiest ski area on the I-70 corridor and has been a local’s favorite for over 75 years. Often overlooked, “The Luv” sits high on the Continental Divide with tons of wide-open terrain that’s packed with snow, not people.

 
1. Get there early and park steps away from the lifts. Swing by the ticket office for your Ridge Cat Access Pass and head straight to Lift 1.

2. Get the blood flowing with a few hot laps on some of Loveland’s steepest terrain. Scope the rest of the mountain from the lift and pick out your lines for the rest of the day.

3. Once you are warmed up, head over to Lift 4 to play in the trees while keeping an eye on Lift 9. When it starts turning, head that way and take a ride up to 12,700’ where open bowls and powder-choked chutes await.

4. Take in the expansive terrain from the lift and choose your adventure. Head south to Jelly Roll and Super Bowl or take a short hike to hit the Wild Child cornice. Head north for Patrol Bowl and hit the Number 4 Headwall on your way back to the lift.

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5. Keep an eye on the Ridge Cat and meet it at the pick-up location to get first tracks on Field of Dreams, Marmot and Golden Bear. Hit the Rock Chutes and drop towards Chair 8 to clean up the powder stashes north of I-70. When your legs are done, take the Tunnel of Love under the highway to the base area.

6. To do Loveland right, end your day in the Rathskeller where you are sure to make new friends. Grab a pint of the local brew, Tommyknocker’s Pine Bough Pale Ale, made with spruce needles from the trees you skied earlier, and a bowl of homemade chili before calling it a day.

For more, visit www.skiloveland.com

Related: Find your next adventure at freeskier.com/travel