Snowmaking at Loveland Ski Area

At Loveland Ski Area, the start of snowmaking marks the true beginning of winter. Our expert local crews and professional snowmakers typically fire up the snowguns in late September, working around the clock to prepare for a mid-October to early-November opening. Their goal: to deliver one of Colorado’s first top-to-bottom runs, covered tree-to-tree with an 18-inch base of packed snow.

Thanks to Loveland’s high elevation and the skill of our dedicated snowmaking team, we’re known for offering some of the best early-season conditions in North America. Snowmaking covers more than 240 acres of terrain and is usually completed by early to mid-December—setting the stage for another great season at Loveland.

Media Inquiries

Loryn Roberson – Marketing & Communications Director
(303) 571-5580 x157
loryn.roberson@skiloveland.com

Opening & Closing Date History – Click HERE for history.

2025/2026

January 9, 2026

Ptarmigan Lift Is Open: New Terrain, New Turns, and More to Come

Winter conditions continue to deliver at Loveland Ski Area, and today marks a big milestone for the 2025–2026 season: Ptarmigan Lift is officially open. With this opening comes expanded terrain, fresh lines to explore, and another step forward in building out the mountain as snowfall continues.

Adding to the excitement, Ptarmigan Roost Cabin opens today as well, offering food and beverage service—a perfect mid-mountain stop to warm up, refuel, and take in the views.

New Terrain Now Open

Thanks to recent snow and the hard work of our mountain teams, Ski Patrol opened several new trails earlier this week, including:

  • North Blackjack

  • Dealer’s Choice

  • Forest Meadow

  • Excelleration

With today’s opening of Ptarmigan Lift, skiers and riders now have access to additional terrain, including:

  • Fire Bowl

  • North Turtle Creek

  • Drifter

Each opening brings more variety and progression opportunities across the mountain as conditions continue to improve.

Directed Skiing on Natural Terrain

Patrol has also been offering limited directed skiing on natural terrain beneath Chet’s Dream Lift, including Tiger’s, Cat’s Meow, and Busy Gully. Directed skiing allows Ski Patrol to guide small groups down specific runs to help pack and stabilize the snow. This process builds a strong, sustainable base while preserving snow quality in preparation for full terrain openings.

With more snow in the forecast, guests can expect additional directed skiing opportunities as Patrol continues its work across natural terrain zones.

Looking Ahead

There’s more on the horizon at Loveland:

  • Uphill access officially opens Monday, Jan. 12. An uphill access pass is required to access the mountain outside operating hours. Passes are available online at Uphill Skiing Access & Policies at Loveland | Loveland Ski Area.

  • Mountain teams are now turning their focus toward preparing Lift 4 for opening, with timing dependent on snowfall and conditions.

As always, terrain and lift openings are weather- and conditions-dependent, and our teams are working daily to safely expand what’s available.

January 6, 2026

Loveland Ski Area welcomed winter in a big way as 8 inches of fresh snow fell over the past 24 hours, delivering outstanding conditions on the mountain this morning. Guests enjoyed a classic Colorado powder day featuring fresh snow, bluebird skies, and plenty of happy skiers and snowboarders taking advantage of the refreshed terrain.

With this latest snowfall, Loveland Ski Area is preparing to open additional terrain. Ptarmigan Lift is expected to open within the next day or two as mountain teams finalize preparing that terrain. Patrol teams are also evaluating additional areas across the mountain with the goal of opening more runs as conditions allow.

 

December 28, 2025

Loveland Ski Area picked up 3 inches of fresh snow overnight, delivering a snowy, scenic Sunday on the mountain. Conditions are shaping up nicely—and we’re hoping to open Ptarmigan Lift soon. We’re just needing a little more snow…

 

December 14, 2025

Loveland Ski Area is excited to announce the opening of Lift 6 for the 2025–26 season today, December 14, giving skiers and snowboarders access to fresh snow and newly opened terrain.
With the opening of Lift 6, Keno and Blackjack are now open, marking the first terrain available off this popular lift for the season. Additional runs off Lift 6 are expected to open soon as conditions continue to improve.
In addition to today’s openings, Loveland Ski Area opened Lift 3 at Loveland Valley yesterday, providing guests with access to freshly groomed blue corduroy runs and the debut of Loveland’s new Enhanced Beginner & Family Zone. The new zone is designed to create a more comfortable, progression-focused experience for first-time skiers, riders, and families, further strengthening Loveland Valley as a premier learning area.
Today’s opening brings Loveland Ski Area’s total to five lifts and 16 trails open, offering guests expanded options across the mountain. Loveland has received 62 inches of snow so far this season and is currently reporting a 21-inch mid-mountain base.
Snow conditions are expected to continue improving, with more snow forecasted later this week and snowmaking operations running whenever temperatures allow. With continued snowfall and snowmaking progress, Loveland Ski Area hopes to open Ptarmigan Lift in the near future.

