There are few close opportunities for uphill skiing at a Front Range ski area. The two prominent resorts for uphill skiing are Loveland and Arapaho Basin. There are also uphill opportunities at Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Skiers and snowboarders use uphill access at the ski area for numerous purposes. The relative safety of the ski area allows uphill skiers to earn their turns in an environment with less avalanche and snow hazards, the exercise is great, and the views are phenomenal.
The uphill scene at Loveland is more laid back than the uphill scene in Summit County. The skiers and snowboarders going uphill at Loveland seem to be of the more recreational variety and less of the skimo racing type. Snowshoers even enjoy the uphill access.
Loveland’s uphill access has several advantages over the Arapahoe Basin uphill. First, Loveland is closer to the Front Range cities than A-Basin. This is really helpful for an uphill ski in the morning before a powder day in winter. Second, Loveland’s uphill access is open before, during, and after the ski area’s operating hours.
Unlike A-Basin, Loveland restricts the uphill access to two routes. Both routes launch from the base area at Chair 2. There is a sign posted at Chair 2 noting the A and B routes. A and B route share the same path on Tango Road until the split at Turtle Creek and Lower Creek Trail. There are occasional signs on the way up each route noting A or B.
Route A goes to the top of Chair 2 and Ptarmigan Roost. After the ski area opens for the day the Ptarmigan Roost is accessible and a great place to warm up and transition for the downhill. This is especially nice in the winter as the winds can howl at Loveland. Route A is an easy and quick uphill and is open most of the time. It is easy to get confused as to which run is North Turtle Creek and South Turtle Creek and we have seen uphill skiers on both runs. Loveland asks you to stay on North Turtle Creek.
Route A Summary:
- Length: 1.46 miles
- Vertical Gain: 1,191’
Route B is a much longer climb to the Continental Divide and the top of Chair 9. After the A/B split this route continues up Lower Creek trail and past the bottom of Chair 9. There are occasional “B” signs going up, but the left turn up Rookie Road is not signed well. This route is frequently closed for snow safety operations.
Route B Summary:
- Length: 2.08 miles
- Vertical Gain: 1,907’
Please review Loveland Ski Area’s uphill access policy and map at their website. This web page gives Loveland’s expectations for uphill access as well as the conditions for when the access is open or closed. You need to go into the season pass office to get a free uphill access pass prior to your first uphill. The Loveland Ski Patrol frequently checks for this pass when you are climbing up.
As we enter into the final month of Loveland’s season, the uphill access can be a great addition to a spring ski day. Perhaps a morning skin up while you wait for the conditions to defrost for corn skiing? The views are great and the access is a snap. We highly recommend an uphill jaunt at Loveland!
Dave Dombrowski skis up the "B" route to the Continental Divide and Chair 9.