Loveland Ski Area Begins Snowmaking for 2026-27 Season

Loveland Ski Area officially began snowmaking operations for the 2026-27 ski season at 7:04 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, taking advantage of colder temperatures to begin building a base of snow ahead of opening day.

Following the first natural snowfall of the season earlier this week, Loveland’s snowmaking team fired up the snowguns and began transforming the mountain for the return of skiers and snowboarders.

Celebrating 60 Years of Snowmaking
Small-scale snowmaking began at Loveland in 1966, and during the 1967-68 season, Loveland became the first major ski area in Colorado with snowmaking capabilities, using diesel compressors from the construction of the Eisenhower Tunnel.

Much has changed over the past six decades. Snowmaking technology has evolved, and Loveland’s snowmaking system now covers more than 240 acres of terrain. Yet the people behind the snowguns remain at the heart of the operation.

For 60 years, generations of Loveland snowmakers have worked through cold nights, early mornings, high winds, and challenging mountain conditions to prepare the slopes for skiers and snowboarders.
At Loveland, the start of snowmaking marks the beginning of the ski season. Once temperatures cooperate, crews work around the clock to prepare the mountain for opening day.

The team’s initial goal is to establish a top-to-bottom run with tree-to-tree coverage and an approximately 18-inch base of packed snow. Loveland’s high elevation and experienced snowmaking crew have helped establish a long tradition of early-season skiing and snowboarding.

Snowmaking typically continues into early to mid-December as crews expand coverage across the mountain and supplement natural snowfall.

Loveland is targeting an opening between late October and early November, weather and conditions permitting. Last season, Loveland opened on November 8.

SNOW FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AT LOVELAND!

Winter is starting to take hold! This morning, fresh snow reached all the way down to the base area, giving the mountain a nice coating of white! 🏔️

Every snowfall brings us one step closer to another season of skiing and riding!

⛷️🏂 Who’s ready to hit the slopes?

First Snow of the Season Falls at Loveland Ski Area

Winter made its first appearance at Loveland Ski Area Tuesday morning as the first snow of the 2026–2027 season began falling around 8:00 a.m. The early-season snowfall is a welcome sight as Loveland prepares to welcome skiers and snowboarders back to the slopes.

While the first flakes are generating excitement, Loveland’s snowmaking team remains on standby, waiting for Mother Nature to deliver the consistently cold temperatures needed to begin snowmaking operations.

This season marks Loveland Ski Area’s 60th year of snowmaking, a tradition that has helped the ski area get an early start on winter for decades. Once temperatures cooperate, Loveland’s snowmaking crew will take advantage of every opportunity to build the snow base needed for opening day.

Loveland Ski Area hopes to open for the 2026–2027 season sometime between late October and early November, weather and snowmaking conditions permitting. Last season, Loveland opened on November 8, 2025.

Known for its high elevation and extensive snowmaking capabilities, Loveland is traditionally among the first ski areas in Colorado to open each season.

With the first snowfall now in the books and snowmaking preparations underway, excitement continues to build for another season of skiing and snowboarding along the Continental Divide.

2026–2027 Season Passes and No-Restrictions 4-Paks are now on sale at www.skiloveland.com

Beyond Loveland: Mount Bohemia, Michigan

Our Beyond Loveland series heads to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to explore Mount Bohemia, one of the Midwest’s most unique ski destinations!

Known for its legendary lake-effect powder, steep terrain, gladed runs, and backcountry feel, Mount Bohemia offers a ski experience unlike anywhere else in the Midwest! 🌲⛷️

As a Loveland Season Passholder, you can take your pass beyond Colorado and experience Mount Bohemia!

🎥 Check out our latest Beyond Loveland feature and see where your pass can take you!

Top of Chet’s Dream Tdday

🍂 Feels like fall at the top of Chet’s Dream today.

The clouds are rolling in, the snowguns are ready, and ski season is one day closer. ❄️🎿

65 Years Ago Today

❄️🎿 65 Years Ago Today

On September 30, 1961, Loveland opened for the season after an early-season snowstorm blanketed the mountain—marking the earliest opening day in Loveland Ski Area history!

65 years later, we’re still looking to the skies and getting ready for another winter at Loveland.