December 6, 2025

 The snow keeps falling at Loveland Ski Area, Over the past 24 hours, Loveland has received 9 inches of new snow, bringing the total to 29 inches since November 29.
Guests enjoyed a rope drop on Upper Richards today, taking full advantage of the fresh powder and soft turns. With continued snowfall, Loveland Ski Patrol is working hard to prepare additional terrain, and the ski area expects to open more runs very soon.

November 30, 2025

 Loveland Ski Area is pleased to announce the opening of Richard’s Run, one of the mountain’s signature blue groomed trails located off the Chet’s Dream lift. Richard’s Run is now officially open for the 2025–2026 season.
Loveland’s Trail Maintenance, Snowmaking, and Ski Patrol teams have been hard at work preparing the mountain for the season ahead. Their ongoing efforts continue across the ski area as crews work to open additional terrain and lifts in the coming days and weeks.

November 23, 2025

We’re excited to announce Lift 2 is open for the season! Thanks to our hardworking Loveland staff, skiers and riders can now access more beginner-friendly terrain on Tango Road via Lift 2!

November 21, 2025

 Loveland Ski Area officially opened the newly replaced Lift 7 to the public today, celebrating the moment with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Loveland Valley. The opening also includes the Rainbow Carpet surface lift, giving beginners and families access to some of the best early-season beginner terrain in Colorado.
The new Lift 7, manufactured by Leitner-Poma, replaced the existing 42-year-old fixed-grip double chair with a modern fixed-grip quad. While the new lift has the capacity to carry up to four people per chair, Loveland will intentionally load it with no more than three. This unique approach is designed to provide additional space and comfort for guests, particularly beginners getting accustomed to loading and riding chairlifts.
“This new lift is all about creating a better experience for our guests,” said Rob Goodell, COO and Senior Vice President of Loveland Ski Area. “By giving beginners more space and time to get comfortable loading, we’re helping families and new skiers feel confident from their very first run. It’s an investment in the future of skiing and riding at Loveland.”
With Valley terrain now open, Loveland offers a full progression for new skiers and riders ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. At Loveland Basin, Chair 2 is anticipated to open next as terrain expansion continues. And yes, Trailer Tom and his first chair crew were at Loveland to claim the first laps off of the New Lift 7.
Reminder: Loveland’s famous 4-Paks go off sale this Sunday, November 23. Colorado’s best 4-Pak deal, fully transferable and no blackout dates.

November 14, 2025

❄️ Loveland Snowmaking Update: Winter Is Taking Shape! ❄️

There’s nothing quite like early season at Loveland Ski Area—the crisp mountain air, the stoke in the lift lines, and that first satisfying carve of the season. And behind the scenes, our incredible snowmaking crew is making the magic happen!

Our team has been working around the clock to expand terrain and deliver the best early-season experience possible. Thanks to their hard work and some wonderfully chilly overnight temperatures, we’re thrilled to share that Spillway is coming along beautifully and is expected to open this weekend! Get those legs ready—more laps are on the way!

But the fun doesn’t stop there. The forecast is calling for even colder temps next week, and we’re feeling optimistic. If the weather cooperates, we’ll be running productive 24/7 snowmaking, with our sights set on opening Lift 2 next. More lifts, more trails, more smiles.

And here’s the big one…
📅 Mark your calendars: Loveland Valley officially opens November 21!
This season also marks the exciting debut of our brand-new Lift 7, ready to whisk you into a fresh season of turns, lessons, and family fun at the Valley.

We can’t wait to welcome you to more terrain, more snow, and more winter stoke. See you on the mountain! ⛷️🏂❄️

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November 10, 2025

Our snowmakers are hard at work, continuing to make snow and prepare more terrain for opening. Over at Loveland Valley, multiple snowguns are running around the clock in preparation for the November 21 opening of one of Colorado’s best beginner areas and Ski & Ride School centers.

You can now book your lessons online at skiloveland.com or by calling (303) 571-5580.

November 8, 2025

It’s official — Loveland Ski Area is open for the 2025/26 winter season! Early risers, locals, and die-hards gathered under clear Colorado skies this morning to celebrate Loveland’s 88th season of skiing and riding at 10,800 feet.

The first chair on Chet’s Dream loaded at 8:30 a.m., launching another season of early turns, mountain camaraderie, and high-altitude fun. Before sunrise, a stoked crowd filled the base area, fueled by music, excitement, and the sweet aroma of fresh brownies baked by Loveland’s Food & Beverage team.

Conditions were ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders, while beginners can look forward to the Loveland Valley opening later this month. Private lessons for intermediate and advanced levels were also available at Loveland Basin throughout the day.

What’s New for 2025/26

This winter brings exciting improvements around the mountain:

  • 🚡 New Lift 7: A fixed-grip triple chair replacing the previous double, offering more comfort and capacity for learners.

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Beginner Family Zone: Opening November 21, the reimagined Zig-Zag Trail at Loveland Valley will provide a more progressive, confidence-building experience for families and new skiers.

Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming Events

💍 35th Annual Valentine’s Day Mountaintop Matrimony – February 14, 2026
🌽 25th Annual Spring Corn Harvest – April 25, 2026
🏁 7th Annual Neverland Banked Slalom – May 2–3, 2026
🎿 New This Season: A brand-new uphill event and more community happenings will be announced soon — stay tuned!

Snowmaking Update

Our hardworking snowmaking team isn’t slowing down! The guns have now shifted over to Spillway and continue to run at Loveland Valley to prepare for more openings in the weeks ahead.

The 2025/26 season is officially underway — and it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable winter at Loveland Ski Area.

November 7, 2025

It’s almost go time. We can’t wait to get the gang back together for our 88th season.

Here’s what we have in store for Loveland’s Opening day:
• Chet’s Dream starts spinning at 8:30 a.m.
• Toyota USA will be on site with custom Opening Day pins!
• The Redbull Wing Team will be handing out samples!
• Fresh-baked brownies from our bakery for the first skiers and riders to arrive!

Don’t forget to thank a Loveland employee when you see them. Our crews have been working around the clock to sure everything’s set to get you back on snow! See you soon.

November 5, 2025

It’s time. Loveland Ski Area opens for the 2025/26 season on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Chet’s Dream will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering top-to-bottom turns on Catwalk, Mambo, and Home Run, providing nearly 1,000 vertical feet and 1.5 miles of early-season terrain. A small terrain park will also be open.

It’s our 88th year. Don’t miss the first laps of the season, music in the base area, fresh-baked brownies for the first skiers and riders in line, and pick up a custom Opening Day button from Toyota to mark the occasion.

October 27, 2025

After a few days of warmer temps, our snowguns have been on standby — but that’s about to change! Temperatures are expected to drop later this evening, and our snowmaking crew is ready to fire up the guns as soon as conditions allow.

We’re looking forward to some strong days of snowmaking this week and are continuing to build a solid base so that we can welcome the season with nearly 1,000′ of top to bottom skiing and riding off of Chet’s Dream lift. While we don’t have an opening date to share just yet, we’re getting closer.

October 20, 2025

While most of Colorado was still asleep, our snowmaking crew was wide awake and firing up the guns at 5:00 AM this morning — working through cold temps, swirling wind, and fresh snowfall. 🌨️

These men and women are the heartbeat of Loveland’s early season snowmaking — working around the clock to lay down that first blanket of white and get us ready for Opening Day. 💪🏔️

Thanks to a strong weekend of cold temps and perfect snowmaking conditions, Loveland is charging ahead toward the 2025–2026 season. We’re currently targeting an opening date in late October to early November, weather permitting. (Last season we opened on November 9!)

October 18, 2025

Winter is on the way, and our snowmaking team is making the most of every cold snap! Not only are the guns firing at Loveland Basin, but the team is also hard at work laying down snow at Loveland Valley.

With temps staying low, the crews are running around the clock to build up that base and get the mountain ready for another amazing season. Stay tuned for updates on terrain openings and keep doing those snow dances — it’s working!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 13, 2025

Winter has arrived at Loveland Ski Area! Around midnight on October 13, 2025, Loveland’s snowmaking team fired up the snow guns for the first time this season, officially kicking off snowmaking operations for the 2025–2026 season.

Loveland is ahead of schedule compared to last year, when snowmaking began on October 18, 2024. With cold temperatures overnight, the snowmaking crew took full advantage of ideal conditions to begin building the base for Opening Day.

Loveland traditionally opens in late October to early November, depending on weather and snowmaking progress. Last season, the ski area opened on November 9, 2024, and hopes to welcome skiers and snowboarders even earlier this fall.

Please note that Uphill Access is now CLOSED while snowmaking operations are underway. Uphill Access will reopen in December once snowmaking is complete and early-season conditions allow.

Uphill Access Passes will also go on sale in December.

October 3, 2025

Our snowmaking team is hard at work getting everything prepped for the upcoming winter season! Right now, they’re busy tuning up the snowguns and getting them ready to bring up on the mountain.

Once the guns are in position, it becomes a waiting game with Mother Nature. Snowmaking depends heavily on consistent cold temperatures — especially overnight — and we’re starting to see those cooler temps creeping into the forecast. That’s a good sign!

We’re watching the weather closely and the moment conditions line up just right, we’ll flip the switch and start making snow. It won’t be long now!

Stay tuned for updates as we move closer to opening day — winter is coming, and we’re getting ready to kick it off in a big way.

September 24, 2025

Check out the view from above. Amazing video shot by @glevity

September 17, 2025

Good morning,

Loveland Ski Area was blanketed in fresh snow Tuesday night, giving the mountain an early taste of winter. With the new snow, excitement is building as Loveland is now about 16 days out from firing up the snowguns for the 2025–2026 season.

Loveland Ski Area is targeting a late October to early November opening, depending on conditions.