Top 6 Nature & Parks in Georgetown, Colorado (CO)

Reviewed By 321MarkA - Larkspur, United States

Loveland Ski area sits smack on the top of the Continental Divide in Colorado. You are skiing on top of the Interstate 70 Eisenhower/ Johnson Tunnels West of Georgetown and east of Fisco/Dillon. It is a very high area with the base of the ski area just under the 11,000 foot elevation mark. The highest runs/bowls/ Trails top out over 13,000. The area is known for very long ski seasons, often starting as early as mid to late October and going through into May, occasionally June. You can not compare this beautiful ski area to Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and the other major ski area as this area does not have the glitz of the major resorts. There are no on or near site lodges, hotels, commercial and retail areas... And that, my friends is what makes this place so special. It is, plain and simple, a skiing and riding paradise. If you are looking for the Ritz, main lobster and Wagyu steaks... forget it. This place has a deli and cafeteria (currently closed for Covid-19 protocols) and a few bars. Most are in the base area, but there are places on the mountain for drinks and food. No glitz. Just your basic food. (All food and drink service, except of a grab and go, are closed during the pandemic). I love this place. The focus is skiing and riding and the prices are just about the most reasonable in Colorado. The terrain is a good mix of beginners, intermediate, advanced and expert. All abilities will find some place very comfortable to spend a day. There are just under 100 official trails, but above tree-line there are ample bowls and chutes to choose from. And Intermediates and beginners can even experience bowl skiing at high altitudes. Fire Bowl is great for beginners. Bennet's Bowl, Our Bowl, Sunburst Bowl, Perfect Bowl and a huge area off Lift 8 are perfect for intermediates. Advanced and experts could have some great steep and deep rides off the very to (accesses by Sno-Cats in non-pandemic years), The Valley area, almost a separate area, let's beginners ride without the intimidation of antsy advanced skiers. I just had my first early season Covid enhanced experience a couple days ago and the experience was excellent. The Covid modifications made have changed the style of the lift mazes and, while the lines may look long, it flows smoothly and quickly. My longest wait on a rather busy day was about 10-15 minutes, mid-day, at Chet's Dream. The mid mountain lifts were in the five minute range. My only question was the maze (or lack of it) set-up on Lift 6 (an old double chair serving blue and green runs). They had the skiers and riders lined up in two lines, no maze, on a downhill slope. The pitch was steep enough to make most folks have to sidestep down or use the beginners pie/wedge method to keep from slipping into others. It was odd but a bit quaint. There was good coverage on the open trails despite a lack of December snow. Some areas were a touch icy (e.g. Roulett and Spillway) but it has been warm with minimal snow here so far. I loved the friendliness of the staff. And all in all, a great day. Note, due to Covid protocols, eating, warming, and suiting up really need to be done in your car (again, no near mountain lodging). While this is a major hassle at the big resorts, as you are generally kept far from your car, it's not bad here as the lot and the slopes are in close proximity to each other... A little inconvenient, but certainly acceptable and far closer than the likes of Copper, Vail, Aspen, etc.