Loveland Ski Area – Dustin Schaeffer
Loveland, meh, we’ll pass.
My family and I do it nearly every time we drive to our regular Colorado Ski Country resorts, and nearly every time, I gaze out the window, wondering what it would be like to skip the Eisenhower Tunnel land ski there. But before I bring my 6th and 7th-grade kids there, I wanted to track down a longtime Loveland Ski Area skier – Noelle Campbell – and have her answer a few questions about the so-called family-friendly vibe and what her overall feelings were on the ski area.
1. When—and why—did you start skiing at Loveland?
Loveland Ski Area – Dustin Schaeffer
As a Colorado native, I moved back to Colorado in 2016 after 15 years of living in various ski resort towns nationally and internationally. Living in Golden at the time with two small kids, I found that Loveland was incredibly kid-friendly. It was also the closest, most affordable and most relaxed resort that also offered extreme expert terrain for my husband and me to ski.
Loveland provides it all: expert terrain, an entire valley for beginners, cat skiing on the Continental Divide, family-friendly après—all for an affordable price.
2. What makes it different from other ski areas, in Colorado and beyond?
Loveland Ski Area – Dustin Schaeffer
We love the laid back, low key atmosphere of Loveland. It’s the locals’ mountain with terrain for every ability and age!
3. How is Loveland suited for families; what makes it family-friendly?
Loveland Ski Area – Dustin Schaeffer
Our family adores Loveland Ski Resort. With promises of hot chocolate and whipped cream at the end of the day, my kids have spent many days at Loveland practicing their skills with our family and with the very experienced Loveland Ski School. My oldest, now 7, learned to ski in the Valley and is now making turns down the Steeps off Chet’s Dream! My little guy, now 3, is learning quickly and will be skiing consistently with all of us before we know it.
4. What are some of your favorite runs, and why?
“Visiting the Snow Stake off of Chet’s so I can see how much new snow fell!!”—Cora Campbell, 7
“Magic carpet!” —Kai Campbell, 3.
I personally love steep and challenging terrain, so anything off of Chair 9 or down the Steeps off Chet’s are my favorite. When I’m with my kids, we enjoy Mambo (off of Chet’s) and the South Shoots (off of Ptarmigan). Also, stop at Ptarmigan’s Roost for an incredible view, good food and a quaint old-time, ski-lodge atmosphere!
5. How about traditions and events at Loveland?
In the spring, Loveland offers great live music on the sunny deck at the Basin, which can’t be beat. Popcorn, French fries, drinks, and friendly bartenders make the locals want to stay and hang out at Loveland long after the last chairs have stopped spinning.
6. What would be your tips for a family skiing Loveland for the first time?
Loveland Ski Area – Dustin Schaeffer
If everyone is a beginner skier, I would highly recommend at least a day of lessons at Loveland Valley for everyone. The instructors are incredible, and everyone will have a day of fun.
Loveland also offers a top-notch day-care center. We have enrolled our youngest in their daycare center while putting our oldest in ski school to allow my husband and I a day to ski challenging terrain. We were all incredibly happy at the end of the day!
~ Sarah Tuff Dunn
Sarah Tuff Dunn recently moved to Louisville, Colorado, with her husband, Carlton, and their two children, Dillon, 12, and Harper, 10. They’re looking forward to exploring the world-class skiing in Colorado, aided by the Colorado Ski Country 5th and 6th Grade Passport Program. Sarah has been writing professionally for nearly 25 years and her work has appeared in The New York Times, SKI, Skiing and Powder, among other publications. Read more of Sarah’s stories here and follow along with her Colorado skiing journey here.