UPHILL ACCESS

Loveland Ski Area is closed for the season. Uphill access is permitted within the ski area boundary after Closing Day. No avalanche mitigation activities will occur after Closing Day, and Ski Patrol services will not be available. Please practice safe backcountry travel techniques and dial 911 with any emergencies. Be aware of other skiers and riders approaching from above and below. Snowmobiles, snow cats, snowmaking hoses/equipment, and other hazards may be encountered at any time. Uphill Access Passes will not be issued after Closing Day and are not required during this time. The Basin parking lot will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:00am until 5:30pm. Please do not block parking lot entrances or exits.

Lift 6 will be replaced this summer, and there will be a lot of activity between the base area and the top of Lift 6. Throughout the process, you can expect to encounter unmarked hazards and equipment on the terrain near Lift 6, so please avoid this area. In addition, access roads will be dug out during the lift replacement and may affect both your ascent and decent. Please stay in control and be alert.

Steps

1. Read and understand the Loveland Uphill Access Policies (Below)
2. Watch and understand the Loveland Uphill Access video (Above)
3. Sign the 2022/23 Season Pass Waiver (CLICK HERE)
4. Order your Uphill Access Pass online and complete steps to finalize the sale
5. Pickup your Uphill Access Pass at the Loveland Basin Season Pass Office (8:00am-4:00pm)
   • Uphill Access Passes may be mailed AFTER finalizing your purchase. Details will be included in your confirmation email to have your Uphill Access Pass mailed

Uphill Access Passes will be available in early December.

UPHILL ACCESS POLICY

All Uphill Access users are required to pre-purchase and wear an Uphill Access Pass to access the mountain. Uphill Access Passes are $50 for the 2022/23 season, but included in the cost of all 2022/23 Loveland Ski Area Season Passes. Season Pass holders are still required to acquire their Uphill Access Pass prior to accessing the mountain. 50% of proceeds from Uphill Access Pass sales will be donated to the Alpine Rescue Team and the National Forest Foundation.

Uphill access is not permitted during operating hours (8:00am – 4:30pm). Uphill users are prohibited from entering closed terrain at any time. It is the user’s responsibility to know what terrain is closed. Please direct any questions regarding closed trails or terrain to the ski patrol 303-571-5580 at ext. 134 during normal business hours. CLICK HERE to view our trail report.

• Note: Uphill access at Loveland Valley is not allowed with the exception of travel from base area to race venue finish on Twist (see explanation below).

Uphill Access Routes

There is one designated route for uphill users: Route A goes to the top of the Ptarmigan Lift. There is a sign on the trail map at the bottom of Lift 2 indicating if Route A is open.

Route A goes to the top of Ptarmigan via the following trails: Home Run, Tango Road, turn left up Turtle Creek to Fire Bowl, and continue to the top of Ptarmigan Lift.

WINCH CAT OPERATIONS (BLUE FLASHING LIGHT)

Uphill users should stay well away from grooming equipment in general, but especially winch cat grooming activities. When winch cat operations are anticipated or underway, a blue flashing light will be activated on the trail map board at the bottom of Lift 2 located immediately west of the ticket office in the Loveland Basin base area. Winch cats can be identified with their blue flashing lights on the top of the cab. For your safety, stay clear of all winch cat operations. When in use, the cable is difficult if not impossible to see in between banners and flashing lights. Any trail where winch cat operations are being conducted should be considered CLOSED.

SNOW SAFETY ACTIVITIES (AMBER FLASHING LIGHT)

Avalanche mitigation can take place at any time during the winter operating season. An amber flashing light will be activated on the trail map at the bottom of Lift 2 immediately west of the ticket office in the Loveland Basin base area when avalanche mitigation is in progress.

REFLECTIVE MATERIALS, HEADLAMPS, AND WHISTLES

All Uphill Access users are required to use a headlamp when traveling between dusk and dawn. In addition to headlamps, flashing lights such as those commonly used on bicycles make it easier for other users as well as ski area personnel to see you and your party in the dark. Reflective clothing and reflective materials on ski poles and/or packs to heighten visibility are highly recommended. Lastly, a whistle can be beneficial if the need arises to send an audible warning or signal.

UPHILL SKIERS / RIDERS

Uphill access users are considered “skiers” under the Colorado Ski Safety Act and as such are required to adhere to and obey all posted information and to be aware of trail closures and other operational considerations. Be especially aware of other skiers and riders approaching from above. Snowmobiles, snow cats, snowmaking hoses and equipment may be encountered at any time. Skiing or riding that occurs outside of daylight hours calls for greater caution if descending on a trail other than the ascent route. It is recommended that a groomed route be taken on the descent. No Ski Patrol services are available outside of normal operating hours. Uphill users are prohibited from entering closed terrain at any time. It is the user’s responsibility to know what terrain is closed. Please direct any questions regarding closed trails or terrain to the Ski Patrol 303-571-5580 at ext. 134 during normal business hours or CLICK HERE to view our trail report. Terrain parks are not to be accessed and are to be considered closed outside of normal operating hours.

DOGS

Dogs under voice command are allowed before and after operating hours at Loveland Basin. Please cleanup after your dog and dispose of waste properly. Dogs are not allowed at Loveland Valley.

Attention uphill access users with dogs. Please respect our National Forest. Pick up after your 4-legged friends and dispose of waste properly. Poop bags are available at the uphill access board. Trash cans are located at the uphill access board and at the top of Ptarmigan Roost Cabin.

LOVELAND VALLEY UPHILL ACCESS

Uphill access at Loveland Valley is prohibited except for viewing access to race finish on Twist. From base of Lift 3, proceed up ascending right side (west) of Switchback Trail. Continue along west side of rope line to finish line on Twist. Do not go any further up than the finish line. Return same route. No card necessary.