Loveland is where Denver goes skiing when it doesn’t want the fuss. It sits right on the Continental Divide at the top of I-70, just before the Eisenhower Tunnel, about an hour from the city. It is locally owned, refreshingly unpretentious, and gets plenty of snow thanks to its height, with lifts reaching almost 13,000ft.
© Casey Day
Loveland at a glance
- Location: Continental Divide, off I-70, about an hour west of Denver
- Terrain: Around 1,800 acres across Loveland Basin and Loveland Valley
- Best for: Great-value days out, high-altitude snow, beginners at Loveland Valley
- Lift passes: Loveland’s own tickets and passes
- Nearest airport: Denver International, around 75 minutes
What’s New for 2026/27
Loveland has held its season pass prices for the fourth year running, with an adult pass at $599 when bought in the spring sale. Last winter it replaced Lift 7 with a new fixed-grip triple chair and reshaped its learning area, giving beginners and families smoother, better-groomed terrain to start on.
The Skiing
There are around 1,800 acres split between two areas. Loveland Valley, at the lower base, is a separate learning area with its own lifts, ideal for first-timers. Loveland Basin is the main mountain, with long intermediate cruisers, open bowls and some steep terrain off the Divide. Lift 9 climbs to nearly 12,700ft, one of the highest chairlifts in North America.
© Casey Day
For stronger skiers, the Ridge Cat is one of Colorado’s great bargains. On suitable days, this free snowcat carries skiers along the Continental Divide to steep, ungroomed terrain that would otherwise mean a long hike.
Getting There
Loveland is right beside I-70, about 53 miles west of Denver and around 75 minutes from Denver International Airport. It is an easy day out from Denver or a good extra day on a Summit County trip, with Arapahoe Basin and Keystone just over Loveland Pass.
For more information visit skiloveland.com.
Loveland: Your Questions Answered
How far is Loveland from Denver?
Loveland is about 53 miles west of Denver on I-70, around an hour’s drive from the city and 75 minutes from Denver International Airport, depending on traffic.
Is Loveland good for beginners?
Yes. Loveland Valley is a separate learning area with its own lifts and gentle terrain, and last winter the resort reshaped its learning area and installed a new beginner-friendly triple chair.
Is Loveland on the Epic or Ikon Pass?
No. Loveland is independently owned and sells its own lift tickets and season passes, which are among the best value near Denver.