Here’s to ski season being right around the corner! 🏔️❄️

Getting ready for snowmaking!

Getting ready for snowmaking!

Our crew was out today testing water lines and performing maintenance on the snowguns to make sure everything is ready to go when temperatures cooperate.

No snowmaking yet—but we’re getting close! 👀❄️

And this season marks 60 years of snowmaking at Loveland Ski Area!

60 Years of Snowmaking at Loveland Ski Area

60 Years of Snowmaking at Loveland

We’re less than 10 days away from when we historically fire up the snowguns, and this season marks a special milestone: 60 years of snowmaking at Loveland Ski Area.

Small-scale snowmaking began at Loveland in 1966, and during the 1967–68 season, Loveland became the first major ski area in Colorado with snowmaking capabilities, using diesel compressors from the construction of the Eisenhower Tunnel.

A lot has changed in 60 years. The equipment has evolved, the technology has improved, and our snowmaking system has grown—but one thing hasn’t changed: the people behind the snowguns.

For six decades, Loveland snowmakers have worked long nights, cold mornings, high winds, and countless hours to get the mountain ready for skiers and riders.

Here’s to the snowmakers who started it all, everyone who carried the torch through the years, and the crew getting ready to fire up the guns this fall.

60 years of making winter happen.

LOVELAND 4-PAKS, LESSONS, RENTALS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS NOW ON SALE!

Winter is getting closer at Loveland Ski Area. Beginning today, September 3, guests can purchase a wide range of 2026/27 products online, including Loveland Season Passes, No Restrictions 4-Paks, 3-Class Passes, special programs like the Loveland Explorers, Winter Wigglers, Ladies of Loveland in addition to daily group lessons, childcare, rentals and lift tickets.
Loveland will also kick off its annual Front Range Pass Sales over Labor Day Weekend, giving skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to purchase select products in person and at a discounted rate at two Denver-area ski shops.
As always, Loveland Ski Area will open for the 2026/27 winter season as soon as conditions allow, typically between mid-October and early November.
2026/27 Loveland Season Passes – Prices Increase Sept. 10
Loveland Season Passes provide unlimited skiing and riding at Loveland throughout the 2026/27 season, along with 100+ bonus days at more than 30 partner mountains.
Season Pass holders also receive Powder Alliance benefits and can take advantage of Loveland’s long season, free close-in parking, 1,800 acres of terrain and free Ridge Cat access when conditions permit. New this year, guests can also opt into season pass insurance, adding protection and peace of mind in the event of an unexpected injury, illness, or family emergency.
Renewal pricing is available to guests with a 2025/26 Loveland Season Pass. There is no renewal rate for Senior Passes. Current season pass pricing is valid through September 10, 2026.

2026/27 Season Pass Pricing:

No Restrictions 4-Paks

One of Loveland’s most popular products returns for another season. The No Restrictions 4-Pak is $299 and includes four unrestricted lift tickets valid any day of the 2026/27 season. There are no blackout dates, and the four tickets can be used by one person or shared with friends and family. Only on sale for a limited time.
3-Class Passes
Loveland’s 3-Class Pass combines lessons with a season pass, providing new skiers and snowboarders with a great way to learn while enjoying an entire season at Loveland. The program includes a 2026/27 Loveland Season Pass, three full-day lessons and equipment rentals. For children ages 4–14, lunch is also included with each lesson.

Loveland Explorers

Designed for intermediate and advanced young skiers and snowboarders, Loveland Explorers is an eight-week program for ages 7–14. Offered on Saturdays and Sundays, Explorers gives participants the opportunity to develop their skills, explore Loveland’s terrain and ski or ride with a consistent group throughout the season. Participants work with experienced coaches from the Loveland Ski & Ride School and Loveland Ski Club.

Winter Wigglers

Winter Wigglers introduces Loveland’s youngest skiers to the mountain in a fun and supportive environment. The three-week Monday program is designed specifically for children ages 3–4, featuring small groups, consistent instructors and activities incorporating the U.S. Forest Service Junior Ranger curriculum.
The program focuses on helping young children become comfortable on snow while developing the basic skills needed for a lifetime of skiing.

