Loveland Ski Area — Convenient. Accessible. So Close to Home.
Perched atop the Continental Divide just 53 miles from Denver, Loveland is a local favorite known for uncrowded slopes, remarkable high-alpine terrain, free close-in parking, and one of the longest seasons in Colorado — October through May. Stay nearby in Keystone or Dillon with RMRM.
Loveland Ski Area Guide
Everything you need to plan the perfect day on the Continental Divide
Loveland Ski Area has been a Colorado favorite since 1936. Sitting right on the Continental Divide just off I-70, it's famous for big snow, wide-open terrain, free close-in parking, and a relaxed, no-attitude local feel. With a season that runs from October all the way into May, it's often the first to open and one of the last to close in the state.
The area is actually two connected sections: Loveland Basin, the main mountain with high-alpine bowls and steeps, and Loveland Valley, a separate base area with gentle, dedicated beginner terrain — making it a great place to learn while advanced skiers explore above.
| Mountain Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Elevation | 10,800 ft |
| Summit Elevation | 13,010 ft |
| Annual Snowfall | 400 inches |
| Skiable Acres | 1,670 |
| Longest Run | 2 miles |
| Terrain Breakdown | 13% Beginner · 41% Intermediate · 46% Advanced |
| Season | October – May |
Loveland is a day-use ski area and does not offer on-site lodging. The most convenient places to stay are in Summit County — just over Loveland Pass or a short drive down I-70. RMRM offers condos and lodges throughout the area with free shuttle service and easy access to Loveland and five other resorts.
Loveland does not have on-site lodging. Best nearby bases:
Best for condos, resort lodging, restaurants, and a scenic drive to Loveland over Loveland Pass or via I-70. Options include River Run Village, Hyatt Place Keystone/Dillon, Keystone Lodge & Spa, Lone Eagle, Jack Pines, and Dakota Lodge.
The closest Summit County lodging to Loveland, just down I-70 from the Eisenhower Tunnel. Usually better value, with more hotels, condos, groceries, the Outlets at Silverthorne, and easy highway access. Good if you want cheaper lodging.
Best nightlife and walkable town, but farther from Loveland. Good if skiing Loveland is only part of the trip.
Best pick: stay in Dillon/Silverthorne for the closest, best-value base; Keystone for resort convenience; Frisco for a balanced Summit County trip.
Loveland sits right off Interstate 70 at Exit 216, just east of the Eisenhower Tunnel atop the Continental Divide — one of the closest major ski areas to Denver. Best of all, parking is free and close to the lifts.
Loveland keeps it classic and casual with six on-mountain dining spots across the Basin and Valley base areas — from quick cafeteria fare to a cozy sit-down room.
Loveland has two on-mountain retail and rental shops for gear, apparel, and accessories, with seasonal hours.
- Basin Shop — Rentals, demos, apparel, and accessories at the main Loveland Basin base area
- Valley Shop — Rentals and essentials at the Loveland Valley beginner base
For larger retail, outlet shopping, and groceries, the Outlets at Silverthorne and Dillon are about 20–25 minutes away.
- Loveland Valley — Dedicated, gentle beginner terrain with its own base area, perfect for first-time skiers and families
- Loveland Basin — The main mountain with intermediate cruisers and challenging advanced runs
- The Ridge & High-Alpine Bowls — Above-timberline terrain with hike-to and snowcat-served lines for experts
- Free Snowcat Skiing — Complimentary cat rides along the Continental Divide to access ridge terrain
- Ridge Cat — Lift-ticket-included transport to expansive high-alpine bowls
- Long Season — One of the first resorts to open and last to close in Colorado
- Closest to Denver — Just 53 miles from the city, right off I-70 at Exit 216
- Uncrowded Slopes — A local favorite known for short lines and a no-attitude vibe
- Free Parking — Free, close-in parking right at the lifts
- Big Snow — 400 inches of annual snowfall and a high base at 10,800 ft
- Long Season — Open October through May, one of the longest in Colorado
- Beginner-Friendly — A separate Loveland Valley base dedicated to learning
- High-Alpine Adventure — Free snowcat skiing and ridge terrain above timberline
- Stay Nearby — Summit County lodging in Dillon, Keystone, and Frisco just minutes away
Ready to Ski Loveland?
Call us or browse our full selection of nearby Summit County vacation rentals minutes from Loveland. RMRM can also arrange lift tickets, rentals, ground transportation, and more.