Loveland

Big snow and a free snowcat on the Divide.

Locals’ favorite at the foot of the Eisenhower Tunnel, the closest big mountain to Denver, with more snow than its Summit County neighbors by its own count. No village, but cheap tickets, short lines and the free Ridge Cat up to steep above-treeline terrain on the Continental Divide. It’s on the Indy Pass.

The mountain

Vertical drop

2,210 ft

Summit

13,010 ft

Skiable terrain

1,800 acres

Trails

94

Lifts

9

Average snowfall

380″ a year

Longest run

2 mi

Snowmaking

13% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 13%
• Intermediate 41%
• Advanced 46%

What’s here besides skiing

• Cat skiing
• Terrain park
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 5–6 and 12–13

  Georgetown Christmas Market

  The 66th Dickens-style outdoor market in historic Georgetown. Free admission and shuttle.

• ChristmasDec 24–25 (annual)Usually

  Skiing Santa

  Santa skis Loveland on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and visits the ski school and Loveland Valley.

• EventFeb 14, noon

  Mountaintop Matrimony

  The 36th annual mass wedding and vow renewal on the mountain, then a honeymooners’ après party.

• RaceMid-April (annual)Usually

  Loveland Derby

  Billed as America’s largest amateur ski race, with costumes and a barbecue to cap the season.

Where to stay

• lodgeIndian Hot Springs

  Historic Idaho Springs lodge with geothermal caves and a mineral pool.

  30 min drive
• hotelThe Block Hotel & Commons

  Budget-friendly Silverthorne hotel with a social lobby, through the tunnel on the Summit County side.

  20 min drive
• hotelHotel Indigo Silverthorne

  Newer hotel in Silverthorne’s riverside district, near outlet shops and restaurants.

  20 min drive
• innGeorgetown Mountain Inn

  Simple, friendly motor inn in the Victorian town of Georgetown.

  15 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• The Ridge Cat · On the mountain

  Free snowcat rides from the top of Lift 9 along the Continental Divide to open, steep terrain. Get the free pass first.

• Georgetown Loop holiday trains · 15 min drive

  Narrow-gauge train rides through Santa’s Lighted Forest, plus Santa daytime trains and a New Year’s train.

• Indian Hot Springs · 30 min drive

  Soak in the mineral pool or the hot cave baths on the way back to Denver.

• Tommyknocker Brewery · 30 min drive

  Idaho Springs brewpub, a classic I-70 stop to wait out traffic.

Après and nightlife

• The Rathskeller

  The bar in the Loveland Basin base lodge.

• Ptarmigan Roost

  On-mountain cabin with a deck and occasional live acoustic sets.

• Guanella Pass Brewing

  Small brewery in Georgetown’s historic downtown.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Denver International Airport (DEN) · about 1 hr 20 min drive
• Denver · about 1 hr

Directions in Google Maps