Ladies of Loveland

Ladies of Loveland gives women an opportunity to improve their skiing in a supportive, all-female environment. The multi-week program is available for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers, allowing participants to build confidence, improve technique and enjoy time on the mountain with other women.

Child Care

Loveland’s slopeside childcare provides families with a convenient option while parents and older siblings enjoy the mountain. Childcare reservations for the 2026/27 season will also be available online beginning today, September 3.

Front Range Pass Sales Return Labor Day Weekend

Loveland will bring its annual Front Range Pass Sales to two Denver-area ski shops over Labor Day Weekend. Pass sales will be held September 4–7 from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily at:
Larson’s Ski & Sport
4715 Kipling St.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Eskimo Ski & Board Shop
8265 S. Holly St.
Centennial, CO 80122
Guests can purchase Loveland Season Passes, No Restrictions 4-Paks, Loveland Explorers, Winter Wigglers, 3-Class Passes and Ladies of Loveland at the Front Range events. Guests purchasing a No Restrictions 4-Pak at either Front Range Pass Sale will save $10, bringing the show price to $289. Child 3-Class Passes for ages 4–14 will also be available for 10% off at the Front Range sales for Labor Day Weekend only.
Loveland will have free swag available while supplies last. Front Range Pass Sales are credit card only; cash and checks will not be accepted.

New for 2026/27: Beginner Surface Carpet at Loveland Valley.

Loveland Ski Area will add a new beginner surface carpet at Loveland Valley for the 2026/27 season, providing an easy and approachable way for first-time skiers and snowboarders to get started.
Located at Loveland Valley, home of the Loveland Ski & Ride School, the new surface carpet will give beginners a comfortable place to build their skills and confidence before progressing to chairlifts and additional terrain. The new carpet will be the perfect place to start building the confidence and skills for a lifelong skiing or snowboarding career.
Snowmaking is Right Around the Corner
Winter isn’t far away at Loveland. The ski area typically begins snowmaking in early October, putting the start of snowmaking approximately 30 days away. Loveland Ski Area is traditionally one of the first ski areas in North America to open for the season. Weather and conditions permitting, Loveland hopes to open for the 2026/27 season sometime between mid-October and early November.
Snowmaking will begin as soon as temperatures allow, with crews initially focusing their efforts on establishing a top-to-bottom opening-day route. With winter products going on sale today and snowmaking just about a month away, the countdown to another season at Loveland Ski Area is underway.

Loveland Front Range Pass Sale Events Return Labor Day Weekend

Get ready for winter! Loveland Ski Area is heading to the Front Range this Labor Day weekend for our annual Front Range Pass Sale Events, September 4–7, 2026.

We’re teaming up with two of the Denver area’s longtime independent, family-owned ski shops. Stop by, talk with the Loveland team, get ready for the 2026–27 season, take advantage of special Labor Day weekend savings and grab some Loveland swag.

Larson’s Ski & Sport

4715 Kipling St. | Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
September 4–7 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Eskimo Ski & Ride Shop

8265 S. Holly St. | Centennial, CO 80122
September 4–7 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

LABOR DAY WEEKEND SPECIALS

SAVE 10% ON CHILD 3-CLASS PASSES

Purchase a Child 3-Class Pass (ages 4–14) at either Labor Day Weekend Front Range Pass Sale Event and save 10%.

The Child 3-Class Pass includes three full-day lessons, equipment rentals and lunch on lesson days, plus a 2026–27 Loveland Season Pass.

SAVE $10 ON NO RESTRICTIONS 4-PAKS

Purchase your No Restrictions 4-Pak at one of our Front Range Pass Sale Events and save $10. Buy in person and walk out with your lift tickets in hand.

AVAILABLE AT THE EVENTS

2026–27 Loveland Season Passes
No Restrictions 4-Paks
Adult 3-Class Passes | Ages 15+
Child 3-Class Passes | Ages 4–14
Loveland Explorers (Limited Quantities — While Supplies Last)
Winter Wigglers (Limited Quantities — While Supplies Last)
Ladies of Loveland (Limited Quantities — While Supplies Last)

PLEASE NOTE: Credit/debit cards only. No cash or checks will be accepted.