Loveland is Colorado's closest ski area to Denver, located just 53 miles up I-70 on the Continental Divide, and just before the Eisenhower Tunnel in the Arapaho National Forest.

Loveland is the tenth largest ski resort in Colorado, boasting 1,365 acres and an average of 400 inches of crisp, Rocky Mountain snow each year.

Loveland is actually two ski areas connected by a long, horizontal lift and a shuttle bus. Loveland Basin, with terrain for all abilities, has five chairs and a Poma lift serving 901 acres. Loveland Valley has two lifts serving 67 acres and caters to beginners who enjoy a learning area free from intimidating terrain and expert snow riders.

Last year Loveland Basin began offering free WiFi access in the lodge area, this year that amenity has also been added to the Valley, making it easy to check your email or work on a project while waiting for your family, friends or kids to finish up their day or their lesson!

If you ski as if you're on fire and you aren't afraid of heights, Loveland is your dream come true. Checkout a blizzard of heart-pumping black diamonds: Avalanche Bowl, Cat's Meow, Holy Cat, Tiger's Tail, Zoom and The Plunge, as well as all of the runs on "The Ridge."

If you're an intermediate skier, you don't have to look for a great place to ski any longer. Half of Loveland's terrain is just for you with prime powder, well-groomed runs and bowls. Chairlift #4 will whisk you to 12,280 feet and opens up to Splashdown and Sunburst chutes.

At Loveland, children will have fun while the adults are able to get in a couple of runs for themselves. Loveland is one of the most complete family ski areas around. There's a day care facility at the Basin for the littlest ones and Ski School at the Loveland Valley offers gentle slopes and intermediate runs.

The Ski School is a PSIA member school and instructors use PSIA/ AASI recommended teaching standards. Here's a quick look at the principal courses.

Ski School for children 4 - 14. Kids enjoy their own learning area at the Valley with all-day supervision, lesson, lunch and a progress card. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (children must check in at least one hour prior to the lesson). Reservations required for certain programs.

In addition to kids programs, adults can choose from a host of different downhill and snowboard programs. Loveland also offers an innovative program called the Three-Class Pass where beginners receive a FREE season pass after completing three beginner lesson packages. Groups can also arrange to set up their own special training sessions.

Besides amazing skiing and short lift lines, there is an award winning sport shop with the latest skis and clothing, as well as a convenient restaurant with tasty, reasonable meals.

Lodging can be found in Georgetown, Dillon, Idaho Springs or Denver. For shopping enthusiasts, a plethora of factory outlet stores can be found off I-70 in Silverthorne, about 20 minutes away.

Tickets are reasonable and location convenient!