In the late 1930's a group of adventurous skiers headed along the Continental Divide towards what is now known as Loveland and became the first to enjoy some of Colorado's world famous powder snow. Al Bennett, Loveland's original owner, is said to have built the first lift from spare parts and sheer tenacity. The current owner, Chet Upham, brought his passion for skiing and engineering expertise to Loveland when he became a partner in the Loveland Ski Tow Company in 1956. In the late 1960's Loveland was one of the first ski areas in Colorado with an extensive snow-making system, highlighting one of the many technological improvements which he implemented during his association with the resort.

Traditionally, Loveland is one of the first ski areas to open each year and one of the last to close with the season running from mid-October to mid-May enjoying an annual average snowfall of 10m/33ft. A local favourite for decades, Loveland is really 2 areas with one ticket serving both: Loveland Valley and Loveland Basin which are connected by a chairlift and both have their own base area facilities. The resort has a reputation for great snow, reasonable prices and friendly staff, there's room for everyone, and the attitude is relaxed - the Loveland state of mind.

The 10th largest resort in Colorado and one of the highest in the world, Loveland installed the northern hemisphere's highest quad chair for the 1998/99 season and in the process overtook Arapahoe Basin as having the highest lift in North America (6th in the world).

Situated on the Continental Divide which runs along the crest of the Rockies from British Columbia, through the United States and continues into Mexico and Central America, Loveland's 1,365 acres of varied terrain, split between the Basin and Valley areas have kept the faithful coming back for over 60 years. Loveland ski area is situated in North Central Colorado 56 miles west of Denver, the Mile High City and state capital, while the City of Loveland (Sweetheart City) is 45 miles to its north.

The City was named after W A H Loveland, a retired Army general and ex-railroad president so this is probably where the ski area's name originated. Loveland has become a popular Valentine's Day destination with dozens of couples tying the knot en masse at the top of the mountain. Couples are required to be either skiers or boarders so they can get back down the mountain afterwards!

Nearest accommodation is in Georgetown 19km/12 miles or Silverthorne 19km/12 miles both historic mining towns dating back to the late 1800's when mining camps boomed in Colorado after the discovery of gold and silver in the area. Some of the towns are still inhabited but many have become ghost towns.